Dear Lash Stylists, let's make our spaces shiny and bright!

Everyone knows how important it is to clean and sanitize the surfaces of our homes and workplaces, especially when we have to carry out highly professional treatments such as: eyelash lamination , lash filler , eyelash extensions , eyebrow tinting , etc., but are we fully aware of carrying out the sanitization procedures correctly?

The presence of germs and bacteria carries a serious risk of contamination, which is why it becomes of fundamental importance to operate correctly (in compliance with the safety and hygiene regulations established by law*), to reduce the possibility of transmission of bacteria and germs that can cause infections of any kind.

First of all, let's get things straight...

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CLEANING, SANITIZE AND STERILIZE?

Many of us often confuse these three terms, as they are very similar to each other:

• CLEANING : is the washing of surfaces or tools. When we wash our work tools, for example, we remove the dirt residues present on the surface by removing the impurities. This step is very important, because often with simple cleaning many microorganisms are eliminated.
• SANITIZE : means to make hygienic, that is, to clean a surface or object by eliminating our number 1 enemies, “bacteria” and harmful substances present on work tools.
• STERILIZE : consists in the complete destruction and elimination of all microorganisms. This operation is usually carried out by means of an autoclave, which is a saturated water vapor instrument under pressure.

So we can summarize by saying that:

1. Clean = remove impurities;
2. Sanitize = eliminate many bacteria;
3. Sterilize = destroy all microorganisms.

WHICH PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS TO USE?

The professional and innovative In Lei® line, specialized in the most popular lamination treatment today, Lash Filler , has also thought about this delicate topic and comes to our aid with two simple but effective products: F 360 for surfaces and F PLUS for work tools.

Let's take a closer look at them:

InLei® F 360

InLei® F 360 could become your best friend, in eliminating in a few steps bacteria and germs on all large work surfaces such as beds, tables, lamps, chairs, etc.

It is a product that can be used on any surface and is compatible with all materials, ideal for cleaning quickly and rapidly. It does not require rinsing.

HOW TO USE:

Spray a quantity of product directly on the surfaces to be cleaned and sanitized, leave to act for a few seconds and wipe with a disposable cloth until the surfaces are dry. With InLei® F360 it will be child's play to have Academy and beauty centers clean and sanitized in a few minutes!

InLei® F PLUS

In Lei® F PLUS is a ready-to-use cleaning and sanitizing solution. It is a disposable liquid that with its double action cleans and sanitizes all work tools and does not need to be diluted. Its odorless formulation has been designed to carry out greater sanitization of our work tools such as InLei® silicone curlers , tweezers, InLei® White Pad and Black Pad patches and all the work tools of us lashmakers and lamimakers.

HOW TO USE:

Remove any dirt from silicone tools/rollers. In case of dye and/or glue residues, rinse the tools and rollers under running water with soap. Immerse the tool to be disinfected in InLei® F PLUS .

The timing varies according to the desired effect, i.e. from 5 to 30 minutes.

• 5 minutes : if we want a bactericidal effect, that is, one that is able to destroy germs and bacteria;
• 20 minutes : for a fungicidal effect, that is, one that is able to kill fungi;
• 30 minutes : to have a virucidal effect, that is, it is capable of destroying viruses and spores.

PS: Do not leave to soak beyond the indicated times, as the product loses its functionality.

After the desired time has elapsed, remove the material, rinse with running water and dry with a disposable cloth. Now all the tools can be used safely again!

ARE YOU A CLEANLINESS MANIAC LASHSTYLIST AND SANITIZE YOUR TOOLS NOT ENOUGH? STERILIZE!

Let's open a small parenthesis on sterilization specifically combined with lamination tools. Although our work does not bring us into direct contact with the client's blood (as can happen for nail technicians) we too can take advantage of the sterilization of the tools.

Well yes, in addition to all the steel tools such as tweezers or the multifunctional InLei® Fillering tool, we can also have fun sterilising our beloved InLei® curlers and the White Pad and Black Pad silicone pads .

The silicone used for these products is so high quality that the high temperatures of sterilization do not deform or ruin the curlers and pads.

Among the safest sterilization methods, autoclave sterilization is one of the most used, since it allows the complete elimination of germs. The autoclave sterilization method is based on moist heat, that is, the water is brought to the boil between a temperature of 121° and 134° .

I remind you that, for sterilization to occur, the steam must come into contact with the work tools for approximately 30 to 75 minutes.

HOW TO PROCEED?

1. Wash curlers and pads with soap and water, removing all treatment residues.
2. Immerse in the InLei® F PLUS product until completely sanitized and rinse.
3. Place the curlers or pads in the appropriate autoclave sterilization bag, place in the autoclave for 30 minutes at 121°C .

Once this procedure is completed, the pads and/or rollers will be completely sterilized and reusable. This procedure also allows the rollers to be lightened from the inevitable absorption of dye after repeated uses.

We specify that we are still carrying out sterilization tests on the White Pad and Black Pad silicone pads. To date, 150 continuous sterilizations have been carried out in an autoclave at 121°C for 30 minutes. At the moment they are still perfectly usable, as good as new!

* LEGISLATIVE DECREE 81/2008 : The consolidated law on safety at work imposes strict prevention measures and obliges all beauty centres and us lash stylists to draw up a document on risk assessment to make both staff and customers fully aware of the risks within our workplaces.

Always remember that professionalism is not only seen by the excellent work done but also by the great attention to the cleanliness of the environments and tools. Cleanliness gives a good company image, therefore let's make our workplaces shine!!!!