Hello Giggles: Tips for Avoiding Contamination Spread1
Dr. Shuting Hu, a cosmetic scientist and founder of Acaderma skincare products, recommends creating two distinct areas in your home: a contamination zone and a clean zone. When you return home, “leave all contaminated items (outer clothes, shoes, handbags, etc.) in the ‘contaminated zone.’” After you’ve washed your hands, sterilize all items you bring into the “clean zone.” However, the CDC currently recommends people who have been infected stay home as much as possible to reduce the risk of community spread.
As far as disinfecting products you already have at home, the CDC’s cleaning recommendations apply to the outer packaging (you can wipe down a lotion bottle or lipstick tube with a Lysol wipe, e.g.) but after the product inside is potentially contaminated, Dr. Hu reassured us that any product at risk can become safe again if left untouched for several days.
