Chemical concerns over skincare

Sep 5 2006

Did you know that the average woman uses 12 toiletries every day and applies more than 175 chemical compounds to her body in the process?

A research study involving 1,943 adults reveals that from the minute she wakes in the morning, the average woman uses more than 12 products ranging from a simple shower gel through to anti-ageing creams and tinted moisturizers. Each of these products contains on average 15 chemical compounds.

While each of these products has been tested, experts advise that some of these chemicals could be potentially irritating or could induce allergy, particularly if you are already prone to sensitive skin and conditions such as eczema.

Professor David Gawkrodger, Consultant Dermatologist and a spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation says, "The proportion of population suffering from sensitive skin conditions seems to be gradually increasing. Some of the chemicals in everyday toiletries may trigger irritant reactions or allergy. Reactions are particularly seen in patients with atopic eczema and those with sensitive skin. Most reactions will be to the face or hands, sometimes on the arms and legs.

"European law, thanks to lobbying by European dermatologists, now requires labeling of contents. This is helpful when a patient is shown to be allergic to one or more ingredients."

The research revealed that despite the fact that 1 in 3 women claim to have a sensitive skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, almost 40% of sufferers are NOT currently using toiletries designed specifically for their condition. In fact a third of the women interviewed, admitted that they suffered a reaction such as a rash or swelling from the products they were currently using.

Experts advise that dry sensitive skin and eczema can be relieved by preventing moisture loss from the skin by using a moisturizer and by avoiding irritants in skincare that may trigger dryness and sensitivity.