Your skin is your biggest organ. If yours is sensitive to outside influences such as weather or chemicals, you know there are certain precautions you need to take. Itchy, dry, red, or inflamed skin is no fun. Such issues can have a significant impact on your life. One thing many people may not consider is the type of materials they allow near their skin. The clothes you wear and the sheets you sleep on could be causing your irritation. Here’s a list of some of the best fabrics for sensitive skin that can help you to start feeling comfortable again.
Cotton
Cotton is the first fabric that should come to mind when you think of what’s healthy for your skin. This fabric natural and hypoallergenic. It’s a bonus that’s cotton is also environmentally friendly. Cotton is such a versatile fabric. It’s breathable, yet durable. Your skin will be able to breathe in warmer temperatures. Yet it can also keep you warm in those chilly winter months. Cotton is thin and comfortable to the touch. It’a also used quite commonly in clothing, so you’ll find it easily accessible. You can even use cotton pads or washcloths for your skincare regimen. Combine that with an organic pH balanced body wash that’s gentle on the skin for maximum comfort.
Silk
Another wonderful natural fiber that is good for those with sensitive skin is silk. Due to its unique protein structure, silk is a hypoallergenic fabric. In addition to being allergy-resistant, this protein structure adds support to the skin. Wearing silk next to your skin allows it to remain plump and supple. Silk is a very popular fabric for use in items such as sleepwear, sheets, and pillowcases. It’a also a good choice for hair wraps, as it is gentle and doesn’t cause strands to break.
Linen
Linen fabric is also hypoallergenic. In addition, it’s antibacterial. Linen is a perfect choice for summer because it is able to absorb up to 20 percent of moisture before becoming damp. It’s also quite breathable and aids in temperature regulation.
Viscose
Many synthetic fabrics should be avoided, but viscose is one man-made fiber you can safely wear next to your sensitive skin. It’s a cellulose fiber, meaning it comes from plant-based materials. Viscose has a feel that is similar to that of silk or cotton, so it’s great for sensitive skin.
Fabrics to Avoid
There are definitely some fabrics to avoid for sensitive skin. As noted, man-made or synthetic fabrics should often be avoided. They can be rough on the skin or may contain ingredients that produce an allergic reaction. You should most certainly steer clear of no-iron, dirt-repellant, or permanent press materials. It’s the chemicals in these fabrics that give them the properties they advertise. Such chemicals are often irritating to the skin.
Another consideration when it comes to skin irritation is vintage clothing. Such items may have accumulated mildew, mold, or dust that is harmful to sensitive skin. If you choose to buy vintage items, be sure to have them well-laundered. Finally, there is one natural fiber that tends to be the enemy of sensitive skin, and that’s wool. Wool tends to be rough or scratchy. It will only irritate already red, itchy, or sensitive skin. If you choose to opt for wool, make it a softer version such as cashmere. Rougher wool can trigger eczema as well.
Now that you know which fabrics are best for sensitive skin, you’re ready to fill your wardrobe with clothing you can live in. Making a few sensible changes will help your skin to be healthier, keeping you more comfortable.
Featured Image: Photo by Dasha Musohranova from Pexels
