Michelle’s concern…I’m freaked out about getting the piggy flu so I use a hand sanitizer like 10 times a day. Now my nails look like crap. Is there a connection?
The Left Brain responds:
Yes, Michelle, hand sanitizers are effective against germs but they can have a negative effect on your skin and nails.
Sanitizer insanity
One of the Beauty Brains’ favorite resources is North Carolina dermatologist Dr. Zoe Draelos. In a recent article in the Dermatology Times, Dr. Draelos talks about the damage that waterless sanitizers can do to your hands. In fact, she claims that they are the biggest cause of increased brittle nails. That’s because nails need some level of water content to allow the keratin protein to flex and bend when deformed. But the alcohol in these products strips nails of moisture, thus leaving them more susceptible to breakage. And the danger isn’t limited to sanitizers – over applying highly fragranced hand lotions can cause the same problem.
Nourishing nails
Dr. Draelos suggests hydrating nails with lotions that contain urea and lactic acid. These two ingredients soften the nail somewhat and allow it to absorb more water. Be careful not to over-apply these products because too much can actually weaken the nail and make the problem worse. She concludes the article with these six tips:
- Reduce waterless hand sanitizers
- Don’t over apply hand lotions
- Wear gloves when using cleaning products that contain solvents like Formula 409 or Windex
- Don’t soak your nails
- Use protective nail polish
- Moisturize nails at night with urea or lactic acid cream
Do you have any nourishing nail tips? Leave a comment and share your thoughts with the rest of the Beauty Brains community.
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Gold Bond has come out with an Alcohol-free hand sanitizer. I just got it and have only used it a couple of times but it does feel really silky and non-drying. (I have to assume they’re correct when they say it kills as many bacteria as those containing alcohol…I have no way of testing it. It’s an old company, though, with a good reputation so it seems likely they wouldn’t risk their reputation with false claims.) I also like the way it soaks in quickly so your hands don’t have that “greasy” feel for long.
Hand sanitizers have a dark side! Who knew?
I remember reading somewhere that hand sanitizers also cause nail polish to break down. I have noticed that happening to my polish. Why does that happen?
I just started using a cream with a high percentage of urea. It is called Flexitol Heel Balm, and I use it on my heels. It got raves in Makeup Alley. I think I’ll start using it on my nails, too.
I have a question — you said that the alcohol in these products can strip the nails of moisture, but elsewhere on the forums, you also said that the alcohol in hair products does NOT strip the hail of moisture.
Why the difference?
Dur — bad typo. Alcohol strips NAILS of moisture but does not strip HAIR of moisture. How come?
That’s very good to know. I use hand sanitizers and my nails are very precious to me. Now I know the proper way to sanitize my hands while keeping the integrity of my nails. THanks!
Eh, I think I’d rather have nasty looking hands and no colds anyway. I’ll keep using my Germ X.
This can make our skin also dry because it contains alcohol. Although it cleans our hands temporarily, it also has a bad effect. thanks for posting!
Ooo, good question, Janis
I’ve been using a new hand sanitizer, Soft and Shield, that is alcohol free and moisturizes your hands at the same time and best of all, protects for 2 HOURS with one application! It feels great, my nails are healthy, and manicures last a long time. You can find it at http://www.softandshield.com. I love it!!
There is a new alcohol free alternative just coming to the market. produced in the UK, Beesan is the first 100% alcohol free hand sanitizer in gel format, made from a range of natural products including manuka honey. It moisturises the skin, offering two hours protection per application, thereby ensuring clean hands AND healthy skin. More info on http://www.alcoholfreehandsanitizergel.com
good article nonetheless. I used sanitizer, I love sanitizer and I used it 24/7 but right now it made me thought me of something, used it when you really need it. Thank you so much for this post