Hand Sanitizer's Impact: Unveiling The Nail Truth

Hand sanitizers are effective against germs but they can have a negative effect on your skin and nails. Waterless hand sanitizers are the biggest cause of increased brittle nails because nails need some level of water content to allow the keratin protein to flex and bend when deformed. The alcohol in these products strips nails of moisture, thus leaving them more susceptible to breakage.

Waterless hand sanitizers strip nails of moisture, leaving them more susceptible to breakage

Waterless hand sanitizers are known to strip nails of moisture, leaving them more susceptible to breakage. Nails need some level of water content to allow the keratin protein to flex and bend when deformed. However, the alcohol in these products strips nails of moisture, thus leaving them more susceptible to breakage.

Physicians will notice that the nails are broken, with fissures at the tips. Although nails are largely of cosmetic importance, if the nail breaks, it can become quite painful, and sometimes the nail plate can fracture and tear into the nail bed.

A lot of people are using waterless hand sanitizers instead of washing their hands, and some people use them all the time. Society is becoming increasingly germ-phobic, and these waterless hand sanitizers dry out the 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.

Alcohol in hand sanitizers strips nails of moisture, leaving them more susceptible to breakage

The alcohol in hand sanitizers strips nails of moisture, leaving them more susceptible to breakage. Nails need some level of water content to allow the keratin protein to flex and bend when deformed. Hand sanitizers are effective against germs but they can have a negative effect on your skin and nails. 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. Physicians will notice that the nails are broken, with fissures at the tips. Although nails are largely of cosmetic importance, if the nail breaks, it can become quite painful, and sometimes the nail plate can fracture and tear into the nail bed. Hand sanitizer does not care about your manicure. "It won't take off the polish, but it will break it down and make you more susceptible to chips," manicurist Erica Marton told Reader's Digest. What's worse, using the product can actually cause your nails to become quite brittle, according to clinical dermatologist Zoe Draelos. A lot of people are using waterless hand sanitizers instead of washing their hands, and some people use them all the time. Society is becoming increasingly germ-phobic, and these waterless hand sanitizers dry out the nails. They are the biggest cause of increased brittle nails, she says. "When you flick the edge of the nail and it doesn't crack, that's the water in the nail. The surge in waterless hand sanitizers is creating an increase in brittle nails. An expert discusses some tried-and-true treatments that can help. 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.

Fragrances in hand sanitizers weaken nails, leaving them more susceptible to breakage

Fragrances in hand sanitizers can also cause nail polish to chip and make the nails more susceptible to chips. Physicians will notice that the nails are broken, with fissures at the tips. Although nails are largely of cosmetic importance, if the nail breaks, it can become quite painful, and sometimes the nail plate can fracture and tear into the nail bed.

Fragrances in hand sanitizers can also cause nail polish to chip and make the nails more susceptible to chips. Physicians will notice that the nails are broken, with fissures at the tips. Although nails are largely of cosmetic importance, if the nail breaks, it can become quite painful, and sometimes the nail plate can fracture and tear into the nail bed.

Fragrances in hand sanitizers can also cause nail polish to chip and make the nails more susceptible to chips. Physicians will notice that the nails are broken, with fissures at the tips. Although nails are largely of cosmetic importance, if the nail breaks, it can become quite painful, and sometimes the nail plate can fracture and tear into the nail bed.

Fragrances in hand sanitizers can also cause nail polish to chip and make the nails more susceptible to chips. Physicians will notice that the nails are broken, with fissures at the tips. Although nails are largely of cosmetic importance, if the nail breaks, it can become quite painful, and sometimes the nail plate can fracture and tear into the nail bed.

Over-applying hand sanitizers can cause the same problem as fragrances in hand sanitizers

Hand sanitizers are effective against germs but they can have a negative effect on your skin and nails. Waterless hand sanitizers are the biggest cause of increased brittle nails. 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.

Hand sanitizer often has fragrances and harsh chemicals – which dry the skin and cause irritation. Ethyl alcohol makes up 65% of hand sanitizer – along with other ingredients (which make up the other 30%). Your hands will get irritated from using those chemicals over time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that you use a hand sanitizer that is 60% to 80% ethyl alcohol, the ideal range needed for the product to work. You may see ads or hear suggestions for alcohol-free sanitizers, but these won’t kill germs on your hands. It’s fine to use products that have fragrances or include aloe vera, as long as the alcohol content is present.

When applying hand sanitizer, make sure you use enough to cover your whole hands, not just your palms. Rub your hands together briskly until they feel dry, which should take about 20 seconds.

Hand sanitizers with moisturisers may leave a residue on the nail, which is the opposite of what you want

Hand sanitizers are effective against germs but they can have a negative effect on your skin and nails. Waterless sanitizers are the biggest cause of increased brittle nails. 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.

Physicians will notice that the nails are broken, with fissures at the tips. Although nails are largely of cosmetic importance, if the nail breaks, it can become quite painful, and sometimes the nail plate can fracture and tear into the nail bed.

A lot of people are using waterless hand sanitizers instead of washing their hands, and some people use them all the time. Society is becoming increasingly germ-phobic, and these waterless hand sanitizers dry out the nails.

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.

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