First, I worry about the over-use of antibacterials and what that is doing to our immune system. We need some bugs to develop a strong immunity.
Then, there is how toxic they are and the effect they are having on hands. I have seen dry, cracking skin, dermatitis and eczema quite regularly improve when I’ve advised to lay off the anti-bacterial strong liquid chemicals. It doesn’t make sense to constantly strip our skin barrier and alter the pH of our skin. The barrier is set partly by the amount of oils in our skin so it doesn’t make sense to me to strip it with chemicals.
I like liquid soap for the convenience and the pretty bottle as much as the next person, but actually I put my faith in nature bubble bath liquid in the pretty squirty container instead so I know what’s in it.
Anyway, I was interested to see this piece in the Daily Mail health section yesterday from a doctor advising we specifically avoid a chemical called methylisothiazolone which, he says, is being used in greater concentrations than before:
LIQUID SOAP IS RUINING MY HANDS (towards the bottom of the page under a different piece about arteries)
So, if you have dry, sensitive, cracked or eczematous hands, watch your use of liquid soaps.
Whilst I’m at it too, don’t rely on mineral oil based hand creams which, like vaseline on your lips, will feel very softening for a while but you’ll gradually notice yourself using more and more of it as it actually draws moisture from the skin. Good repeat business but not so good for you! My fave hand cream is this one; it used to be our best seller in the dispensary (not for TGFs though, pls note):
Read more about the skin barrier, how to protect it and why you should also be avoiding sodium lauryl sulphate here.