Can Too Much Sanitiser Affect Your Microbiome? Find Out Here

Overusing hand sanitiser might keep germs at bay, but is it quietly damaging your skin’s natural microbiome in the process? Read ahead to find out!  
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Can Too Much Sanitiser Affect Your Microbiome? Find Out Here


In a post-pandemic environment where hand hygiene is second nature, sanitisers are ubiquitous, from handbags and school desks to restaurant tables and supermarkets. But although hand sanitisers are great at killing bad germs, there's increasing worry that using them too much may be screwing with something important i.e. your skin's microbiome. Read ahead to find that out. 

What Is the Skin Microbiome?

According to WebMD, our skin is more than just a shield, and is a home to trillions of tiny microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These tiny creatures are referred to as your skin microbiome, and they are instrumental in protecting against disease-causing pathogens, helping to control inflammation, and aiding general skin well-being.

When this balance is maintained, our skin is healthy and strong. When it is broken, though, it can contribute to dryness, irritation, eczema, or infection.

What Excessive Use of Sanitiser Can Do

Hand sanitisers, particularly alcohol-based ones, are made to destroy bacteria effectively and rapidly. While they don't discriminate between good and bad bacteria, regular use can deplete your skin of useful bacteria that maintain its equilibrium. According to studies, the key effects are:

  • Decreased microbial diversity: Repeatedly killing surface microbes over time can lower the diversity of the skin microbiome, which is linked to numerous skin problems.
  • Disruption of skin barrier: Alcohol also dehydrates the skin, rendering it more susceptible to cracks and irritation, and thus making it simpler for pathogenic bacteria to penetrate.
  • Altered immune response: An unbalanced microbiome has been shown to increase inflammation or cause hypersensitivity reactions.

Are All Sanitisers Alike?

Accoding to experts, not necessarily. Although alcohol-based sanitisers are the gold standard against viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, sanitisers with added moisturizers or with essential oils can be kinder to your skin. But they can still affect your microbiome if overused.

Sanitisers containing triclosan or other antibacterial ingredients can be even more destabilising, and some have been banned or discouraged for everyday use on account of safety issues.

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Also Read: 15 Amazing Health Benefits of Magnesium You Shouldn’t Ignore

Signs Your Skin Microbiome Is Out Of Balance

If you're experiencing some of the following, it might be a sign your skin microbiome is out of whack:

  • Ongoing dryness or tightness even with moisturising
  • Redness or inflammation
  • Increased breakouts or sensitivity
  • Flaking or peeling skin

How to Preserve Your Microbiome Without Sacrificing Hygiene

The balance act is important. Here's how you can preserve your microbiome without sacrificing hygiene:

  • Use sanitiser sparingly: Soap and water remain the first choice available, as they are less disturbing of the microbiome.
  • Select skin-friendly preparations: Opt for sanitisers with incorporated emollients such as glycerin or aloe vera.
  • Moisturise intermittently: Replace lost moisture to assist in supporting the skin barrier and microbiome.
  • Don't over-sanitise at home: Washing with mild soap after most indoor activities is sufficient, unless you have been exposed to germs or public surfaces.
  • Strengthen your skin with probiotics: New evidence indicates that topical or oral probiotics can contribute to supporting the skin microbiome, but more research is required.

Bottomline

Yes, sanitiser overuse can impact your skin's microbiome, potentially weakening your skin's health and natural defenses. But that doesn't mean you have to ditch hand hygiene. Utilising sanitiser sensibly and sparingly, while bolstering your skin's natural ecosystem, is the optimal solution.

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