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The best and most recommended way to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria is towash your hands.
Clara Hendler forAllure/ Courtesy of brand
Whichever camp you fall into, the bottom line is that we want to stay as healthy as possible.
So we asked the experts to explain the ideal way to use hand sanitizer along with their favorite recommendations.
“Hand sanitizers are designed to kill bacteria and viruses that cause infection,” he tellsAllure.
How much is that exactly?
“I typically recommend about a quarter-size dollop,” says Zeichner.
“After applying, rub your hands together for about 20 seconds and let them dry fully.”
Hand sanitizer can be drying, so after applying confirm touse moisturizerto restore hydration and improve the skin’smoisture barrier.
Keep in mind that hand sanitizer is meant to kill germs, not erase visible dirt.
“Sanitizers simply don’t work as well when your hands are covered in dirt and grime.
Soap and water is a better option,” says Boston-based dermatopathologistGretchen Frieling.
For on-the-go cleansing, Frieling recommends a sanitizer that has at least 60 percent alcohol.
Essentially, alcohol kills or inactivates viruses," she says.
Keep this two-ounce tube handy for on-the-go cleansing and stock up on theeight-ounce pump bottlefor the home.
It also dries down almost instantly, so you don’t have to worry about any greasy residue.
As a bonus, it gives off subtle hints of mandarin and bergamot.
And, of course, 60 percent sugar-derived alcohol meets the CDC’s standards.
Sixty-two percent ethyl alcohol keeps hands properly protected, while witch hazel leaves hands feeling smooth to the touch.
All the while, 62 percent ethyl alcohol effectively kills bacteria.
This convenient, affordably-priced spray bottle also comes in Basil.
Spoil your senses while cleansing on-the-go with ethyl alcohol.
Hands never feel dried-out either, due to a combination of soothing aloe and glycerin.
Also available in a 6.7-ouncepump bottle.
Touchland Power Mist
Touchland
Touchland’s Power Mist makes protection against germs so easy.
It’s 62 percent alcohol, but super moisturizing, thanks to the addition of almond andmarula oils.
As the name suggests, it smells like a lovely rose garden.
It’s also available inthree-packsfor $6 total if you want to stock up.
It’s also available in a larger, six-ounce spray bottleora three-pack of two-ounce bottles for $16 each.
The rose scent will stick around for a bit, but we’re definitely not complaining.
It first launched in an eight-ounce bottle but Pipette also sellstwo-ounceandjumbo 32-ounce bottlesfor your convenience.
It also has aloe leaf juice to combat dryness and a light aroma of citrus essential oil.
But most importantly, it kills 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria with 70 percent alcohol.
