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13 Skincare Ingredients & Eczema Irritants You NEED to Avoid Right Now

Another great post from itchylittleworld.com – Natural remedies for eczema to soothe your itchy little world..

If you’re suffering from any skin condition, we’re sure you’ve tried countless treatments to provide some type of relief. However, you should know that there are many skincare ingredients that can make skin conditions like acne and rosacea even worse. And we know they are very often eczema irritants, so they are very important to highlight.

This week, we take a look at the top 13 skincare ingredients you should avoid in your daily regimen – this is most important for anyone with a skin condition, but its good advice for healthy skin too.

All skincare we recommend on this blog ALWAYS avoids the following 13 chemicals.

Please keep in mind I am in no way a medical professional. If you’re experiencing severe eczema or have a topical infection, it is always best to seek medical advice immediately.

Which Skincare Ingredients to Avoid

Triclosan

This active ingredient can be found in literally any type of anti-bacterial product such as deodorants, cleansers, and hand sanitizers. There have been studies that show that this ingredient can pass through skin and interfere with hormone function.

Not only is it practically poison for our bodies, but it’s also extremely toxic to the environment [1].

Parabens

You’ve probably heard this label thrown around a lot lately. Parabens are a class of preservatives that are included in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Not many people know how to recognize them in products due to the list of names they go by such as methylparaben, ethylparaben, n-propylparaben and many others that for the most part all end in “paraben.”

You can mostly find Parabens in moisturizer, lipstick, foundation, concealer, eye makeup and makeup removers.

Phthalates

Similar to parabens, there is a very long list of names these chemicals go by. Essentially they are used in plastics, but are also used in personal care products to make fragrances last longer.

Fragrance or Perfume or Parfum

Really, unless it says essential oil, you’re looking at an artificial and chemical additive. They are always seen in products that have a scent. This is a very common eczema irritant and should ALWAYS be avoided when you’re dealing with dermatitis.

Siloxanes

These silicone-based compounds are seen often in cosmetics to soften, smooth and moisten skin. They also make hair products dry quickly and deodorant creams slide on more easily. You easily find them in shampoos, and body or facial creams.

Similar to Triclosan, these compounds have been shows to be toxic for humans, as well as the environment. In fact it can possibly impair human fertility [1].

PEGS

These chemicals are actually petroleum-based and are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, softeners and moisture-carriers. Interestingly enough, they are also used in pharmaceutical laxatives.

Although all these skincare ingredients should be avoided, it looks like PEGS are actually unsafe for damaged skin. It can actually cause irritation and systemic toxicity [2].

PEGS commonly go by the name Oxynol, Ammonium laureth sulfate, as well as all ingredients that have “eth” in the name.

Oxybenzone

This is the #1 chemical that is used in sunscreens. It actually is probably one of the most toxic ingredients in skin care products and according to The Environmental Working Group it is what skin allergies react to most [3].

To avoid this one, chose a zinc based sunblock instead of a sunscreen. Read more about that in our Summer Eczema Care Guide.

Diethanolamine, Monoethanolamine, Triethanolamine (DEAs)

Most products that are either creamy or sudsy like soaps, cleaners, and shampoos will contain these harmful ingredients.

Ever wondered how your eyes get irritated by shampoo or certain soaps, often times its due to DEAs! The European Union has actually classified DEA as harmful and can cause serious damage to one’s health from prolonged exposure [1].

P-Phenylenediamine (PPD)

This chemical is often found in hair dyes. In fact, it’s very difficult to find conventional hair dyes that don’t contain this ingredient. This chemical can cause allergic reactions to those with already sensitive skin or with skin conditions.

But how bad is it for you? Well let’s put it this way. It’s used in rubber chemicals, and textile dyes and pigments. Gross!

DMDM Formaldehyde

This ingredient is used extensively in a wide range of cosmetics such as nail polish, hair products, deodorants and so much more.

If you didn’t already know, formaldehyde is already classified as a human carcinogen that can cause cancer. And it’s an embalming fluid, need I say more?

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hdroxytoluene (BHT)

These chemicals are synthetic antioxidants that are used in preservatives for lipsticks, moisturizers and many other cosmetics. They are actually used in food as well.

Similarly to other harmful ingredients listed, it mimics estrogen and creates hormonal disruptors.

Citronella

This substance is also known as methyleugenol.

Studies have shown that when this substance has been administered internally to mice, it has cause tumors to appear in multiple sites. In fact, it is so toxic, Health Canada has made sure to ban it from cosmetics.

Petrolatum

You already know what petroleum jelly is! It’s been used by many over the years as a barrier to lock in moisture, as well as added to hair products to make hair shine.

However, this substance can actually be contaminated with another chemical know as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Exposure to both these harmful chemicals combined is associated with cancer. The European Union actually classifies petrolatum as a carcinogen and restricts its use in cosmetics [1].

So…What Now? 

If you’re feeling somewhat depressed after reading this article or thinking you might have to clean out your entire cosmetic cabinet, don’t fear. It’s extremely difficult to avoid all these chemicals in our daily lives, but small steps are always better than none at all!

You can start by just replacing one thing like a moisturizer. And don’t believe the hype – you can use a good natural moisturizer on every part of your body, even your face and around the eyes. A balm like Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream would be our suggestion for all over moisture.

If you’re ready to find a good source for non-toxic, chemical free, gentle skincare, free of eczema irritants, then we recommend The Eczema Company where you can find natural treatments for eczema as well as eczema clothing.

