We are in the middle of 2021 and despite our many hopes, Covid-19 has not gone anywhere. With an unraveling third wave looming over our heads and no mask-less meetings waiting for us in the foreseeable future, it is important to stay healthy, safe, and complying to all hygiene and social distancing regulations. But let’s be real, the inevitable “there has to be a mask in here somewhere” moment must be ranked as the worst treasure hunt in history, and no one enjoys restraining themselves from petting that cute dog you see being walked in the park. Yet, there is one safety precaution that is accessible, easy, and arguable the most important, and that is washing your hands regularly.
Even before the ugly head of the coronavirus had reared, washing your hands had been a vital defense against all seasonal flus and coughs. Research has shown that the average person will handle close to one hundred and forty foreign objects every day and touch their face up to fifteen times an hour. This puts your body under a huge risk of encountering germs, dirt, diseases and, in this day and age, the coronavirus.
Therefore, washing your hands has never been such a crucial habit to add to your routine! Although, we all know that it would be impossible to wash your hands fifteen times an hour (between each nose itch) or even after every new object you encounter (of which many you may not even notice). As a result, we have narrowed down the list to a few important times to wash your hands;
- Before & after preparing and eating food
- After using the toilet
- After handling garbage
- After touching pets
- Before and after caring for someone who is ill
- Before & after treating wounds
- After sneezing or blowing your nose.
Each wash should last at least twenty seconds -the Happy Birthday song sung twice – and should be a thorough cleanse of your palms, fingers (including the gaps in-between!), fingernails, backs of your hand and all the way down to your wrist. If you don’t have soap and water on hand, hand sanitizer is the ideal alternative to keep you and your family safe during these turbulent times!
Try these hand washes & sanitizers products;
Earthsap
Earthsap East India Islands Liquid soap – R117.95 – is biodegradable, contains no petrochemicals and no synthetic fragrance.
Earthsap Orange Valencia Hand Soap – R84.99 – This liquid hand soap is a wonderful addition to any home or office because it’s non-toxic and packed with therapeutic ingredients. Orange and lemon essential oils give you a burst of freshness with their zesty citrus aroma, and they also kill off nasty germs and bacteria. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which takes great care of your skin. And let’s not forget wheat germ, which fights free radicals and replenishes and moisturises your skin. The perfect natural hand wash for your kitchen or bathroom sink.
Earthsap Tea Tree Hand Soap – R54.99 – There is nothing quite like tea tree when it comes to getting rid of nasty germs, bacteria, fungus and infections. So it’s no wonder that Earthsap created a lovely natural hand soap using tea tree oil as its key ingredient. Wheat germ was added to ensure that your skin is nourished and hydrated. What’s more, this liquid hand wash is 100% non-toxic – that means no petrochemicals or artificial preservative to dry out your hands. Packaged in a handy pump bottle, Earthsap’s liquid hand soap is ideal for your bathroom or kitchen sink.
Earthsap – Lavender & Rosemary Hand Soap – R84.99 – This all-natural hand soap is so gentle and therapeutic; you can use it to cleanse your hands and your face as well. It’s made with a wonderful blend of skin-friendly ingredients and is free of harsh synthetic chemicals, so you don’t have to worry about it drying your skin out. Lavender oil adds a wonderfully calming scent and also keeps germs at bay, while rosemary soothes as wheat germ cleanses and hydrates. Add to your family’s kitchen or bathroom sink, and keep your hands germ-free with a mild natural hand wash; mild enough for sensitive skin.
Earthsap – Hand Sanitizer – R49.95 – effectively kills germs naturally. Anti-fungal & Antii-bacterial
Stockists: Available at selected SPAR stores, health shops nationwide, Wellness Warehouse and online at https://www.faithful-to-nature.co.za/
Morlage & Yorke is an English heritage brand that is inspired by fine craftsmanship
Morlage & Yorke Apothecary Lemongrass & Verbena 500ml Hand Wash – R89.00 – The refreshing scent of lemongrass and clarifying verbena will stimulate and awaken the senses. Allow this hand wash to cleanse your skin leaving it refreshed and delicately fragranced
Morlage & Yorke Apothecary White Orchid & Ginger 500ml Hand Wash – R89.00 – Delicate floral notes of white orchid with sophisticated spicy warmth. Enriched with vitamin E to leave the skin feeling smooth, nourished and delicately fragranced.
Stockists: @Home
Bodycare From Africa Range
Thanks to the natural composition that our products are made out of, Bodycare from Africa offers a luxurious Bath & Body range that features key African extracts such as Rosehip Oil, Hemp Seed, Shea Butter, Argan and Activated Charcoal.
Bodycare From Africa Shea 500ml Foaming Hand Wash – R74.95 – Enriched with Shea Butter and Vitamin E to cleanse and moisturize
Bodycare From Africa African Rosehip Foaming Hand Wash 500ml – R74.95 – Rich in Vitamin E and Rosehip to moisturize the skin, leaving it feeling soft, silky and smooth
Bodycare From Africa Marrakech Argan 500ml Foaming Hand Wash – R74.95 – Rich in Vitamin E and Argan Oil to cleanse and moisturize
Bodycare From Africa Savannah Hemp Seed 500ml Foaming Hand Wash – R74.95 – Enriched with Hemp Seed and Vitamin E to cleanse and moisturize.
Stockists: Dischem (Hand washes only), Pick n Pay ( Shower Gel, Hand washes & Hand creams), Takealot
Treemedus
Treemendus Tea Tree Hand Sanitiser 100ml – R35.00 – This 100 % natural hand sanitiser is formulated to effectively help reduce exposure to potential disease-causing bacteria.The combination of 2% organic tea tree essential oil in a 70% alcohol solution is designed for use when hand washing is not possible or in addition to hand washing.
Treemedus Organic Tea Tree Handwash 250ml R65.00 – With rose geranium, lemon and peppermint essential oils, cleanses and protects. This antibacterial handwash with tea tree and lemon cleanses your hands and protects, while rose geranium rehydrates and balances the skin and senses. Ideal for the whole family.
Tea Tree essential oils antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties are well-documented, giving this hand sanitiser effective but gentle sanitising properties. While the alcohol evaporates quickly, the tea tree oil remains longer on the skin potentially providing additional protection through its antimicrobial efficacy.
Stockists: www.soil.co.za
Wintergreen
Wintergreen Hand Sanitizer– R39.99 – Wintergreen’s premium grade hand sanitizer gel contains 70% alcohol, the concentration necessary to kill off bacteria. It is skin-friendly, rinse-free, and has a pleasant fragrance which leaves hands smelling fresh and clean while still being protected.
Wintergreen Hygiene Spray– R39.99 – Wintergreen™ Hygiene spray is ideal for keeping in your sports bag and school bag. The convenient spray bottle allows you to quickly sanitize your hands, shoes, desks, gym equipment and work out mats before training and the cosmetic grade alcohol prevents your hands from over-drying. It can be sprayed straight onto the targeted surface and left to dry or applied to a cloth and wiped over the area.
Stockists: www.wintergreensport.co.za
Capewest Sanitizers – Locally sourced and made in South Africa from 100% sugar cane derived alcohol. Effective against germs and bacteria, Capewest sanitizer is also vegan-friendly and fragrance-free – with added aloe vera, green tea and moisturizing extracts to prevent your hands from drying out. There is a wide range of Capewest Waterless Gel Sanitizer for hands, body and surfaces for personal or professional use. Un-fragranced, Vegan, Non Sticky, No Rinsing Required, Moisturizing Extracts
Stockists: https://shop.capetowntoiletryco.com/store/
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