Sophia Delgado
The use of hand sanitizers has become increasingly common, especially during seasons when illness rates are high. While hand sanitizers are effective against germs, they can have a negative effect on your skin and nails. Waterless hand sanitizers, in particular, can cause nails to become brittle as they strip nails of moisture, leaving them more susceptible to breakage. This is because nails need some level of water content to allow the keratin protein to flex and bend when deformed. To combat brittle nails, it is recommended to use a nail moisturizer with urea and lactic acid, which soften the nail and allow it to absorb more water.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effect on nail polish | Hand sanitizer breaks down nail polish, making it more susceptible to chips |
| Effect on nails | Hand sanitizer can make nails brittle and susceptible to breakage |
| Effect on skin | Hand sanitizer can cause skin irritation and damage |
| Effectiveness in killing bacteria and viruses | Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective in killing bacteria and viruses |
| Substitutes | Hand sanitizer is not a substitute for handwashing with soap and water |
| Moisturizing properties | Some hand sanitizers contain moisturizers that may leave a residue on the nail |
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What You'll Learn
Hand sanitiser can cause nail breakage
Hand sanitiser has become a staple in many people's pockets and bags, and while it is an effective way to kill bacteria and viruses on the go, it may be causing your nails to break.
The alcohol in hand sanitiser is the main culprit. Alcohol is known to kill microbes by dissolving their protective outer layer of proteins and disrupting their metabolism. However, it also strips nails of moisture, leaving them brittle and susceptible to breakage. This is because nails need some water content to allow the keratin protein to flex and bend when deformed. When nails become dry and brittle, they can break, and this can be quite painful. The nail plate can fracture and tear into the nail bed, which can then lead to bacterial and fungal infections.
Some hand sanitisers contain moisturisers or additives, which may help mitigate the drying effects of alcohol. However, these additives can also leave a residue on the nails, which is not ideal. If you are using hand sanitiser frequently, it is recommended that you use a nail moisturiser with urea and lactic acid to help combat brittleness and soften the nail, allowing it to absorb more water.
It is worth noting that hand sanitiser is not a substitute for proper handwashing with soap and water, and overusing hand sanitiser can lead to skin irritation and damage. So, while hand sanitiser can be a convenient option when you are on the go, it should not replace good handwashing practices.
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Alcohol-based hand sanitisers dry out nails
Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are a convenient and effective way to kill bacteria and viruses when you don't have access to soap and water. However, the regular use of these products can have unintended consequences for your nails.
The alcohol in hand sanitisers strips nails of their natural moisture content, leaving them more prone to breakage. Nails require a certain level of hydration to allow the keratin protein to flex and bend when deformed. When nails are deprived of moisture, they become brittle and are more likely to break or fracture. This can not only be unsightly and uncomfortable but can also expose the nail bed to bacterial and fungal infections.
Some hand sanitisers contain moisturisers or additives that may leave a residue on the nails, which can be counterproductive if you're trying to keep your hands clean. It's important to read the ingredients of your hand sanitiser to understand its potential impact on your nail health.
To combat the drying effects of alcohol-based hand sanitisers, it's recommended to use a nail moisturiser or lotion containing urea and lactic acid. These ingredients help to soften the nail and allow it to absorb more water, thereby rehydrating the nail plate. Taking a biotin supplement can also help strengthen nails and prevent breakage.
While hand hygiene is important, it's worth noting that hand sanitisers should not be considered a substitute for proper handwashing with soap and water. By balancing your hand sanitiser use with proper handwashing techniques, you can maintain good hand hygiene while minimising the potential for nail damage.
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![McKesson Hand Sanitizer with Aloe, 18 oz Pump Bottle [Pack of 2] – 70% Ethyl Alcohol, Spring Water Scent, No-Rinse Gel with Vitamin E and Moisturizers, Medical-Grade Sanitizer](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71HhMdCiB3L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Hand sanitisers can make nails brittle
Hand sanitiser can make nails brittle. While hand sanitiser is great for killing bacteria and viruses, it can have a negative impact on your nails. The alcohol in hand sanitisers strips nails of moisture, leaving them more susceptible to breakage.
