Can I use alcohol-based hand sanitiser at the beach?

Learn whether it is advisable to use alcohol-based hand sanitiser at the beach and what effects it may have on the skin.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, dermatologists saw an increase in consultations relating to skin conditions aggravated by frequent hand hygiene and prolonged use of face masks and alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

With the arrival of summer, new questions arose about whether these products could cause additional skin problems when used in hot, sunny environments such as beaches and swimming pools. One of the most common concerns was whether alcohol-based hand sanitiser could increase the risk of sunburn.

Alcohol-based hand sanitiser at the beach: is there a risk of burns?

Alcohol-based hand sanitisers generally contain a high concentration of alcohol, often around 60–80%, depending on the formulation. Frequent use can have a drying and irritant effect on the skin, particularly when the skin barrier is already compromised. Repeated exposure may therefore contribute to irritant contact dermatitis, with symptoms such as:
dryness;
redness;
stinging or burning;
itching;
scaling or cracking.
People with conditions such as hand eczema, atopic dermatitis or particularly sensitive skin may be more susceptible to this irritation.

Many formulations also contain humectants such as glycerol to help counteract the drying effect of alcohol. The alcohol itself evaporates rapidly after appropriate application.

There is no good evidence that standard alcohol-based hand sanitiser, once dry, causes sunburn simply because the skin is exposed to sunlight. However, if the skin is already irritated or inflamed from repeated use, sun exposure, heat, salt water or chlorine may make it feel more uncomfortable.

In addition, some fragranced or coloured formulations may contain other substances capable of causing irritation or, less commonly, phototoxic or photoallergic reactions.

Alcohol-based hand sanitiser should be used primarily on the hands and not routinely applied to the face, neck or other large areas of skin. People with atopic dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis or other conditions affecting the skin barrier may require individual advice from a dermatologist.

For this reason, particularly on days involving prolonged sun exposure, simple fragrance-free formulations are preferable where hand sanitiser is needed.

Hand hygiene at the beach

When running water and soap are available, washing the hands is an appropriate option. A mild cleanser or soap-free syndet can be useful for people whose skin becomes irritated easily.

Hands should be rinsed thoroughly, dried gently and moisturised regularly with an emollient, particularly if frequent washing or sanitiser use is causing dryness. Alcohol-based hand sanitiser remains a practical alternative when soap and water are not available. If signs of irritant dermatitis develop, reducing unnecessary exposure to irritants and restoring the skin barrier with emollients is important. More significant or persistent dermatitis may require medical assessment and, in some cases, prescription topical treatment.

Sun exposure and skin protection

During the first months following COVID-19 lockdowns, concerns were raised about whether reduced time outdoors had made people more susceptible to sunburn. The key factor determining sunburn risk, however, is the intensity and duration of ultraviolet exposure in relation to the individual’s skin phototype and level of protection. A sudden increase in exposure to strong summer sunlight after spending more time indoors can increase the likelihood of sunburn if appropriate precautions are not taken.

Sun protection therefore remains essential. For prolonged outdoor exposure, we generally recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, typically SPF 30 or above, and often SPF 50 for people with fair skin, a history of skin cancer or other relevant risk factors. Sunscreen should be applied generously and reapplied appropriately, particularly after swimming, sweating or towel drying.

Vitamin D does not justify unprotected sun exposure
Although sunlight contributes to vitamin D synthesis, this is not a reason to deliberately expose the skin to ultraviolet radiation without protection. There is no single amount of sun exposure that is appropriate for everyone. Vitamin D status depends on many factors, including age, skin phototype, latitude, season, clothing, diet and individual health. When vitamin D deficiency is suspected, it can be assessed medically and treated with dietary measures or supplementation where appropriate.

Alcohol-based hand sanitiser at the beach and sun protection

In summary, standard alcohol-based hand sanitiser does not itself appear to make the skin more likely to develop sunburn once the product has dried. However, frequent use may contribute to irritant dermatitis, and additional ingredients such as fragrances may occasionally trigger other skin reactions.

When spending time at the beach, swimming pool or outdoors, the most important photoprotection measures include:
using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF;
applying an adequate amount and reapplying it regularly;

seeking shade, particularly around the middle of the day;

wearing lightweight but covering clothing;
using sunglasses with appropriate UV protection;
wearing a wide-brimmed hat where possible.
There is no need to avoid alcohol-based hand sanitiser altogether when it is required for hand hygiene, but fragrance-free products may be preferable for people with sensitive or easily irritated skin.

And remember to avoid the most common mistakes when protecting your skin from the sun.

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