The changing weather can wreak havoc on your skin. Whilst summer brings the increased vitamin D production that can improve skin health, the cooler seasons can have a less positive impact. According to the National Eczema Society, 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults suffer from eczema in the UK, with symptoms like dryness, itchiness, redness and even bleeding causing daily struggles for those affected.
These symptoms can become more prevalent as autumn arrives, with the colder weather causing significant flare-ups. Here skin clinic Mulberry House explains why:
“As the temperature becomes cooler, it is the sudden dryness of the atmosphere that can cause the skin to become rough, dry and dehydrated. After a summer of over-exposure to the sun, this is hardly the recovery that skin would like and the drying out of the skin can cause flare-ups of underlying conditions such as eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis.”
Whilst a new skincare routine, daily sunscreen use, and plenty of hydration from within will help to improve the condition of your skin, the fibres you choose to wear and decorate your home with can make a big difference. In this blog post, we take a closer look at the eczema-friendly fibres that should be a part of your home and wardrobe.
Cotton
Cotton is often the go-to fibre for childhood eczema sufferers. Even into adulthood, wearing cotton can help your skin breathe easier, whilst the looser styles of cotton fabrics can prevent additional skin irritation.
With the changing weather conditions, you may be partial to flushes and sweating. But with cotton one of the most breathable fabrics, you can wear, your body can stay cooler for longer. Its impressive abilities also mean any moisture that is produced can be easily wicked away so you can get on with your day in the most comfortable way.
Silk
Another natural fibre that’s applauded for its eczema friendliness, silk is soft and gentle on the skin. It’s also naturally antimicrobial, antiviral and antibacterial, which can lower the risk of infection in eczema sufferers.
These incredible qualities represent just a handful of reasons why specialised, close-fitting silk garments are prescribed to babies and children with eczema to improve the management of their conditions.
Bamboo
Bamboo is something of an unsung hero when it comes to eczema-friendly fibres. Naturally soft, breathable and up to 40% more absorbent than organic cotton, bamboo offers effective relief to eczema symptoms when worn in the summer or the winter. It’s also temperature regulating, antibacterial and extremely eco-friendly.
Linen
Linen isn’t just durable, versatile and suitable for any season, it’s hypoallergenic and breathable, making it a real hit with eczema sufferers. The flax plant that linen is made from ensures the perfect ecosystem for those with eczema thanks to its antiseptic nature. Its famous crumpled texture also provides a subtle massaging effect on the skin that is thought to aid healing.
Lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking, linen is popular with people with allergies and asthma too.
Wool
The connection between wool and wellness has been long-established, and this extends to the health and wellbeing of your skin too. Whilst wool was once regarded as a huge no-no for eczema sufferers, research has found that some wool types provide positive experiences for eczema sufferers when used in the home and wardrobe.
Fine merino wool is just one wool fibre linked to reduced eczema symptoms in children and adults. In fact, it was found to be more beneficial in the management of moderate to severe eczema symptoms than cotton. The super soft, hypoallergenic, lightweight and temperature regulating nature of alpaca wool always makes for comfortable wear for those with sensitive skin.
Discover the skin benefits of wearing and using wool and linen within the home for yourself, plus much, much more, by shopping our range of natural homewares today.