Authored by La Jolla Vitality Co. We wash our hands dozens of times a year, especially during cold and flu season, after using the bathroom, before eating, and whenever we're around someone who is sick. But with so many products available - regular hand soap, antibacterial soap, foaming soap, antimicrobial washes, and alcohol-based hand sanitizers - which one actually provides the best protection against illness? The answer may be surprising: For everyday handwashing, plain s