Mike PaolilloWhen trying to reduce the spread of germs, it's important to understand the difference between hand sanitizer vs washing hands (both are important, really).
There are times and places for both of these options, and the goal isn't to say that one is better than the other.
Instead, it's vital to point out that both sanitizers and hand washing have their place, and they can work together in order to help people stay healthy, safe and protected from germs and viruses that can be easily transmitted on the skin and other surfaces.
The Advantages of Hand Washing
Washing hands with soap and water is one of the best and easiest ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The virus might be easy to transmit, but it's also easy to kill.
If people are diligent about washing their hands and keeping surfaces clean, they're going to be less likely to contract COVID-19 or spread it to others. Because of that, hand washing should be an essential part of your daily routine.
Washing hands vs sanitizer is a big debate, but any truly effective hand hygiene routine must include hand washing. Make sure to wash for at least 20 seconds, and use warm or hot water. Focus on the areas between the fingers, get under the nails, and carefully wash both the palms and the backs of the hands.
You don't want to miss any areas, or you could leave the virus on areas of your hands that could then come in contact with other people or surfaces. A quick rinse just isn't going to do the job.
The Advantages of Hand Sanitizing
With sanitizers, you get a different experience. That's why it's so important to talk about washing hands with soap and water vs hand sanitizer. Sanitizers provide a quick level of on-the-go protection. They're good when you can't wash your hands for some reason, or you want to add some extra protection if you're going to touch your face, shake someone's hand, or eat something. Washing your hands isn't always possible, depending on where you are and what you're doing.
However, most hand sanitizer brands only provide protection for around 30 seconds. If you touch something else after that 30 seconds has passed, your hands may be contaminated again.
Varigard is different, as its protective effects last for up to two hours. It works by creating a "microglove" around the surface of your hands, which keeps you protected and greatly reduces the chances of transmitting COVID-19 to others or contracting it yourself by touch.
If you wash your hands and then apply Varigard, you'll be protected for up to two hours - helping to ensure that you are protected until you are able to wash your hands again.
In reality, the choice isn’t always hand sanitizer vs hand washing. Instead, they work together. Varigard makes it easier for you to couple proper hand washing with a sanitizer that gives you extended protection.
Not only can that add to your safety, but it will also help reduce your risk of potentially transmitting the COVID-19 virus or other pathogens to other people.
When to Use Hand Washing
When you're preparing for important procedures, or concerned that you may have been exposed to pathogens on your hands, it's important to wash your hands if possible. It's also valuable for daily hygiene and cleanliness.
You don't want to just rely on sanitizer and never wash your hands. That's not as sanitary, overall, and there's no perfect substitute for properly washing your hands. That doesn't mean sanitizer isn't effective, but only that there are different purposes served by washing hands vs sanitizer.
When to Use Hand Sanitizer
If you're concerned about an immediate exposure to a pathogen, you can use hand sanitizer to reduce your risk of spreading it to others.
You may also want to use sanitizer for added protection after washing your hands, especially with the two-hour protection provided by Varigard.
If you keep hand sanitizer with you when you're on the go and away from running water, you'll always have a way to clean your hands when washing them isn't an option.
How Varigard Works with Hand Washing
After you wash your hands, it's still a good idea to use Varigard. That will add longer-term protection for up to two hours, which can help keep you safer without the negative effects of over-using hand sanitizer.
Shop for Varigard products today, and help protect yourself and others from the risk of COVID-19, as well as other pathogens.
