If you have sensitive skin that is easily irritated or a more serious skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, you need to be careful what fabrics you wear. Finding clothes which don’t irritate or further exacerbate your skin condition can be tricky, but there are a few tips and tricks you can use to help you.
Jasmine Silk have also put together a list of fabrics that usually work well for sensitive skin, and which fabrics should be avoided. However, everyone’s skin is different and will react in different ways, so if you find you have a serious reaction to a particular fabric, you should consult your doctor.
Fabrics to Avoid
Usually, the advice is to avoid synthetic or artificial fabrics as much as possible. Synthetic fibres such as nylon or polyester can cause skin irritation because they aren’t breathable like natural fibres. Some synthetic fibres also contain chemical compounds like synthetic polymers or petroleum.
It is always a good idea to read the label carefully before you purchase a garment, to check that there are no synthetic fibres blended with natural fibres. The label can also give you a clue as to whether any chemicals have been added. Here are a few examples of things to look out for:
- Wrinkle resistant
- Colourfast
- Stain resistant
- Flame retardant
- Shrink-proof
- Moth-proof
- Wash separately
All of these could be an indication that some kind of chemical has been used to produce the fabric, and should, therefore, be avoided by those with sensitive skin where possible.
Fabrics to Go For
Fabrics made from natural fibres come from plants and animals. Not only are natural fabrics good for the skin, but they are also good for the environment because they are usually sustainable. Some examples include silk, cotton and linen. Here are a few of the qualities possessed by most natural fabrics:
- Breathable
- Hypoallergenic
- Moisture wicking
- Durable
- Temperature regulating
- Anti-bacterial
- Mould/dirt resistant
All of these qualities mean natural fabrics usually work well with sensitive or delicate skin. You will also find some of these qualities in fabrics like modal, cashmere and wool. The high absorption of fabrics like silk means they leave your skin feeling dry and refreshed, which makes them particularly good for the spring and summer months.
General Advice
When choosing clothes for your wardrobe, you may want to avoid things with extra embellishment where possible. Of course, you may want a few pieces in your wardrobe with a bit of something extra, so if you are choosing beading, sequins or other embellished clothes, make sure the embellishments stay on the outside of the fabric if your skin is sensitive.
Dyes and detergents are also something you should consider when choosing fabrics that won’t irritate sensitive skin. For instance, if you purchase a new silk blouse or cotton shirt that irritates you straight away, you may need to wash it first. Use an extra rinse cycle to ensure that any chemical residue is removed from the fabric.
It is also important to remember that your clothes aren’t the only fabric that comes into regular contact with your skin. Not only should you think about using delicate, natural fabrics for your underwear, nightwear and regular wardrobe, but also for things like your bedding. Here at Jasmine Silk, we offer a selection of silk bedding that is great for those with sensitive skin because of the natural properties of silk. Even something as simple as sleeping on a silk pillowcase as part of your night-time routine can be good for your skin.
Explore the huge range of silk products available on our website, or learn more in the rest of our blog.
