What lingers in your hand soap?

Germs. They're everywhere. We all know that handwashing is imporant. I wash my hands so many times per day I couldn't even give you an estimate of the number of times I am washing my hands. I have always been a frequent handwasher. I don't like getting sick. No one does.


I remember once when I was working for a major line as a makeup artist and being in the bathroom scrubbing my hands...a makeup artist from another line was in the bathroom and didn't wash her hands. Ten minutes later, she was applying eyeliner to a customer. I think this is why, at times, I can be somewhat of a germophobe, but also why I get so paranoid about cleanliness that I did my own makeup for my wedding--I could never get that image out of my head.


Our oldest son was born when I was 35 weeks pregnant. Thankfully he was a pretty healthy preemie and only required a few extra days beyond the norm in the hospital. I was so concerned about people touching him once we arrived home that if I could've put a plastic bubble around us, I would've. I made sure everyone washed their hands. I stocked up on 5 and 6 bottles at a time of a popular mall bath & body store's famous Antibacterial Hand Wash.

I thought if we washed our hands often with this germ killing soap, that I could shield our family from ever getting sick.


Reality set in and I really started researching these things more and more. I had already been using organic and natural skin care products, but still thought that I needed that special germ fighting soap. After researching what exactly is in these anti-bacterial hand washes, we stopped using them probably 5 or 6 years ago.


First of all, it is important to note that bacteria isn't horrible. There are actually good forms of it. What happens is that people get so worried about germs that they end up getting rid of healthy bacteria. Triclosan is the active ingredient in anti-bacterial products, including these hand soaps. By the way, triclosan is a cholorphenol (a pesticide linked to cancer). While using this in an appropriate environment-say a hospital-may very well be necessary, it isn't if you live in a healthy home.


You may have clean hands, but you may also be doing more harm than good. Studies have shown that there is an increased risk of allergies because of weakened immunity. "Super bugs" have become more prevalent, and because of unnecessary use of these products, diseases are becoming more resistant to antibiotics (as in the case of MRSA).


Triclosan has also been shown to linger on the skin--in other words, you believe you're rinsing it down the drain, but it continues to sit on the skin and kill bacteria. What you end up with is a greater chance of becoming ill and resistant to treatment because you're healthy bacteria isn't there to fight the nasties. It's not just that--I have been reading more and more about triclosan. While there haven't yet been conclusive results and multiple studies, there is research being done with potential links between triclosan and autism because it interferes with myelination in the brain. This has prompted researchers to start studying a possible link between triclosan and Alzheimers.


By the way, if you're a breastfeeding mom and use anti-bacterial products, the triclosan does get into the breastmilk.


You cannot avoid triclosan altogether, though. While you can choose regular soap and water and non anti-bac hand washes (which the FDA says are equally as effective at getting rid of germs), triclosan is present in almost 70% of our rivers, lakes and streams. It is killing marine life and affecting our entire eco-system. Triclosan, by the way, is also present in many deodorants, dishwashing liquids, some toothpastes, and several mouth washes.

So what can  you do to make sure your hands are clean without if causing ill effects on your health?

At Nature's Basin we offer the best natural hand soaps on the market, from brands such as Pangea Organics and Living Nature.

My husband likes using the Canadian White Pine Hand Soap from Pangea Organics because he says it's "not girly" like some of the others I typically choose. It's actually a wonderful unisex scent and I often keep it in the downstairs powder room. Instead of being made with harsh sulfates and toxic triclosan, it is made with natural oils such as jojoba and hemp and infused with natural essential oils rather than harmful synthetic fragrances.

The Purifying Hand Wash from Living Nature is another good choice. Manuka honey and kelp are used in this recipe to soften and nourish while getting rid of bacteria naturally.

When you're shopping for hand soap, be sure to read the labels. If you see Triclosan, avoid it at all costs.