Just because you have sensitive skin, doesn’t mean you should miss out on beautiful, soft and clean-smelling clothes. Yet often, the mere thought of irritation can be enough to dissuade anyone with sensitivities and allergies from using fabric softeners. Good news – there’s no need for that. Here’s what you need to know about selecting the best fabric softener for you:
Have you ever wondered why everybody else seems fine wearing woolly jumpers, when the mere sight of one makes you itch? Skin sensitivity is actually a rather complicated topic but, to simplify, most irritations have two main causes: genetic predisposition and external factors.
Some people are born with nerves, blood vessels and a skin barrier that is more susceptible to swelling and irritation. For most, however, skin sensitivity is caused by external factors such as climate, water pH, rough surfaces and strong chemical ingredients. And while controlling the weather may be a little beyond your capabilities, addressing some of the other factors by using the right fabric softener for sensitive skin, is well within your reach.
Fabric softener was created to make clothes feel, look and smell great. Beyond that, the right product also has some very real benefits for anyone who suffers from sensitivities, allergies and general skin irritability issues:
1. Water pH and rough surfaces
Hard water, which is high in pH and contains minerals like calcium, magnesium and iron, can have a drying effect not only on skin, but also on fabric. As a result, it can make clothes stiff, rough and uncomfortable. This is particularly true for naturally scratchy fibres, such as wool, which are already a common cause of itchiness and discomfort.
Adding fabric softener to a wash can counteract these effects because the conditioning particls settle on fibres, making them soft and smooth. Cuddlier fabrics mean less skin irritation, which is great news for everyone.
2. Chemical ingredients
Some ingredients and scents can wreak havoc with sensitive and allergic skin. If your skin breaks out in a rash any chance it gets, it’s best to look to specially-formulated fabric softeners. These use milder ingredients to make your fabrics look and smell fresh. When selecting a sensitive fabric softener, keep two things in mind:
- No colorants – Colorants are chemicals that provide a particular shade or hue. In laundry products these are usually relatively mild, but they can inflame and irritate sensitive skin so it’s best to look for colorant-free fabric softeners.
- Dermatological testing – Want to ensure your skin is safe? Products that have undergone thorough dermatological testing are your best bet.
Vernel Skin Sensitive embodies both of these qualities. Its specially-designed formula contains no colorants, has a mild scent and has been dermatologically tested and certified by the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation (ECARF), meaning even the most melodramatic skin will find nothing to get angry about.
As a parent, conscious about the chemical products you use around your children, you’re probably wondering how you can soften their clothing in a safe way:
Babies and toddlers – Fabric softener isn’t recommended for the youngest members of your family. Instead, for the softest results, wash clothes with a dedicated sensitive laundry detergent on a gentle cycle. Add half a cup of baking soda to your wash and hang it out to dry.
Older children – Be selective. Use a dedicated sensitive laundry detergent in combination with sensitive fabric softener, sparingly. Use a gentle cycle to reduce agitation and static and avoid the dryer, if possible.
Bonus tips:
- If you use a dryer, make a solution of one cup distilled white vinegar and a teaspoon of eucalyptus essential oil and spray the clothing to relax fibres and add a pleasant aroma.
- Avoid synthetic textiles where possible. If you don’t have a choice, separate them from natural fabrics to avoid static cling and fuzz.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s high time you and your family started to explore a world of softness, comfort and delightful scent!
Just because your skin is a diva doesn’t mean you should miss out on beautiful, soft and clean-smelling clothing. Here’s how to select the best fabric softener for sensitive skin …