Why Organic Cotton & Hemp Clothing are better for Allergies and Sensitive Skin

Have you ever felt itchy after wearing a new shirt? It might be a response to chemicals and dyes that are used in the fabric production industry. New apparels are fabricated using various chemicals, such as residual, formaldehyde, and azo dyes, which are prone to provoking skin irritation and allergic reactions. Likewise, there is accelerating exposure to pollutants, with the mixes of chemicals in almost every daily product, and a shift in lifestyle. 

The clothes we wear on a daily basis also have a major role in our skin. Synthetic or microfabrics come with allergic reactions to sensitive skin because of their rough textures, which cause heat and moisture to be trapped in the body. In addition, for the purpose of soothing irritations and sensitiveness, use the garments that are produced from organic cotton and hemp, as they are hypoallergenic, safe, and moisture-wicking. 

Understanding Skin Sensitivity and Allergies 

Sensitive skin is a condition in which the skin becomes reactive or sensitive in response to various factors. It can be because of pollutants, changes in temperature, stress, and toxic chemicals. The symptoms are itchiness, dryness, and tingling. It can cause sensations without showing visible signs of rashes and inflammation. The common skin allergy types include dermatitis, eczema, and hives. 

The reactions can also be triggered by chemical dyes, rough fabrics, pesticides in cotton, and harsh detergents used in clothes. Synthetic materials have a rough surface and contain dizzying chemical fragrances, causing an allergic reaction.In a similar way, opting for fabric such as hemp and organic cotton are best choices as they contain breathable, hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and UV-protection qualities.  

What is Organic Cotton?

Organic cotton is organic compounds that are grown without the use of pesticides, chemicals, or genetically modified seeds. It is produced naturally without toxic chemicals, unlike conventional cotton that are easily available on the market. 

The organic cotton in Australia is grown by following eco-friendly farming practices and methods such as crop rotation, compost, and using useful insects to control bacteria and pests. As organic cotton is grown with natural non-GMO seeds, it requires less water and resources compared to conventional cotton. 

You can also browse Spread Maya’s cotton clothing collection here.

What is Hemp Fabric? 

Hemp fabric is a natural textile produced from the long, durable fiber of the Cannabis sativa plant. Historically, it has been used to create products such as rope, clothes, and garments. The hemp fabric has gained popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic and polystyrene materials. Its materials are stronger up to three times than cotton. 

The hemp items became softer after each wash without losing their original qualities. The porous structure allows for air circulation and efficiently absorbs moisture from your body. It keeps you comfortably cool when it’s hot outside and gives you warmth in the cold season. Hemp has the great ability to fight against bacteria, hops, and allergens; hence, besides resisting mold, mildew, and odors, it also protects against the harmful UV rays. 

Why Organic Cotton & Hemp Are Better for Sensitive Skin

1. Hypoallergenic and Chemical-Free

Organic cotton and hemp are grown naturally with organic fertilizers and their products are built without using harsh chemicals, dyes, or insecticides. It eventually minimizes the danger of skin inflammation and allergic reactions. On the other hand, conventional cotton are developed using lots of chemicals and modified seeds. So, organic cotton and hemp are better for sensitive skin as they are naturally hypoallergenic fibers. 

2. Breathability and Comfort  

The hemp and cotton fibers have soft textures and make you feel at utmost comfort by enabling airflow, managing sweat accumulation, rashes, and infections. The surface of the clothes helps in regulating body temperature and resists the buildup of sweat and bad odor that cause irritation. The soft and gentle texture of hemp and organic cotton is are perfect choice for individuals with eczema or atopic dermatitis by trapping heat and moisture from getting trapped at the skin.

3. Antimicrobial Properties of Hemp 

The hemp has antimicrobial properties that resist mold and mildew, blocks bacterial growth, and prevent microbial growth. Therefore, it maintains freshness and minimize the cause for skin irritation and odors. The study performed by the NIH have suggested that hemp has antibacterial efficacy that can fight against common skin disease-causing bacteria. 

