Here's why:
* Sterilization requires killing all microorganisms: Sterilization is a process that eliminates all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
* Hand washing reduces, not eliminates: Hand washing with soap and water significantly reduces the number of microorganisms on your skin, but it doesn't kill all of them. Some microbes live deep in skin pores and are very difficult to remove completely.
* Sterilization methods are harsh: Sterilization typically involves harsh methods like autoclaving (high-pressure steam), chemical sterilants (like strong bleach or formaldehyde), or radiation. These methods are too damaging and unsafe to use on human skin.
* Normal skin flora is important: Our skin has a natural microbiome of beneficial bacteria that help protect us from harmful pathogens. Sterilizing the skin would eliminate these helpful microbes, potentially making us more susceptible to infections.
In summary, hand washing is excellent for hygiene and preventing the spread of germs, but it doesn't sterilize your skin. Surgical scrubs using antiseptic agents with prolonged contact time come closer to sterilization, but even those don't typically achieve complete sterility.