According to clinical dermatologist Zoe Draelos, waterless hand sanitisers 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. When you flick the edge of a healthy nail, it won't crack—that's because of the water content. The water allows the nail to deform in a plastic fashion, as opposed to a brittle fashion.
Other factors that can cause brittle nails include highly fragranced lotions and nail polishes. To avoid this, Dr Draelos suggests hydrating nails with lotions or nail moisturisers that contain urea and lactic acid. These two ingredients soften the nail and allow it to absorb more water.
To avoid the adverse effects of alcohol-based hand sanitisers, you can opt for an alcohol-free hand sanitiser instead. However, it's important to note that these alternatives are far less effective than alcohol-based formulas when it comes to killing germs.
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Hand sanitisers with moisturisers may leave residue on nails
While hand sanitiser is an effective tool in the fight against bacteria and viruses, it can have unintended side effects on your nails. Some hand sanitisers contain moisturisers or additives that may leave a residue on your nails. This is because the moisturising agents in the sanitiser can interact with the natural oils on your nails and skin, creating a sticky or greasy feeling. This residue is the opposite of what you want from a hand sanitiser, as it can leave your hands feeling unclean.
It is important to note that not all hand sanitisers will leave a residue, and the addition of moisturisers can be beneficial for those who struggle with dry skin. However, if you are looking to avoid any sticky feeling on your hands or nails, you may want to opt for a hand sanitiser that does not contain added moisturisers or choose an alcohol-based sanitiser, which can be more effective at killing germs. That being said, alcohol-based sanitisers can cause skin irritation and dryness, which can lead to other nail issues.
The alcohol in hand sanitiser can strip nails of their natural moisture, leading to brittle nails that are more susceptible to breakage. This is because nails need some water content to allow the keratin protein to flex and bend when deformed. When nails become dry and brittle, they can break, which can be quite painful and may even lead to a fracture that tears into the nail bed. This can leave your nails vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections.
To combat the negative effects of hand sanitiser on your nails, you can try using a nail moisturiser with urea and lactic acid cream. These ingredients soften the nail, allowing it to absorb more water and rehydrate the nail plate. Taking a biotin supplement can also help strengthen your nails and prevent them from becoming brittle.
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Hand sanitisers are not a substitute for handwashing
While hand sanitisers are effective at killing bacteria and viruses, they are not a substitute for handwashing. Soap and water are more effective than hand sanitisers at removing certain types of germs, such as Cryptosporidium, norovirus, and Clostridium difficile. Handwashing with soap and water is recommended when hands are heavily soiled or greasy, as hand sanitisers may not work well in these cases.
Hand sanitisers are intended to be used when soap and water are not available. They are a convenient and easy way to reduce the number of microbes on hands when access to soap and water is limited. However, they should not be considered a replacement for proper handwashing.
The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible to reduce the amounts of all types of germs and chemicals on hands. Proper handwashing technique involves lathering with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds, followed by a thorough dry. This simple practice can prevent illness and help maintain personal wellness. It can also prevent the spread of illness to others by reducing the transmission of germs.
Hand sanitisers may not be as effective as soap and water in removing all types of germs. Additionally, the alcohol in hand sanitisers can have unpleasant side effects on the skin and nails. Prolonged use of hand sanitisers can cause skin irritation, dryness, and even cracks in the skin. Similarly, the alcohol can strip nails of moisture, making them brittle and more susceptible to breakage. Therefore, it is essential to prioritise handwashing with soap and water whenever possible and use hand sanitisers only when necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, hand sanitizers can cause fingernails to become brittle and susceptible to breakage. This is because the alcohol in hand sanitizers strips nails of moisture.
The primary reason people use hand sanitizers is to kill bacteria and viruses. Alternatives to hand sanitizers include washing your hands with soap and water, which is a more effective way of killing germs.
To prevent hand sanitizers from damaging your nails, you can use a nail moisturizer with urea and lactic acid.
![McKesson Hand Sanitizer Pump with Aloe, 8 oz [Pack of 24] Bulk, 62% Ethyl Alcohol](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81wT9Zub5mL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
