Why Clothing Is Skincare - BRANWYN | Performance Innerwear

Why Clothing Is Skincare

Your skin absorbs more than you think—that's why experts recommend choosing your fabric wisely. 

Do you know that feeling when your skin seems dry, rough, and impossibly tight? Perhaps an itch burrows beneath the surface, growing hotter and more relentless the more you scratch. Maybe small, pesky bumps or splotches form on your shoulders, back, and bum. 

Chances are this all feels a little too familiar. Studies indicate that nearly 60 percent of women are currently experiencing at least one skin condition—the most common being keratosis, eczema, and rosacea—and  just under half of women report having highly sensitive skin. When our skin is irritated, we often consider changing our body wash, lotion, or laundry detergent—but emerging research indicates that the culprit is actually hanging in our closets and tucked in our drawers. 

 “I think there are a lot of people walking around with skin problems who don't realize it’s from synthetic fabrics,” says Alden Wicker, journalist, sustainable fashion expert, founder of EcoCult, and author of To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick

Dr. Hannah Kopelman, dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery agrees: “I see fabric-related skin irritation more often than people might expect.” She says that she recommends patients opt for natural fibers like Merino wool. “It’s a simple but effective way to support overall skin health.” 

Here’s a dive into the science of how fabric can affect your skin—for better or for worse—and why switching to natural fibers can make a world of difference for your skin health. 

How Clothing Affects Skin Health

Dr. Kopelman says that the fabrics we wear “absolutely” have an impact on skin health. “I always remind my patients that  what they put on their skin [in terms of clothing] matters just as much as skincare products they use,” says Dr. Kopelman. She says that what comes into contact with our skin has a big impact on our health. 

Consider this: The outermost layer of your skin is called the skin’s barrier. Skin cells and fats work together like a brick wall to keep the bad stuff (harmful bacteria, pollution, and viruses) out of our bodies, while keeping the good stuff (moisture and lipids) in. When our skin is constantly exposed to irritants—like those used in the manufacturing of synthetic clothing—that barrier degrades, which can lead to dryness, inflammation, and worsening of skin conditions. 

On the flip side, breathable, natural fibers like Merino wool work with our skin rather than against it. These fibers can help skin stay dry when it sweats, regulate our body temperature, and protect us from the sun’s rays, too. 

The Natural Fiber Solution 

Experts agree that fibers like cotton, linen, and naturally sustainable Merino wool are better choices for your skin. “At their base level they are healthier for your skin for a variety of reasons,” says Wicker. 

First, we know what they are. Merino wool comes from sheep’s wool—not a laboratory concoction of mysterious chemicals. “Natural fibers are not going to contain plasticizers or disperse dyes,” says Wicker. (In fact, BRANWYN goes the extra mile to get our Performance Innerwear tested to ensure it’s 100-percent free of forever chemicals). It’s extremely rare to have an allergic reaction to wool, but if you do, it’s clear what’s causing any irritation.

Merino wool and other natural fibers like organic cotton let your skin breathe. Dr. Kopelamn says this is especially important for underwear, bras, socks, leggings, and athletic wear. Breathability is so important because it helps prevent chafing, overheating, and excessive moisture buildup, thereby warding off yeast or fungal infections. 

According to Wicker, Merino wool specifically also has another skin-friendly perk. Thanks to its naturally occurring microbial properties, you don’t need to wash it in order for it to feel fresh—helping you to avoid over exposure to detergent and the like. 


The Problem With Synthetics 

Wicker has spent years investigating what’s really in the clothing we buy. She explains that when it comes to our skin, one of the issues with synthetics is that they are so chemically complex. “Synthetic clothing almost always contains some sort of plasticizer, and plastics can contain thousands of chemicals that we haven’t even studied yet.” 

What we do know is that hazardous chemicals like BPA, PFAS, and formaldehyde, are often present in synthetic fibers—and that they can cause health issues like skin sensitivity, endocrine disruption, hormone imbalances, and more. Wicker adds, “You have to have a really gnarly dye to dye plastic. The dyes that are used on synthetic fibers (called disperse dyes) are known skin sensitizers.” 

What’s more, many people are allergic to chemicals and heavy metals found in synthetic clothing. Kopelman says, “I’ve also had patients react to the chemicals used in clothing—such as formaldehyde-based finishes to reduce wrinkles or dyes containing heavy metals—which can trigger reactions or inflammation, especially in those with sensitive skin.”

Beyond the additives and chemicals in synthetic clothing, synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and spandex don’t allow the skin to breathe properly, which can trap heat and moisture. “This often leads to rashes, itching, and flare-ups of conditions like eczema and contact dermatitis,” says Dr. Kopelman.  

If you’re experiencing skin issues like irritation, rashes, or yeast infections, see a dermatologist first—but  it might be worth trying to switch to natural fibers, starting with the pieces closest to your skin. Do you notice any difference when you wear natural fibers? Have they made a difference for your skin? We always love to hear from you! Please let us know why or why not at info@branwyninnerwear.com or DM us at @branwynoffical on Instagram. 

 

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