Alcohol and ethanol in their purest form can also be used to disinfect your hands, but this is not advisable. Sporadic use as part of first aid does contemplate the use of alcohol as a disinfectant solution, but regular and daily use can cause damage to the skin. Alcohol is an abrasive chemical that can break down the most superficial layers of the skin, thus eliminating the hydrolipidic layer and excessively drying out the hands. Excessive dryness can cause cracks and rough skin where microbes and dirt deposits can accumulate, as well as creating skin that is more likely to be damaged. Therefore, we recommend the use of disinfectant gels that contain alcohol instead of using alcohol directly on your hands.