You can get your Naturally New Zealand hand sanitiser here.

This post will help you understand all you need to know on hand sanitiser so you can keep yourself and family safe.

What  is Hand Sanitiser and are they all the same?

Hand sanitiser is a liquid or gel that is used to decrease infectious agents on the hands. It is used to adhere to best hygiene practices when soap and water is not available such as on public transport, shopping, travelling, camping and generally just being out and about. It is also commonly used in hospitals by nurses and doctors between treating patients and before surgeries. 

While some people have taken to making their own hand sanitiser, it is not recommended. On Twitter, Tito vodka advised people against making their own hand sanitiser from their vodka as it is only 40% alcohol so does not meet the recommended minimum of 60% thereby, would not be effective in protecting against germs. 

Though hand sanitiser can be effective in preventing the catching of most infections, not all hand sanitisers are equally effective. Hand sanitiser comes as two types: alcohol-free and alcohol-based.

Alcohol-free hand sanitiser contains quarternary ammonium compounds (usually seen on an ingredient list as benzalkonium chloride) instead of alcohol which can reduce microbe growth but not to the extent that alcohol does. WHO do not recommend using alcohol-free hand sanitiser as a protective measure against the new coronavirus, despite their increase in sales.

Alcohol-based hand sanitiser uses alcohol to kill germs on hands. Alcohol destroys the envelope protein which encases some viruses including COVID-19. According to the New Zealand Government, hand sanitiser is most effective when it contains at least 60% alcohol. Hand sanitisers below 60% may not work equally well for all germs and may only reduce the growth rather than actually killing them.

How do I use hand sanitiser correctly?

A common mistake with hand sanitiser use is

1) Not using enough hand sanitiser.

 Enough hand sanitiser must be used to cover all surfaces of your hands (front and back, between your fingers and around your nails), this is normally the size of a coin. 

2) Wiping off product before it has dried.

You must rub in the hand sanitiser until it dries or evaporates from your skin and do not wipe of the excess. 

While washing your hands with soap and water is the golden standard for protecting yourself against COVID-19 it isn't always possible to have access to soap and water all the time. Hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol is an instant and convenient way to protect yourself, especially on-the-go.

As we move from level 4 into level 3 in New Zealand it will be more important than ever to stay vigilant with hand hygiene as more people begin to move around. We recommend keeping a small bottle with you wherever you go.

Naturally New Zealand has stock ready to be shipped immediately.

Made with care and quality here in New Zealand; it is easy on your skin and contains moisturising ingredients leaving your hands clean, refreshed and healthy. 

Take care and stay safe.

Kia Kaha,

The Aotea Team