When it comes to laundry we’re usually looking for something that will get our clothes clean without irritating our skin.
But could the detergent you’re using to get those clothes clean actually be causing you to itch?
The Science Behind Skin Irritation
When it comes to skin irritants it’s important to understand the science behind it.
When exposed to an irritant the skin will respond with inflammation and redness.
This is caused by the immune system’s response to the irritant and it’s how our bodies protect themselves.
The thing is different people have different levels of sensitivity to irritants.
So while one person may be able to use a particular detergent without any problems another might find that it causes irritation.
What Causes Skin Irritation from Laundry Detergents?
So what can cause skin irritation from laundry detergents? Well the most common culprit is fragrances.
Fragrances are added to many detergents to make them smell nice but they can also be a major source of skin irritation.
Another common cause of skin irritation is the use of harsh chemicals.
Many laundry detergents contain harsh ingredients like bleach and optical brighteners that can cause irritation.
Finally some people are sensitive to the surfactants found in laundry detergents.
These are the ingredients that help to suspend the dirt and oils in the detergent so they can be easily removed from your clothes.
Tips to Minimize Skin Irritation from Laundry Detergents
So how can you minimize skin irritation from laundry detergents? Here are a few tips:
- Avoid fragranced detergents.
Fragrances are the most common cause of skin irritation so look for detergents that are unscented or have only natural fragrances. - Look for detergents that are specifically designed for sensitive skin.
These detergents are designed to be gentle on the skin and often contain fewer irritants. - Use the correct amount of detergent.
Too much detergent can cause irritation so follow the instructions on your detergent’s label. - If you’re still experiencing irritation try switching to a different detergent.
Conclusion
So can laundry detergent make you itch? The answer is yes it can.
But by avoiding fragranced detergents looking for detergents specifically designed for sensitive skin and using the correct amount of detergent you can minimize the chances of experiencing skin irritation.