4. Moisture Control

The hemp and organic cotton materials have high absorbent and moisture-wicking properties. This helps to wick away sweat and humidity from the skin and maintain dryness and the growth of dampness that can harm sensitive skin conditions. Moisture control is critical to prevent fungal infections, extreme heat, and infections in sensitive skin.

5. Low-Impact Dyeing Options

The clothes made from hemp and organic cotton are dyed with low-impact dyes. The synthetic fibers contain petrochemicals, formaldehyde, heavy metals, and compounds. This directly harms skin texture and causes inflammation. The natural and plant-based dyes used in the hemp and organic cotton are best for sensitive skin. 

How to Choose the Right Fabric for Sensitive Skin

Check Labels for Certifications

If you suffer from allergies or infections, you need to be cautious when buying any clothing item. You can look out for tags like Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and OEKO-TEX Standard 100. The GOTS-certified products are made from 95% organic fiber. And, OEKO-TEX-certified products are carefully lab tested to identify any harmful substances. 

Avoid Synthetic Fiber Blends

Even a small blend of synthetic fibers can be harmful for individuals who have a sensitive skin type. Opting for clothes that are made from pure sustainable fibers like organic cotton and hemp can be the right choice. These fabrics avoid the risk of skin rashes and help to minimize allergic reactions. 

Consider Weave and Texture

Tight apparels stop the air regulation, causing irritation to the skin. So, when buying a new item, opt for loose clothes that have soft weaves over stiff or rough fabric textures. The loose weaves properly regulate the airflow and the smooth surface provides comfort, reducing friction against the skin and preventing you from chafing. 

Wash Clothes Carefully

The quality of fabric also depends on how you wash it. When washing clothes, use mild, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and dye-free detergents to avoid harmful chemical residues on your clothes. Do not use fabric softeners and harsh chemical washes. You can add a rinse cycle to ensure that all the chemicals are properly washed away.   

If you want to wash your hemp made bags the right ways, you can check this hemp bags washing guide to make you bags long lasting.

Layer Wisely

Directly wearing synthetic fabrics can make you feel itchy and uncomfortable. It is important to layer wisely, wear hemp items against the skin, as these are breathable. The inner layers should be gentle and make us comfortable. Layering synthetic items on top is okay.

Environmental Benefits That Complement Skin Health 

Reduced Chemical Exposure in the Environment

The organic cotton and hemp are grown without using any harmful methods for extracting herbs, killing pests, or fertilizing, so only a very small amount of chemicals gets washed off into the soil and water. The production of these environmentally friendly fibers results in the creation of fewer allergens and irritants. Thus, these reduce toxins in the environment and benefit skin health.

Sustainable Farming Practices

The hemp plant grows with minimal water use, and it doesn’t require pesticides, while organic cotton is produced by avoiding harmful fertilizers and GMOs. Likewise, sustainable farming practices minimize soil degradation and water pollution, building a healthier ecosystem for both humans and wildlife. 

Lower Carbon Footprint 

During the production process of both organic cotton and hemp, they emit fewer greenhouse gases compared to other conventional fabrics such as cotton, synthetic, and polyester. Sustainably, local and environmentally safe methods are used to produce them. Likewise, a cleaner environment has a positive impact on overall wellness, one of which is pollution-related skin irritation and allergies.

Promotes a Circular and Conscious Lifestyle

Through the selection of sustainable fabrics, you are able to introduce and practice environmentally friendly habits like reusing, recycling, and waste reduction. A mindful lifestyle is usually associated with better health for the individual, the use of non-irritating skin products, and clean living conditions. 

Conclusion

People having sensitive skin should preferably use organic cotton and hemp, as they are the best materials. The nature of hemp and cotton gives various properties such as being breathable, soft, hypoallergenic, and chemical-free, which thus makes them the best options for allergy-prone and infection-prone skin. They are not only eco-friendly but also beneficial for skin health. 

The majority of people are quite quick to follow the trends of fast fashion which, in turn, affects their skin health and the environment. However, using organic cotton and hemp clothes will not only be a step towards toxin-free skin but also a support for eco-friendly fashion.  

Make a difference by choosing sustainable clothing. Browse sustainable hemp and organic cotton clothing at SpreadMaya. Feel the difference with these organic fibers.

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