Seasonal Skin Irritation vs. Detergent

Maybe it’s just December, or maybe you used too much detergent on laundry day last week. Either way, you’re uncomfortable and wondering, “Why is my skin so irritated?” If you’re tired of slathering yourself and your kiddos with lotion all winter long, it’s time to figure out if you have seasonal skin irritation or if it might be something else – like your laundry detergent.

What Is Seasonal Skin Irritation?
Seasonal skin irritation is often associated with spring and allergens, but it can cause discomfort year-round. It can be caused by a number of factors including cold weather, dry conditions, rough fabrics and more. As winter hits and the weather gets cold, we tend to bundle up in wool sweaters or jackets made of synthetic fabrics. While these clothes help trap in heat, they also expose the skin to hours of rubbing, sweating, and chafing. These materials can even scratch sensitive skin and tear microscopic holes in the epidermis causing the skin to look and feel inflamed.

In addition – the cold weather generally brings with it dry, windy conditions. When the outside air is cold and dry, it pulls moisture from the top layers of skin. Sometimes this dryness is visible to the naked eye; sometimes it’s not. Either way, you can definitely feel those rough patches as you rub your hand along your skin.

Lastly, as the cold weather sticks around for months on end, a hot, soapy bubble bath may sound like a great idea. Yes, even a tub full hot water can dry out your skin by removing natural oils that live on the skin’s surface. These oils create a protective barrier that helps keep your skin soft, smooth and itch-free. Hot water and soap remove these oils – exposing dry, unprotected skin.

Why Else Is My Skin Itchy?

Your laundry detergent could be another reason for your itchy, irritated skin.  Some laundry detergents are filled with synthetic chemicals, dyes, and fragrances that irritate skin. These types of laundry detergents may even be gunking up your washing machine, preventing your clothes from getting fully cleaned.

When detergent is allowed to linger, it can build up in the fibers of your clothes and in the drum of your washing machine. Even if you can’t see or feel it, particles build up on the backside of the tub’s drum and eventually start permeating into your clothes – no matter how many rinse cycles you run.  

An Easy Fix for Irritated Skin

If you can’t decide whether your itchiness is due to seasonal conditions or your laundry detergent, there are some easy steps you can take to start combatting your itchy, irritated skin. You may not be able to change the weather, but you can make some changes around the house.

First, consider switching to natural fabrics for your winter clothing. Natural fabrics like cotton help wick away excess moisture from the surface of your skin, allow the skin to breathe, and tend to be less irritating – especially for those with sensitive skin.

Next, clean and sanitize your washing machine. Remember that gunky residue we were talking about earlier? Getting rid of detergent residues in your washing machine can help future laundry loads clean more efficiently and stop residues from leaching into fabrics.

Finally, consider switching to an all-natural laundry detergent like Charlie’s Soap; one that doesn’t gunk up the innards of your washing machine. Look for a detergent that is:

• Hypoallergenic
• Biodegradable (good for you and the environment)
• Free from dyes, sulfates, and fragrances

There are plenty of sites out on the web that recommend Charlie’s Soap, but consider what Dr. Debra Julian has to say. She is a world-renowned dermatologist with a private practice in New York and recognized for her research and work in clinical and cosmetic dermatology. In a list of her recommended laundry detergents, she said this about Charlie’s Soap Laundry Detergent:

“For those who prefer powdered detergents, it rinses clean, leaves no residue behind (on your clothes or in your washer), and is good for the environment to boot.”

Charlie’s Soap comes in liquid or powder and rinses completely clean from your washing machine and clothing – leaving behind nothing but itch-free, clean clothes for you and your family. 

If you’re ready to take the next step and eliminate your itchy skin this winter, we’d love to make you a believer! Find a retailer near you or even easier, order Charlie’s Soap online. Whatever you do, DON’T suffer through another cold, dry, itchy winter.