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Skincare 101: Different Products That Commonly Cause Skin Irritations

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When it comes to your skin, you will always want to make sure that it maintains its smoothness and health, as the skin can be considered a vital organ that protects your body from the elements. However, some seasons and some products can cause harmful effects on certain people’s skin. This is because the human body reacts best to natural remedies and ingredients but most skincare products often contain chemicals that are strong and cause adverse bodily reactions. Here are some common causes of skin rashes that people experience, and some products associated with them:

Sunscreen Products

With some people having sensitive skin, some sunblock products have extremely strong chemicals to ward off harmful UV rays. It is advised to select sunscreens without para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which has been found to be a skin irritant. For children over half a year old, broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF rating of 30 or higher is the best choice. Additionally, use products with zinc oxide, as well as seek professional advice before applying sunblock on babies under six months of age. 

Antibacterial Soaps

While these soaps are good and effective in theory, they may end up being “too effective” and can damage skin. Triclosan is found in most antibacterial soaps, which may irritate people with sensitive skin. This chemical is also under review by the FDA because of studies that show it may affect growth and development in children. Using regular soap and water works just as well to get rid of bacteria on skin, so choose the products you use when handwashing or bathing. 

Fragrant Lotions

Some lotions are tempting to purchase because of their scents and fragrances. However, these products can irritate the skin due to ingredients like parabens and phthalates and further aggravate eczema and cause hormonal problems. The trick to keeping skin smooth without strong lotions is to use mild soap, and pat skin until dry instead of rubbing it dry with a towel. Use dermatologist-approved lotions, as these are often less strong and contain safe chemicals. 

Laundry Detergents

Strong scented laundry detergents and fabric softeners can cause skin allergies and rashes because of the harsh chemicals that are found in them to make clothes clean. The best way to prevent rashes from these is to buy laundry products that are mild and have no added perfumes or dyes. Fabric softener usually contains limonene and benzyl acetate that is a known irritant towards skin, eyes, the nose, and the throat. Use half a cup of baking soda or vinegar instead to keep clothes soft. 

Shampoos And Conditioners

Some shampoos and conditioners contain extremely strong chemicals that make you feel itchy and can even dry your hair and scalp. This is especially prevalent in anti-dandruff shampoos, wherein the goal is to “rejuvenate” the scalp. Anti-dandruff shampoos contain many strong ingredients that can cause rashes and an even drier scalp depending on the strength. Note that more fragrant shampoos with strong scents are known to be harmful to skin and eyes, so be careful when choosing hair care products and using them too often. 

Conclusion

Remember that skin was meant to be naturally maintained, so as much as possible, try to use products that have less man-made chemicals and more natural ingredients. While they may be more expensive due to the processing needed to be done to make them good for the human body, this is worth it because there will be less irritation and rashes. Skin diseases are painful and are costly to treat, so take care of your skin as much as you can by using the right products.

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