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Choosing the right laundry detergent to prevent eczema and skin irritations
Eczema is a skin condition that affects a large number of people, making the choice of hygiene products essential.
Among them, the laundry detergent used to wash our clothes plays a crucial role in preventing and controlling eczema flare-ups.
At SENZA, we know how much skin and the environment deserve special attention.
Let's discover together how to make the right choices for sensitive skin.
Table of contentsTypes of eczema and their main triggers
There are different types of eczema that everyone can experience to varying degrees. Understanding these distinctions helps to better grasp the necessary precautions in daily life.
Atopic or hereditary eczema
This type of eczema is often linked to a genetic predisposition. Affected individuals generally have very sensitive skin to allergenic substances. This sensitivity can manifest from childhood and continue throughout life.
For these people, avoiding irritating agents becomes essential, including in the choice of household products like laundry detergent.
Emotional eczema
Stress is also a significant factor in the appearance of eczema. When cortisol, a stress hormone, reaches high levels, it can cause alterations in skin cells, leading to this type of eczema.
Reducing stress and using gentle products can limit these inflammatory flare-ups.
Contact eczema
Contact eczema occurs when the skin reacts directly to a specific substance, often present in cosmetics or chemical detergents. These reactions can appear in people who have never shown signs of allergies before.
This is why choosing a hypoallergenic detergent without irritating compounds proves to be an essential preventive measure. To further limit the risks, it is also recommended to opt for a detergent without endocrine disruptors, to avoid any unnecessary exposure to harmful substances.
To go further, discover our complete guide on the best anti-allergy detergent, specially designed for sensitive and allergic skin.
Chronic hand eczema
Mainly caused by atopic eczema, this type often persists on the hands and finger creases. Daily activities can aggravate this condition if aggressive products are used.
Wearing gloves during household chores and favoring natural products for hand and textile washing proves beneficial.
Concentrated natural laundry detergent 5L - €39.00
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DISCOVERThe link between laundry detergent and eczema: myth or reality?
Many people believe that laundry detergent is often responsible for eczema flare-ups.
In reality, the causes are numerous: heredity, stress, or contact with irritants.
However, it is true that certain detergents, particularly those containing petrochemical substances or allergens, can cause or aggravate eczema.
So, how do you choose the right laundry detergent to protect your skin and that of your loved ones?
Ingredients to avoid in your laundry detergent
The chemistry behind some laundry detergents can severely affect skin health, especially for those with eczema. It is therefore crucial to know which components to avoid.
- MIT and BIT preservatives: These ingredients are widely recognized for their high allergenic potential.
- Synthetic fragrances: Although they offer a pleasant scent, they often contain compounds that can irritate sensitive skin.
Even some natural laundry detergents can pose a problem due to essential oils that are too concentrated or specific and not tolerated by everyone.
How to choose a laundry detergent suitable for sensitive skin
To minimize the risk of irritation and eczema flare-ups, it is wise to favor natural laundry detergents free of potentially allergenic compounds.
Opt for natural detergents without petrochemicals
Look for formulations without aggressive preservatives (like MITs) or optical brighteners, thus offering better skin tolerance.
A carefully chosen natural detergent, free of petrochemical-derived elements, effectively helps reduce the risk of skin allergies.
Beware of essential oils
Although natural, essential oils can also cause irritation for ultra-sensitive skin. For young children or particularly reactive adults, a detergent completely free of essential oils is recommended.
Prioritize eco-certified detergents
Environmental certifications such as Ecocert or Nature & Progrès (the strictest in the sector) can serve as a guide in selecting products that are gentler on the skin and respectful of the environment.
Ensuring that the detergent's composition meets ecological standards guarantees less reliance on heavy and allergenic chemicals.
Limit the use of fabric softeners and avoid overdosing
Fabric softeners are often filled with synthetic fragrances, which can worsen skin irritations. If you are looking to soften your laundry without harming your family's skin, opt instead for using a tumble dryer, which will naturally make your clothes softer. And if you don't have one, choose fragrance-free fabric softeners or, better yet, avoid them altogether! For the detergent itself, a small dose is sufficient. By using too much product, you risk leaving residues on clothes, which could irritate the skin. At SENZA, we believe in minimalism: one dose of our natural detergent is largely sufficient for effective washing.
Choose natural and allergen-free laundry detergent formulas
At SENZA, we recommend limiting exposure to allergens, often present in conventional detergents in the form of synthetic fragrances, harsh preservatives, or optical brighteners. These ingredients, derived from petrochemicals, can trigger eczema flare-ups or irritate the skin. Even some natural products, such as essential oils, can be allergenic for the most sensitive skin. The solution? Opt for a natural, fragrance-free, and allergen-free laundry detergent, like our natural detergent. Formulated with simple and natural ingredients, it is ideal for delicate skin, especially that of babies. (see baby detergent)
Concentrated natural laundry detergent 5L - €39.00
DISCOVER Concentrated lavender laundry detergent 5L - €39.00
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Concentrated eucalyptus laundry detergent 5L - €39.00
DISCOVERTake care of laundry and skin daily
A few simple actions can help minimize the risk of irritation:- Rinse your laundry twice: during flare-ups, you can add an extra rinse cycle to eliminate all traces of detergent.
- Wash new clothes before wearing them to remove potentially allergenic residues.
- Prioritize natural materials such as cotton, linen, or silk to avoid irritating friction. Synthetic materials prevent the skin from breathing normally and create irritation through friction.
- Avoid drying your laundry outdoors during pollination periods, to limit the deposit of allergens on your clothes.
Applying these simple tips can greatly improve the comfort and health of sensitive skin day after day.
Concentrated natural laundry detergent 5L - €39.00
DISCOVER Concentrated lavender laundry detergent 5L - €39.00
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Solid laundry stain remover 200g - €9.90
DISCOVERLaundry detergent and eczema - FAQ
What are the main causes of eczema related to laundry products?
Some laundry detergents contain chemical ingredients such as MIT and BIT preservatives, as well as synthetic fragrances, which are often irritating to sensitive skin. These elements can trigger or worsen eczema symptoms.What types of eczema can be aggravated by unsuitable laundry detergent?
Atopic eczema (often hereditary), contact eczema (direct reaction to substances in laundry detergent), and chronic hand eczema can be exacerbated by the use of aggressive detergent products.How to choose a laundry detergent suitable for sensitive skin?
Opt for a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free laundry detergent, without aggressive preservatives like MIT or BIT, and without optical brighteners. Eco-certified detergents (like Ecocert) are also recommended, as they meet stricter standards to limit allergens.To go further:
Recipe for effective and natural homemade laundry detergent
Baby laundry detergent
Bulk laundry detergent purchase
