They say that two parts of our bodies will always tell the truth about our age; our neck and our hands! Why? Because it is impossible for the skin at those parts of our bodies to lie. In these areas, the skin is thin, with less fat and oil glands. At the same time, healthy and bright skin is basically a reflection of internal piece and well-being. Feel great and your skin will shine (neck and hands included) like never before! Instantly and gloriously! Even so, we can do some little things to help our skin to be softer and healthier. Opting for clothes and sustainable fabrics that won’t irritate it, would be a great start as clothes are something that we use all the time!
Some Skin-friendlier Sustainable Fabric Choices
What fabrics are good for our skin? Scientists and people in the fashion industry research and try to produce and use skin-friendly fibres and sustainable fabrics, but there is not yet a standard evaluation system and certification method for skin-friendly textiles.
However, we do know that certain fabrics are friendlier for the skin and a big help for people that suffer from skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, (contact) dermatitis, or even cancer patients that have raw skin due to radiation treatments or rashes and sores from the chemotherapy effects on their skin.
Experts say that is better to stay away from synthetic fabrics but Lyocell, a semi-synthetic textile, is a good option to consider; it is compostable and sustainable. Rayon is also an interesting choice. Just like Lyocell, it is semi-synthetic and made from natural sources (regenerated cellulose). Viscose, very similar to rayon, is good for sensitive skin as well; it’s silk-like and feels like cotton!
Natural sustainable fabrics are considered to be the best choice as they tend to offer a softer touch and a lighter feel when they come in contact with human skin. Cotton, Linen, and Silk are skin-friendly fabrics, and also Bamboo with its anti-microbial action will keep your skin bacteria-free.
Go Natural!
The more natural and organic the fibre used to make fabric and the garment, the best for your skin! It is a conclusion that comes…naturally! We have mentioned cotton, linen, silk, or bamboo, but Flax and Hemp are two materials used to make soft fabrics that probably won’t irritate sensitive skin.
As a general rule, search for the softer feel, and search for fibres and fabrics that will multiply coolness and breathability during the hot days or that will keep you cosily and frictionlessly warm during the cold ones. Search for quick-drying clothes with antistatic properties and a high degree of moisture absorption.
Before you buy your next garment, try it on and your skin will know and will let you know if the specific piece of clothing is meant for you. If Love is at first sight, for Comfort is at first feel. Love and Comfort, is there a better combination when it comes to clothing?
10 Sustainable Fabrics That Will Help You Prevent Skin-Related Issues
The time has come to sum it all up and make a list of the 10 sustainable fabrics that will prevent or minimise skin-related issues!
1. Cotton
Cotton is hypoallergenic and its breathability will help your skin dry naturally after the sweaty moments of your everyday life! If it is a good choice for the babies’ skin, it is a good choice for us all!
2. Linen
Another hypoallergenic fabric. It is also antibacterial and perfect for hot summer days as it will help your body’s temperature regulation.
3. Merino Wool
If wool is what you want to wear, Merino is what you should look for! It is soft and gentle and will keep you warm without causing irritation. It is breathable and will release any excess warmth preventing overheating. We could say that Merino Wool is wintertime Linen.
4. Hemp
A highly durable fabric that because of its natural colouring has no need for chemical dyes and with every wash will only become softer!
5. Silk
It is hypoallergenic and will keep your skin fresh and soft. It is a great option if you are searching for skin-friendly sheets and pillowcases.
6. Lyocell
A chemical-free hypoallergenic and absorbent fabric (even more than cotton). Lyocell is a cellulose thin-fibre material, made from Eucalyptus trees and will feel soft and cool on your skin! It might not be considered a natural fabric but it is used to make some of the most eczema-friendly pieces of clothing!
7. Viscose
Made from plant-based materials, it can be a good alternative to cotton or silk as it offers a similar touch to your skin.
8. Rayon
It is breathable and moisture-absorbing. It is a cellulosic fibre made from Beech tree wood.
9. Cupro
Cupro is a type of cotton produced from another part of the plant, the cotton linter. Extremely breathable, temperature-regulating, and hypoallergenic will keep the bacteria from sticking to your skin and festering.
10. Seacell
As most of the sustainable fabrics presented are hypoallergenic and absorbent. Seacell is made using naturally sourced seaweed. It can help relieve the effects of skin diseases and reduce inflammation. Now, you can wear a bit of sea!
Sustainable Fabrics
The best thing about most skin-friendly fabrics is that they are also eco-friendly! We must not forget that healthy skin means a healthy planet and vice versa! Our skin is our biggest organ and even if we don’t see it, it is full of holes that absorb non-stop whatever microparticles exist in the atmosphere. Doing our best for our planet is doing our best for our skin’s health.
What are some of the most sustainable fabrics?
- Lyocell
- Modal
- Cork
- Organic Cotton, Hemp, and Linen
- Qmilk
- Bananatex®
- Vegan Leather (Mushroom leather, Piñatex leather, Grain-Based leather or cactus leather, and many more options available if you want to go Vegan!)
It is highly advisable! Next time you will go shopping, read the labels, ask or investigate how these skin-friendly garments that you hold in your hands are made.
Where do they come from? How were they produced? They surely have a long story to tell and if you listen to it, many useful details will come up.
Sustainability, equality, creativity, respect & inclusivity, natural & organic methods of production and a more take-it-easy everyday life, will also help you to prevent or reduce skin irritations. Whatever helps us to lower our stress levels is helpful! Living in an environment that will act as a medicine and not as a poison is the epitome of health and prevention.
The first step toward health and brightness is just a choice! Let’s make it!
