Hands Healthy Traveling
Traveling is full of the “icks.” Just think of all the places you touch while traveling: door handles, railings, counters, plane trays and armrests, airport chairs, play areas, and so much more….The “icks” are everywhere while traveling, as are the silent germs waiting to make us sick. Oh my, that sounds like the makings of a sci-fi movie, but all kidding aside, there are a lot of ways traveling can make us unwell. As a doTERRA Wellness Advocate and nurse, I’ve dedicated my life to helping people stay healthy. Wellness routines at home and at work can be challenging, but staying healthy while traveling has its own special challenges, especially when traveling where soap and water are simply not easy to find. Here are some hands healthy tips to help you maintain your well-being while traveling:
Hand Hygiene
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Since soap and water and not always easily available while traveling, let’s take a hard look at hand sanitizers.
Hand sanitizers are products designed to help reduce the number of pathogens on the hands, thereby minimizing the spread of germs and infections. They come in various forms, such as gels, foams, and sprays. Hand sanitizers are easily portable, and convenient for use on-the-go. They are quick-drying and effective.
The primary active ingredient of hand sanitizers is usually alcohol (ethanol or isopropanol) in concentrations ranging from 60% to 95%. This high alcohol content is effective at killing a broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses. What else is in hand sanitizers? Well….
Water: Serves as a solvent and helps dilute the alcohol to the appropriate concentration.
Humectants: Ingredients like glycerin help retain moisture and prevent the skin from drying out.
Emollients: Substances such as aloe vera and vitamin E are often added to soothe and protect the skin.
Fragrances and Essential Oils: Added for a pleasant scent, although fragrance-free options are available for sensitive skin.
Thickening Agents: Ingredients like carbomer or acrylates are used in gel formulations to give them the appropriate consistency.
This list made me wonder what is in commercially available hand sanitizers, so I took a look at the ingredients of one of the most popular brands. So..hmmm…let’s see there is water (good for starters), alcohol (70%), glycol, glycerine, myristate (a moisturizer), acetate, acrylates, C10-30 alkyl Acrylate crosspolymer, aminomethyl propanol, frangrance. The label says that if I put all of these chemicals on my hands, that I will kill 99% of all germs. Seems like a solid enough healthy hands tradeoff, or is it?
This popular hand sanitizer is a gel, most common form of hand sanitizer. There are also foam sanitizers that are easier to spread and less sticky than gel sanitizers. Spray sanitizers are typically found in small bottles, suitable for spraying directly onto hands or surfaces. They are convenient for quick applications and can also be used for disinfecting objects. And, of course there are sanitizing wipes useful for wiping hands or surfaces. (TIP: I take these along to wipe the arm rests, tray tables, and chair when boarding a plane.)
Hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content are highly effective at reducing the number of germs on hands. They work by denaturing proteins and dissolving lipids, effectively killing most bacteria and many viruses. They are not as effective on visibly dirty or greasy hands. Here soap and water are needed.
Hand sanitizers come in small, portable containers make it easy to carry and use hand sanitizer anywhere. They are quick-drying for fast and easy application, making them ideal for travel. The small amount of moisturizer in hand sanitizers may prevent dryness. When using hand sanitizer, apply enough product to cover all surfaces of your hands. Rub hands together, covering all areas, until dry (typically 20 seconds). Store your hand sanitizer in cool, dry place away from heat and open flame due to their high alcohol content. Children should use hand sanitizer under adult supervision to avoid accidental ingestion or improper use.
Here’s where doTERRA can help. Quite frankly, I’m always a bit skeptical about the ingredients and claims made by large corporations concerning their products, such as store-bought hand sanitizers. On the other hand, doTERRA’s award winning hand sanitizer mist is a product I trust. doTERRA On Guard Hand Sanitizing Mist is 99.9% effective against the most common germs† and purifies the hands with a fine, quick-drying mist.
Infused with a natural apple extract, the moisturizing formula leaves the hands feeling soft and smooth. CPTG Certified Pure Tested Grade® Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary essential oils provide an uplifting, spicy aroma. Natural antiseptic ethyl alcohol cleanses the hands and prevents bacterial spread. This convenient mist is perfect for sanitizing at home or on the go. Now, here is a product that has it all: cleansing qualities, moisturizing essential oils, and the purity I’ve grown to expect and trust. At $9 wholesale, this hand sanitizer is simply a must take along when traveling. Give it a try!
doTERRA has an entire line of On Guard products that I highly recommend. Take a look! And, if you are interested in learning more about On Guard Sanitizing Mist or other On Guard products, or in ordering wholesale, email me at sheila@floridaoilsrn.com. I can’t wait to talk with you and share the wellness of doTERRA.
All my best. ~ Sheila