Common Skin Allergens

May 21, 2015

Most of our organs are hidden away deep in our bodies, protected from the elements and coming into contact with external substances. Our skin is the one exception. Since the extent of our skin is vast and meets potentially hundreds of intentional and unintentional surfaces a day, not to mention the many things that are floating in the air, our skin is at high risk of common skin allergens.

Most allergies present as redness, itchiness and sometimes hives. We usually call this a rash but the technical term is allergic contact dermatitis. Irritation occurs when an allergen touches the skin. Just like other allergies, the immune system deems the allergen a foreign substance and begins an attack. Rather than a runny nose and cough, skin allergies cause inflammation in the affected area, which can be quite painful.

Some of the most common skin allergens are chemicals found in our skin care, hair care, personal care and beauty products and cosmetics. Most of these products contain a host of synthetic ingredients and even heavy metals that often react negatively on skin and have a huge impact on our bodies when absorbed into the bloodstream. Formaldehyde, quaternium 15, cobalt chloride, neomycin sulfate and balsam are among the most common skin allergens according to a Mayo Clinic dermatological study. Additionally, parabens, thimerosal, other preservatives and a range of fragrances designed to hide unpleasant scents from other ingredients often cause allergic reactions too.

Many products contain a cocktail of these potentially harmful ingredients. Combined in the many products we use daily (soap, cleanser, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, make-up, deodorant and the list goes on), the risk of skin allergies from chemical-based products is quite high. And many of these products are used directly on the face, eyelids, lips and nail cuticles where they can easily enter the body and cause other allergic reactions and a sluggish operating system.

Natura Veda’s comprehensive line of skin care products avoids these common skin allergens by using an all-natural plant-based formula. With natural antimicrobial agents, botanicals and phyto-nutrients that help preserve the integrity of our products, skin is less likely to react adversely. Our “nature in a bottle” approach ensures the safest possible nourishment for your most vulnerable organ to avoid redness, irritation and swelling. Each product is designed to gently repair, rebalance and rejuvenate skin with nature’s best skin-loving ingredients.

Beyond beauty and skin care products, many common skin allergens are lurking almost everywhere. Metals, especially nickel and gold found in jewelry, buttons and clasps, can cause allergic reactions. Some people are allergic to latex like that in balloons, gloves and rubber bands. Dyes including hair dye and fabric dyes can be allergens, as well as fabrics with formaldehyde resin that causes clothes not to wrinkle, shrink, be waterproof and maintain elasticity.

Most people aren’t surprised that household cleaning products, solvents and adhesives can be potentially harmful to skin as they contain a host of chemicals. Try organic or green cleaning solutions as an alternative. But many of us are stunned to learn that sunscreens and medical ointments can cause skin allergies. Sunscreen contains ingredients that may be photo-sensitive, meaning that they aren’t dangerous on their own but can become so when they interact with the sun. Ointments may dry out skin which can be more irritating than helpful.

Common skin allergies are just about everywhere. What bothers some skin may not impact others. Be aware of the products you buy, especially that for your skin, to avoid painful and skin-damaging reactions.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *