We all know that washing our hands is an important part of staying healthy on a daily basis
. Many of us scrub with antibacterial soaps assuming that they are better at killing our microbial enemies, but those antibacterial soaps are no better than regular soap at killing germs. New research shows that soaps containing the active ingredient triclosan at concentrations commonly seen in antibacterial products sold to the public are no better at killing bacteria than regular soap. So suds away with your favorite, every day, run-of-the-mill soap and you will still be fighting the good fight. Just remember, no matter what kind of soap you use, scrub for at least 15 seconds!
FYI: The jury is still out if soaps containing triclosan are creating antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria and you better believe that researchers all over are looking into this matter.
Freya
Mariano Napoli
Pedro Garcia
i knew it! i always thought anti-bacterial soap was just an advertising ploy
1i thought there was a slight difference in the types of bacteria that could be killed by regular soaps comparing to triclosan. but anyway.. haha..
2In a discussion in my graduate microbio, we (basically) went over some research on antibacterial resistance, and looked at some papers on antibacterial hand soaps and gels. There has actually been a lot of research already done on the subject Fit, and the majority say that these soaps are showing some resistance-breeding effects. The bottom line was to use these soaps in situations very sparingly when you do not have access to non-antibacterial soaps.
3I always thought it was more the method of how you washed and less about what you washed with
4Couldn't agree more, handwashing is important, especially at the gym. But be smart, and protect yourself further by using a set of sanitary handgrip covers called HandleBuddies, as featured in American Fitness and Pilates Today magazines. Don't touch germs on the equipment directly, that's for idiots!!
5so what's the point in them? why are they still on the market?
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