Alcohol-based hand sanitizers have become part our daily routines and are found in almost every home and public place. With their widespread use, questions about their applications and safety come up – can you use hand sanitizer on your face? What if you get it in your eye?
Even the most gentle and non toxic products have usage recommendations and conditions regarding safety. Here’s what you should know about applying alcohol-based hand sanitizer to facial skin and what you need to do if you accidentally get sanitizer in your eye.
Using hand sanitizer on your face might seem convenient, but it can lead to significant irritation. Additionally, eye injuries from sanitizer in your eye are more common than you might think, often causing pain, redness, and light sensitivity. Did you know that hand santizer is qualified as a drug by the FDA? As with any drug, there are risks associated with improper use and you should know what to do if you face these situations.
Can You Use Hand Sanitizer on Your Face?
Convenience often dictates our choices. Reaching for a hand sanitizer dispenser might seem like a quick solution for cleansing your face, especially when other products aren’t readily available. Additionally, the portability of hand sanitizers makes them an appealing option for maintaining hygiene on the go.
Despite the convenience, using hand sanitizer on your face is not advisable for several reasons. The primary ingredients in alcohol-based hand sanitizers, such as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, are designed to kill germs on your hands, but they can be harsh on more sensitive facial skin.
Skin Sensitivity and Irritation: The skin on your face is generally more delicate than the skin on your hands. Applying hand sanitizer to your face can lead to redness, itching, and even peeling due to its high alcohol content. This irritation can be particularly pronounced in people with sensitive skin conditions.
Potential for Drying Out Facial Skin: Hand sanitizers are effective because their alcohol content evaporates quickly, taking moisture along with it. While this is beneficial for drying hands rapidly, it can severely dry out the softer, more sensitive skin on your face, leading to flakiness and discomfort.
Risk of Getting into Eyes: One of the most significant risks of using hand sanitizers on your face is the potential for serious injury if it gets into your eyes. Using sanitizing products on your face increases the likelihood of accidentally getting it in your eyes, which can cause severe pain, redness, and light sensitivity. This risk is especially concerning for children, who may have limited awareness and coordination, making it easier for them to accidentally touch their eyes after applying sanitizer. Given that hand sanitizer dispensers are often placed at children’s eye level in public places, the chance of accidental contact is higher.
What to Do If Hand Sanitizer Gets in Your Eyes
Accidentally getting hand sanitizer in your eyes can be an awful experience, but knowing the immediate steps to take can help minimize discomfort and prevent serious injury. Whether it’s a traditional gel, a liquid spray like Common Sense, or foaming hand sanitizer, the high alcohol content can cause significant irritation and pain if it comes into contact with your eyes.
Immediate Steps to Take
Rinse Immediately with Clean Water: As soon as you realize that even only a small amount of hand sanitizer has gotten into your eye, begin rinsing it out with clean, lukewarm water.
Continue flushing the eye for at least 15 minutes to ensure that the sanitizer is thoroughly washed away. You can use a gentle stream from a tap or an eye wash station if available.
Avoid Rubbing the Eyes: It’s natural to want to rub your eyes when they are irritated, but this can make the problem worse. Rubbing can spread the sanitizer further and increase the risk of scratching the cornea, which can lead to more severe issues.
Remove Contact Lenses if Applicable: If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately during the rinsing process. The lenses can trap hand sanitizer against the surface of your eye, prolonging irritation and potential damage.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most cases of eye exposure to hand sanitizer can be treated promptly at home, there are situations where professional medical attention is necessary:
- Persistent Pain or Irritation: If rinsing does not alleviate the pain or irritation after 15 to 20 minutes, it’s important to seek help from an eye doctor. Prolonged discomfort could indicate that the eye needs more specialized care.
- Blurred Vision or Other Concerning Symptoms: If you experience blurred vision, light sensitivity, or any other worrying symptoms that do not resolve quickly, consult an eye doctor immediately. These symptoms could indicate more serious damage that requires prompt treatment.
Safe Alternatives for Facial Hygiene
Maintaining facial hygiene is important for healthy, glowing skin. Unlike hand sanitizers designed to kill germs on your hands, facial skincare products are formulated to cleanse, tone, and moisturize the more delicate skin on your face without causing irritation or damage.
For proper facial cleansing, gentle cleansers are a must. These products effectively remove dirt, oil, and makeup while preserving your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Look for cleansers with soothing ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, or glycerin. These can provide the necessary cleaning power without the harshness often found in products designed for other parts of the body.
Toning is another important step in facial hygiene. Alcohol-free toners are highly recommended as they help balance your skin’s pH levels without drying it out.
Ingredients such as witch hazel, rose water, and green tea offer excellent options for toning sensitive skin, providing a refreshing feel without the sting of alcohol-based products.
Hydration is key to maintaining healthy facial skin, so choose moisturizers suitable for sensitive skin. Opt for products free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes.
Moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and shea butter can deeply hydrate and support your skin’s barrier function, keeping it soft and supple.
When it comes to maintaining facial hygiene on the go, portable cleansing wipes can be incredibly convenient. Ensure these wipes are gentle, alcohol-free, and enriched with moisturizing ingredients to prevent any dryness or irritation. Additionally, carrying travel-sized versions of your regular facial care products allows you to stick to your skincare routine no matter where you are.
Hand hygiene is also critical when managing facial cleanliness. Always wash your hands or use Common Sense hand sanitizer before touching your face, especially when adjusting makeup or applying skincare products while out and about. This helps prevent transferring germs and bacteria to your facial skin, reducing the risk of breakouts or infections.
While these alternatives ensure better facial hygiene, consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional for persistent skin issues, just as you would visit eye doctors for concerns involving an affected eye. Using products specifically designed for facial care will always yield the best results, protecting your skin from unnecessary harm and keeping it healthy and vibrant.
Protecting Your Eyes While Maintaining Hygiene
While hand sanitizer is a convenient tool for killing germs and promoting cleanliness, it is essential to be mindful of the risks associated with its use around the eyes. Accidental exposure can lead to eye irritation and distress, making it vital to know the proper steps to take in case of eye emergencies. Always rinse your eyes with a gentle stream of water immediately to alleviate discomfort and prevent further harm.
By being careful with hand sanitizer and opting for suitable facial hygiene products, you can ensure both your skin’s health and your eye safety. Remember that protecting your eyes should always be a priority in your hygiene routine.
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