Are Clothes Affecting Your Skin?

What is Actually Touching Your Skin?

Many clothes, especially those designed by fast fashion brands, rely on toxic chemicals to produce mass quantities of clothing in short periods of time. These include azo dyes, heavy metals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and formaldehyde. These chemicals can be left in clothes when they reach shelves or are advertised in online stores. While the workers face the greatest health risks from being directly exposed to these chemicals, consumers can also face health risks from wearing clothes with these chemicals.

In a recent review in the National Library of Medicine, researchers examined the potential effects of PFAs on health outcomes. In this study, there was sufficient evidence of PFAS on decreased antibody responses, dyslipidemia, decreased infant and fetal growth, and increased risk of kidney cancer. Secondly, there was suggestive evidence of PFAS having an increased risk of breast cancer, liver enzyme alterations, increased risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension, increased risk of testicular cancer and increased risk of thyroid disease and dysfunction.

How are these chemicals introduced to clothes? Synthetic fibers like polyester have chemical-intensive manufacturing processes. They incorporate these additives in the raw material production. Similarly, cotton production uses many pesticides and harmful chemicals that pose health risks for the workers. In the manufacturing stage, many chemicals are added to the fibers. This happens when the clothes are dyed, or through adding water or wrinkle-resistant chemicals.

Even though these chemicals are supposedly banned, according to EuroNews, there is not great compliance with fast fashion companies. Approximately 70 to 80% of the fast fashion products investigated contained harmful chemicals. With children’s toys sold on Shein, 60% presented genuine safety risks. EuroNews also reported 69 to 80% of fast fashion items violating safety and chemical standards. These products exceed legal thresholds for chemicals including PFAS.

Natural Versus Synthetic Fibres

Most natural fibres come directly from plants, animals or mineral resources. For example, cotton, wool, silk and hemp are popular natural fibres. In contrast, synthetic fibres are lab made that are petroleum-based. These include polyester, nylon or acrylic. While both fibres have different qualities, synthetic fibres pose more issues with skin irritation or inflammation.

According to The American Academy of Dermatology, wool and synthetic fibres may trigger eczema in children. For these reasons, they recommend cotton and dye-free clothes and bed sheets. This is also beneficial from an ethical perspective, since the wool industry has questionable practices. However, the cotton industry also uses harmful chemicals in their production.

A recent review from 2021 detailed synthetic versus natural fibres effects on skin conditions. Higher symptoms in contact dermatitis were found when exposed to synthetic textiles, since they have higher levels of azo dyes. Other allergies like dust mites were linked to eczema, in which higher symptom severity was associated with synthetic fibres and wool.

Beyond Skin Irritation: Natural and Synthetic Fibres Health Effects

Fibres can have other effects on the body, such as physiological effects. In a study from 2010, sleeping in linen or cotton bedding improved sleep quality compared to synthetic fibres. Similarly, polyester-based clothing was thought to be a source of oxidative stress (i.e., an imbalance of antioxidants that can lead to cell damage), whereas clothes made from natural fibres did not increase oxidative stress. Wearing polyester was thought to desynchronize muscle motor units and as a result, create fatigue, whereas clothing made from natural fibres had a positive influence on the human body.

What Should Consumers Look For?

It is difficult to be 100% ethical or sustainable when so many clothes are made from harmful chemicals, or produced in unethical ways. However, there are some certificates, suggestions from dermatologists and considerations that consumers can research before buying new clothes.

According to Fabrics of Changed, brands that claim to use 100% recycled fabrics are usually just reusing synthetic fibres that are still harmful. For example, reusing plastic bottles in clothes – this merely gives plastic bottle corporations a motive to produce more plastic, and doesn’t remove the harmful chemicals in the plastic.

Fabrics of Changed also offer consumer guidelines when buying new clothes. The first is to opt for 100% natural fibres (preferably plant-based). Since this can be difficult to find, blends of plant-based and 5% synthetics can be sufficient. Their guidelines also highlight that clothes with more than two fibres should be avoided.

Similarly, some certifications can provide the consumer with some relief about the type of fibres in the clothing. The Global Organic Textiles certification guarantees that the textiles are made from at least 70% certified organic and natural fibres, with strict criteria for processing, manufacturing, and trade. Secondly, the Organic Content Standard requires products with a minimum of 95% raw materials or 5% blended organic materials. Lastly, the EU Ecolabel prohibits harmful substances in the clothes.

Lastly, the Fabrics of Changed recommends researching the clothing brands ethics and policies. Through greenwashing tactics, many fast fashion companies can give the impression of sustainable textile production, even when this is not the case. Through researching brands, consumers can see what they have actually listed as their policies on harmful or toxic fibers, or whether they even have any.

Another ethical consideration is not just whether the fibers are natural or synthetic, but whether they were manufactured ethically. How are the workers exposed to the chemicals? Were animals tortured or exposed to harmful chemicals? Even natural fibers like wool can be produced in harmful ways for both the sheep and the workers. It is important to research the brand’s sustainability policies on animal and workers rights. Does the brand clearly state how the workers wages are decided, or their work conditions? Do they have ethical animal rearing certifications?

Lastly, to eliminate some chemicals (but not all), consumers should wash new clothes before wearing them. New clothes contain chemicals that can bleed into the skin before the first wash. Washing clothes before wearing them can prevent direct contact with some of these chemicals. These chemicals are included to prevent wrinkling or mold growth, however, can cause skin irritation as a result.

While it is difficult to be 100% ethical, many companies use fibres that irritate the skin and body. These are usually synthetic fibres. However, natural fibres like cotton can include these chemicals, but don’t irritate the skin as much. Similarly, wool is natural but is not always ethically produced, resulting in harm to animals and workers. Many workers and consumers are exposed to harmful chemicals that are proven to have severe consequences on our health.