If you have eczema or sensitive skin, you know that the list of triggers can be long and frustrating. From the foods you eat to the products you use on your skin, there are endless items that can cause flare-ups. While some people can avoid their triggers altogether, for others, it’s not always possible. So if you are struggling with eczema or sensitive skin, it is essential to be aware of the soaps that can aggravate your symptoms:
1. Antibacterial soaps
Antibacterial detergents are widely used to clean hands, but they may also trigger eczema and other skin problems. The ingredient that is thought to be responsible for this is triclosan. Triclosan is a chemical that helps soap kill bacteria, and it gets added to many antibacterial soaps, toothpastes, and other household products. However, there is evidence that triclosan can disrupt the body’s hormone levels and increase the risk of eczema and other skin issues. For these reasons, it is best to avoid antibacterial detergents that contain triclosan.
2. Soaps with strong fragrances
Soaps with solid fragrances can be harmful to eczema and trigger symptoms. The fragrance ingredients in soaps can often be irritating and cause skin reactions, such as eczema flare-ups. If you have eczema, it’s best to avoid heavily scented soaps and instead choose a fragrance-free soap.
3. Soaps containing Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone
Soaps containing methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone ingredients are known to cause skin sensitivities and allergies in some people, which can lead to a flare-up of eczema symptoms. Also, these ingredients can strip the natural oils from the skin, causing irritation and drying. It can also cause blistering, cracking, and peeling in severe cases. Eczema patients are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of this ingredient because their skin is already dry and sensitive.
4. Propylene glycol soaps
Propylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid that is widely used in food and cosmetic products. It is also an ingredient in many soaps marketed as “gentle” and “safe for sensitive skin.” Propylene glycol, on the other hand, can be quite harmful to people with eczema and other sensitive skin conditions. Propylene glycol can cause skin irritation, redness, and itching when applied to the skin. Furthermore, propylene glycol is a known skin sensitizer, which means that it can make the skin more sensitive to other irritants and allergens. This can increase the likelihood of eczema flare-ups, as well as reactions to products that would not usually be problematic.
5. Soaps with essential oils
Essential oils are natural chemicals found in plants that give them their distinct odors. The ingredient is common in soaps and other cosmetic products to add fragrance, but they can cause skin problems. Essential oils can cause contact dermatitis, a type of eczema characterized by dry, red, and itchy skin. Dermatitis can get triggered by exposure to the essential oil itself or products containing the oil. Besides, people with sensitive skin or allergic to certain plants are more likely to develop contact dermatitis.
Various environmental and lifestyle factors cause eczema and sensitive skin. Soaps are a common cause of both conditions. If you have eczema or sensitive skin, you should know the soaps that can aggravate your condition. By avoiding the soaps that trigger your symptoms, you can reduce the amount of irritation and inflammation your skin experiences.
