What level of decontamination is achieved by antiseptics?

Antiseptics are agents designed to reduce or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on the skin or mucous membranes. When utilizing antiseptics, the goal is to achieve sanitation, which refers to the process that reduces the number of microbial contaminants to safe levels as defined by public health standards. This is especially important in esthetic practices where maintaining skin integrity and safety is crucial.

Sanitation involves a series of practices that promote cleanliness and help prevent the spread of pathogens; thus, it is a fitting description of the level of decontamination achieved by antiseptics. This level does not imply total elimination of all microbes, which is characteristic of sterilization. Sterilization achieves a higher level of decontamination by eradicating all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores. Disinfection, on the other hand, may kill many but not all microorganisms, while cleaning primarily involves the removal of visible dirt and debris without necessarily affecting the microbial load.

This context clarifies why antiseptics are specifically associated with sanitation rather than the more stringent levels of cleaning, disinfection, or sterilization.