What is an antiseptic and how do you choose one?

In a world where the spread of infectious diseases is becoming an increasingly urgent problem, antisepsis plays an important role in ensuring safety and protecting human health. It helps prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms and is absolutely indispensable in medical practice and cosmetology.

Antisepsis is a set of measures aimed at combating infection in the human body and at preventing or eliminating infectious inflammatory processes. Antiseptics are an important tool in the fight against infections and are used in medicine and everyday life to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. They are also essential for disinfecting and sterilizing instruments in beauty salons.

Let’s take a closer look at what an antiseptic is, what types of such products exist, and how their use can help protect your health.

WHAT IS AN ANTISEPTIC? HOW IT DIFFERS FROM A DISINFECTANT

An antiseptic is a chemical agent used to kill bacteria, viruses and fungi on the skin, surfaces and instruments. Antiseptic products are widely used in medicine, cosmetology and everyday life to prevent infections and their spread.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ANTISEPTIC AND A DISINFECTANT?

Unlike antiseptics, disinfectants are used to destroy pathogenic microorganisms on environmental surfaces such as walls, floors, furniture, instruments and other objects. Disinfectants are usually more concentrated than antiseptics and contain more powerful active ingredients.

AREAS OF ANTISEPTIC USE

Antiseptics are widely used in the following fields:

• Medicine.Medical antiseptics are used to treat skin and instruments during medical procedures to prevent the spread of infection and the transmission of pathogenic viruses, bacteria and fungi from patient to doctor and vice versa. Medical antiseptics also effectively help prevent contamination of wounds and other skin injuries. Such products are actively used in surgery to treat the hands of medical staff and the patient’s skin.
• Cosmetology.Broad-spectrum antiseptics are used to disinfect skin and instruments during various procedures, including peels, facials, mesotherapy, injections and more.
• Hair salons and beauty studios.Antiseptics are used to disinfect tools such as scissors, combs, curling irons, etc., as well as the hands of the stylist or technician before and after various procedures.
• Nail studios.Antiseptics are indispensable during manicures — they are used to treat both the technician’s and the client’s hands. These products are also useful for urgent surface sanitation to prevent contamination and infection spread.
• Personal hygiene.Antiseptics are used to disinfect the skin of the hands and surfaces at home, at work or when travelling.

In each of these areas, antiseptics play a key role in preventing the spread of bacteria, viruses and fungi that can cause diseases and infections. They kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, which helps prevent infection of wounds, cuts and other skin injuries, as well as reduces the risk of transmitting infections between people.

TYPES OF ANTISEPTICS: VARIETIES AND COMPOSITION FEATURES

Antiseptics come in different types and may contain different chemical components. Below are the most common types by composition:

1. Alcohol-based hand antisepticsThey contain ethyl or isopropyl alcohol, which kills bacteria and viruses. The most effective are those with an alcohol concentration of at least 60%. Such antiseptics can be used on the skin, but are also suitable for disinfecting surfaces and instruments. Excellent examples include Manorm or Manorm-F.
2. Chlorhexidine-based productsThese are alcohol-free antiseptics widely used in medicine, particularly in dentistry. They are characterized by long-lasting action and can destroy many types of bacteria and viruses. Chlorhexidine-based products are popular as oral antiseptics.
3. Iodine-based antisepticsThese are dye-group antiseptics containing iodine, which is also effective against bacteria and viruses. Such products are often used as surgical antiseptics — they are ideal for marking and treating the surgical field. However, in recent years, alcohol-based antiseptics with coloring agents in the formula are often used as an alternative, for example, the antiseptic solution Manorm-F.
4. Hydrogen peroxide-based productsThey have antiseptic properties because they kill bacteria and viruses. Hydrogen peroxide can be used to treat wounds and injuries, as well as to disinfect surfaces.
5. Antiseptics based on quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs)These are modern antiseptic agents widely used in everyday life and medicine. They can kill bacteria, fungi and viruses and may be used for disinfecting surfaces and instruments, as well as for skin care.

Special mention should be made of combined-type antiseptics. Modern manufacturers often combine alcohol and QACs to enhance product effectiveness. Such combination antiseptics are very popular in many areas of life. Excellent examples are Manorm Crystal and Manorm-Extra.

In addition to the types listed above, there are other, less common antiseptic products. The choice of a specific agent depends on many factors, such as the area of application, type of surface, a person’s sensitivity to chemical components and possible contraindications.

In connection with the recent coronavirus pandemic, numerous studies have been conducted in the field of antisepsis and disinfection. It was found that products based on chlorhexidine and hydrogen peroxide are not as effective against many pathogens as alcohol-based agents and QAC-based antiseptics.

WHICH ANTISEPTIC SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Antiseptics are available in different forms, which may be more or less suitable depending on their purpose and conditions of use:

• Sprays.Convenient for hand treatment, provide targeted application and may contain additional moisturizing ingredients to protect the skin. A great option is the Manorm antiseptic spray.
• Gels.Also convenient for hand treatment, they have a thicker texture and provide additional moisturizing and protective effects for the skin. A great choice for everyday use is Manorm-Gel.
• Liquid antiseptics.Suitable for treating not only skin but also surfaces. Such products may be concentrated or ready to use. If you are looking for a good medical antiseptic or a product for everyday use, pay attention to Manorm-Extra or Manorm Crystal.
• Foaming soap.Contains mild cleansing agents, provides effective disinfection and removes impurities. An excellent choice for the home, office, beauty room or medical facility is the antibacterial foaming soap Manosept.

It is important to remember that the correct form of antiseptic depends on the specific situation. You should also always follow the instructions for use.

HOW TO DISINFECT HANDS: RULES FOR USING ANTISEPTICS

Household or medical antiseptics effectively disinfect the skin only if used correctly. Below are the main recommendations for proper use:

1. Follow the instructions. Always carefully read the instructions on the antiseptic packaging to understand how and when to use it.

2. Apply to clean, dry skin. Before applying the antiseptic, clean and dry the skin.

3. Use a sufficient amount. You need to use enough product to completely cover the treated area of skin.

4. Do not mix different antiseptics. Never mix different types of antiseptics — this can lead to unpredictable reactions.

5. Avoid contact with eyes and open wounds.

6. Observe the expiry date.

7. Store safely. Keep antiseptics out of reach of children, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Following these rules will help you achieve maximum effectiveness when using antiseptics and reduce the risk of unwanted side effects.

Expert comment from MDM Group:

All company products undergo quality control and comply with current safety standards. We apply a multilevel testing system at every stage of production, including raw material assessment, finished formulas, and product stability. MDM Group continuously improves formulations and production technologies to ensure consistent performance both for household and professional use. We pay special attention to efficiency and safe application on different surfaces, in accordance with Ukrainian and international standards.

Yana Holovenko, Head of Quality Department, MDM Group