Which fabrics are harmful to the skin?

There are many different fabrics created from plant, animal and mineral fibers. Over its long history, man has created four types of natural fabrics: linen, cotton, wool and silk. However, all other fabrics, one way or another, can be harmful to health due to their structure, properties, additions of dyes and other chemical elements. In this article, we'll look at the most common types of synthetic fabrics and find out which ones can be harmful to your skin.

Viscose is one of the most common types of artificial fabrics. Although viscose is created from cellulose, it undergoes extensive chemical processing, making it less natural than it may seem. Viscose has antibacterial properties and ventilation, which makes it less harmful to the skin than other types of synthetic fabrics. However, due to its structure, it wrinkles quickly and the addition of chemical elements is necessary to increase its strength. These elements can block ventilation and cause irritation for particularly sensitive skin.

Polyester is a fabric that is often considered unnatural, but it contains natural fibers. It is created from substances containing petroleum products, and when interacting with other chemicals it can exhibit toxic and even carcinogenic properties. Polyester clothing can cause irritation, itching and redness of the skin, especially for people with sensitive skin.

Polyamide is a fabric that is often used in tights, stockings and leggings due to its high elasticity. Polyamide does not allow the skin to breathe, does not absorb moisture and is highly electrified, which can cause discomfort and irritation of the skin.

Nylon is a type of polyamide that is considered one of the most durable materials in the industry. But nylon does not provide ventilation, does not absorb body secretions, overheats and moisturizes the skin, which can lead to various infections and fungi.

Acrylic is a fabric that looks similar to wool, but is made from natural gas. Acrylic cannot allow the skin to breathe and is not very practical, as it stretches after the first wash.

In conclusion, when choosing clothes, you need to pay attention to its composition and quality. Although the label may say "100% cotton" or "100% silk", this does not always guarantee that the fabric is completely natural. It is also important to consider your skin characteristics and comfort preferences. If you have sensitive skin, it is best to avoid synthetic fabrics or choose ones that do not contain additives or chemicals. If you want to wear clothes made from synthetic fabrics, then you should pay attention to their quality and certification that guarantees the absence of harmful substances and compliance with quality standards.