ElephantSkin vs. disinfectant - why a combination makes sense
Hygiene wipes, antibacterial gels, disinfectant sprays - the choice of disinfectants is huge, and their effect is the same in most cases: they kill around 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria. Especially in times of a pandemic, they are an important aid in protecting against infection. However, if you tend to overdo it with hand disinfection, the constant cleaning can put a strain on your skin. It becomes dry, sensitive, and in extreme cases, even eczema develops. In fact, dermatologists' offices and clinics report that the number of patients with eczema on their hands has increased significantly over the past year. And this is counterproductive: if the skin barrier is disturbed, the skin becomes permeable and pathogens can penetrate more easily. This is exactly what disinfection is supposed to prevent.
Why does the agent attack our skin?
The main ingredient of disinfectants is alcohol. When used, it dissolves the lipids from the skin, which dries it out and weakens its barrier. This becomes noticeable through symptoms such as redness, itching, burning, scales or cracks. Especially the combination of washing hands with an alkaline soap and subsequent disinfection is a strain on the protective layer of our skin.
What can you do instead to be safe from viruses and bacteria?
Of course, there are situations where disinfectants are important and advisable. However, to avoid excessive cleaning and still protect yourself, you can simply reach for ElephantSkin gloves. The so-called "HeiQ Viroblock" technology is added to their textile fabric made of certified organic cotton. This contains silver ions that have been proven to protect against viruses and bacteria by penetrating them and preventing their cell division. Studies by the Hohenstein Textile Institute show that the viruses and bacteria on the gloves are already reduced by 99.9 percent after 30 minutes.
How can you keep the skin barrier intact despite disinfectants?
A hand cream should be used after every hand washing or use of disinfectant. This replenishes the lipids in the skin that have been washed out and ensures that the skin barrier is repaired. Only when the skin barrier is strong and healthy can it protect us and keep viruses and bacteria out.
Gloves have another protective advantage: if you wear them, you automatically touch your face less often with your hands. This not only prevents impurities, but also the transmission of diseases. On average, every person touches their face 82.8 times a day (source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Journal study) - usually this happens intuitively and is not even noticed. This happens particularly often in situations of overstrain or nervousness, because the unconscious touches have been proven to alleviate feelings of stress. If you wear gloves, you suddenly become aware of the contact and can control it better. However, should you urgently need to scratch yourself or brush your hair out of your face, this is only half as bad with ElephantSkin gloves. Bacteria and viruses don't stand a chance on their surface...
Gloves have another protective advantage: if you wear them, you automatically touch your face less often with your hands. This not only prevents impurities, but also the transmission of diseases. On average, every person touches their face 82.8 times a day (source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Journal study) - usually this happens intuitively and is not even noticed. This happens particularly often in situations of overstrain or nervousness, because the unconscious touches have been proven to alleviate feelings of stress. If you wear gloves, you suddenly become aware of the contact and can control it better. However, should you urgently need to scratch yourself or brush your hair out of your face, this is only half as bad with ElephantSkin gloves. Bacteria and viruses don't stand a chance on their surface...