1) When should Hand Armor be applied?
Hand Armor’s ability to “kill-on-contact” and protect for extended periods of time are key to its unique capabilities and position in the marketplace. Applying Hand Armor as the workday begins provides immediate and persistent protection throughout the day. Hand Armor should be applied as a pre-exposure protectant and may also be used as a post-exposure sanitizer.
For the active traveler, especially where water quality is of concern, Hand Armor may be applied to any open area of the skin such as mild abrasions, a scratch on the body or a nick on the face from shaving. Application in this manner can provide excellent preventative protection.
2) What is the recommended procedure for applying Hand Armor?
Applying to clean hands allows for this molecule to bond directly to the outermost layer of the skin and not to dirt and grime that may already be present. For maximum long-term efficacy, hands should be clean from all dirt and debris before application.
Just a small amount .25mm (about the size of a dime) is all that is needed for protection. This is 25% of the amount recommended for alcohol based hand sanitizers. Hands should be rubbed together until Hand Armor forms a thin “mono-molecular” layer on the skin’s surface.
3) How often should Hand Armor be applied?
In the healthcare environment, the recommended application is once every four hours. As a guideline for the general community: i.e. office environments, schools, homes, once a day will provide long lasting protection.
4) How much Hand Armor should be applied?
The .25ml pump on both the 3oz and 6oz bottles are calibrated to dispense all that is needed to deliver the maximum benefit of the technology for average hands and average conditions. Variations from this recommended dosage are a personal preference.
5) Will handwashing remove Hand Armor?
No. The organosilane molecule, once bound to the skin remains on the skin, and continues to protect, even after repeated hand washings until exfoliation and/or abrasion removes it.
Washing hands (as opposed to using alcohol based hand sanitizers) is actually encouraged because it removes dead bacteria and exposes Hand Armor’s protective layer. Washing hands also removes spores that are not killed by alcohol based hand sanitizers.
6) What if I apply Hand Armor on hands covered with dirt or grime?
If there is so much dirt and grime on hands that Hand Armor is prevented from affixing to the skin, then Hand Armor operates just like plain alcohol based hand sanitizers…killing germs as it comes in contact with them. Hand Armor that affixes to dirt and grime will be removed when dirt and grime are washed off. For maximum benefit of all of its unique characteristics, apply Hand Armor on clean skin. Reapply only as needed.
7) Is Hand Armor flammable?
No. Unlike alcohol based sanitizers, Hand Armor is not flammable and does not require building fire retardant systems for use or storage.
8) Will alcohol based hand sanitizers remove Hand Armor?
No. Alcohol based sanitizers do not remove Hand Armor and may be used in conjunction with it. Hand Armor’s micro-glove technology helps protect hands from the ravages of alcohol based sanitizers.
9) Does Hand Armor have the same cautionary use concerns as antibiotics?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Hand Armor is NOT an antibiotic. Hand Armor totally physically denatures bacteria, which makes it impossible for germs to genetically adapt.
10) How is Hand Armor removed?
Natural exfoliation or high abrasion…the actual wearing off of skin…will remove Hand Armor. General studies show that the outermost layer of skin is completely replaced about every 62 hours (2.5 days). Exfoliation varies widely by many variables: i.e. age, skin type, work environment. As an example, a construction worker will wear off the outer layer of skin faster than an office worker.
11) Is Hand Armor safe for children?
Yes. Hand Armor is NOT a poison and does not leach as poisons can. The benzalkonium chloride used in Hand Armor has been proven safe in hundreds of products for decades. Note: Bactine (topical antiseptic) is recommended for use on children in the same dosage as in Hand Armor.
12) Is Hand Armor safe on surfaces and clothing?
Yes. Unlike alcohol based hand sanitizers, Hand Armor will not bleach carpets, countertops or clothing.
13) Is there a cumulative benefit to using Hand Armor?
Yes. Adding a layer of protection to hands that may have only partial protection due to exfoliation will ensure continuous protection. Remember that skin is constantly exfoliating/rejuvenating. As dead skin sloughs off, it takes the organosilane molecule that is attached to it with it. Reapplication of Hand Armor to hands that are subject to highly abrasive environments will benefit from more frequent reapplication. Adding to Hand Armor’s micro glove barrier enhances protection in harsh environments.