Do you try to avoid these skincare ingredients and eczema irritants?

How did you first learn about these chemicals?

How did you transition to all natural products?

Let us know in the comments below!

Bio: Laura Dolgy is a contributor and content developer for It’s An Itchy Little World. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes. Please see It’s An Itchy Little World’s disclaimer for information about affiliate links and more.

Sources

  1. European Commission. Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 , Annex VI, Table 3.2. Sep 2009. http://ecb.jrc.ec.europa.eu/classification-labelling
  2. Lanigan, RS (CIR Expert Panel). “Final report on the safety assessment of PPG-11 and PPG-15 stearyl ethers.” Int J Toxicol.20 Suppl 4 (2001):13-26
  3. The Trouble with Ingredients in Sunscreens. The Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/#.WfvHVBNSxTY

13 Skincare Ingredients & Eczema Irritants You NEED to Avoid Right Now appeared first on itchylittleworld.com. Come read more about natural remedies for eczema!

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Hidden Reasons For Eczema Problems That Might Be Right In Your Home

Eczema can have such a variety of reasons and many aren’t easy to detect as we are dealing with so many factors each and every day. Flare-ups cannot always be traced to their source. This is because we don’t always get a reaction immediately. Certain chemicals or foods may effect our skin within a few hours, others may manifest a day later. It is also a good idea to keep an eye on the list of things that can cause such flare-ups. That isn’t easy to do since foods such as strawberries or various nuts that may have caused no problems in the past may at present create skin rashes.

It is extremely important to be very careful about trying new products. Sensitive skin can cause some major issues with testing new products. When buying a new product it is best to a sample of it on a small piece of skin before completely using it. It will be much better to have a small patch of skin on your arm irritated than your entire face. Keep a list of items that you know you have no problem using. Some people cannot tolerate alcohol or lanolin. As you are more familiar with your skin, you will be able to find products that work best for personal care.

Topical skin products are not the only thing that can cause breakouts. Food is probably the toughest cause to pin down. Any food may cause the outbreak. It is very important to make a list of the foods eaten at the time surrounding the outbreak. Eggs, nuts and dairy are common, but various fruits may bother some. Restaurant food often has derivatives of milk, nut products and wheat in their sauces. Are you aware of the ingredients in your favorite dishes?

There are many causes of allergens; some of the most common ones are dust and pet dander. Wear long sleeves and pants while cleaning making it extremely difficult for the dust to come in contact with your skin. Be careful of being in houses with pets. If you are at a friend’s house you may need to change plans and head to a movie or a diner. Sadly, some people cannot attend holiday gatherings due to their sensitivity.

Learn more about Adult Eczema and common Types of Eczema

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Related Atopic Dermatitis Articles

How to Find the Right Eczema Relief

It is all the more disturbing when you have facial eczema as it appears on a visible body part. So how do you follow a treatment that works? With so many products available that promise to treat your skin condition, you must have tried them all. But since you are reading this article, I am sure your problem has not been solved. So why not give the traditional home remedies a try.

1. Applying herbs to the affected areas can help to alleviate symptoms of eczema, along with inflammation. German chamomile and burdock root help to reduce inflammation and can speed up the healing for areas that might be raw because of excessive scaling. Red clover, stinging nettle, and Roman chamomile have also been known to be effective in reducing inflammation in eczema patients.

2. As you must know by now stress and tension causes further aggravation of eczema. Try to stay relaxed and lead a healthy life style. Avoid caffeinated drinks as well as aerated drinks. Instead start drinking green tea with will induce calmness and the result will be speedier recovery of problem.

3. Researchers have yet to identify an exact cause of eczema but there are known irritants which may trigger an outbreak so avoiding these can also be beneficial. Another natural remedy that works is by taking a 15 minute bath in warm water containing two cups of powdered oat. Be sure to implement these methods above if you want relief from this irritating skin condition.

4. Anyone who has suffered from eczema knows that one of the worst effects is the constant itching. Seeking some relief to this constant itching is often high on patient’s priority list. Lavender is one of the best herbs for treating this constant itching. Lavender is a natural soothing agent that reduces the levels of irritation that may be causing your itching problem. Simply adding a few drops of essential lavender oil into a warm bath, or even using it directly on the affected areas, can have an enormous effect. Lavender can also improve your mood as well as produce a relaxing and calming effect.

5. Using wet compresses or damp cloths can also help to reduce irritation even throughout the night as you sleep since it will keep your skin moisturized. Start by soaking a clean cloth in cold water then proceed to cover the affected regions until it is comfortable for you. Using this method in addition to using ointments will help to control outbreaks and flare-ups.

6. Make a fine paste of 1 tsp camphor and 1-teaspoon sandalwood. Apply this paste on the affected eczema areas. This is very good and simple home remedy for eczema. To calm the flair up of eczema as well as to relax the mind and spirit try some essential oil therapy. Fill your bath with warm, (not hot), water and add 7 drops of chamomile essential oil to the water. Soak for ten to twelve minutes and enjoy the aroma. Then take a pre-mixture of 3oz of olive oil with 5 drops of chamomile, 7 drops of lavender and 3 drops of bergamot essential oils and gently massage this into the inflamed area of skin. Take the time to relax and really enjoy this treatment.

7. Make a fine paste by adding 1 tbls of turmeric powder and 1 tbls of bitter neem leaves. Apply this paste to the affected areas. This eczema remedy is one of the effective home remedies for eczema.

 

Author is an online medical researcher on eczema treatment and skin care. Click read more on eczema treatment, acne treatment.