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Many comfortable and beautiful clothes are made from synthetic materials that can be dangerous for the skin and health in general. We will tell you how to replace them.
1. Polyester
It is one of the most popular and commonly used synthetic fabrics. Although it can be made in combination with natural fibers like cotton. Clothes made from such fabric are less wrinkled and more durable, but its effect on our health is still less beneficial than things made of pure cotton. It is difficult for the skin to breathe under polyester clothing, and an increase in body temperature leads to the release of chemical components from the fabric, which are subsequently absorbed by the skin. It can cause a number of problems and irritation such as rashes, redness, itching, eczema, and dermatitis. Therefore, it is best to avoid polyester in close-to-body clothing and bedding.
2. Viscose
This fabric is made chemically from cellulose. The material is cheap, but harmful – both for the environment and for human health. Viscose can release toxic substances that cause nausea, headache, vomiting, and insomnia. And it harms the environment not only in the production process, but also during processing: the fabric decomposes naturally for a very long time, and it is extremely rarely processed.
3. Nylon
Nylon is used to make socks, tights, underwear and many other everyday clothes. It is durable and inexpensive to make, which is what makes nylon so popular. However, it is best not to wear it on bare skin. Nylon clothing does not absorb sweat, so foot odor, for example, can be mind blowing. In addition, constant humidity contributes to the development of infections, so no gynecologist will advise you to wear anything other than cotton or silk. And during the production process, the fabric is lightened or dyed with various chemicals that can cause skin irritation or allergies.
4. Acrylic
Acrylic fabrics are made from acrylonitrile, which is a carcinogen and mutagen. Contact with this substance can cause problems such as dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, etc. Wearing acrylic clothing, you risk that some of the acrylonitrile will be absorbed by your skin, warns Bright Side.
5. Spandex, Lycra and Elastane
These fabrics are very stretchable, which is why a lot of tight clothing is sewn from them: leggings, T-shirts, shapewear, bikinis, etc. Like other synthetic fabrics, they are made from chemicals such as polyurethane, which is also considered a carcinogen. Prolonged contact with these tissues can cause skin irritation such as dermatitis.
How to replace harmful tissue
Cotton: it breathes, absorbs sweat from the skin, protects from heat in summer and cold in winter, it is durable and hypoallergenic. Cotton will bring maximum comfort to your skin.
Wool: natural material that regulates temperature and humidity and does not lose shape over time. It is soft, lightweight and provides natural UV protection.
Cashmere: very expensive and valuable material. No harsh chemicals are used to achieve a silky smooth surface.
Silk: in addition to its luxurious texture, this fabric has many beneficial properties. It can slow down aging, relieve eczema and asthma, avoid allergies and improve sleep.
Bamboo: an interesting alternative to traditional natural fabrics. Bamboo fabrics are as soft and silky, yet hypoallergenic, thermoregulatory and breathable. They are able to absorb moisture from the skin even better than cotton, and protect from ultraviolet radiation, like wool.
Linen: very comfortable and durable material. It is suitable for all seasons and is easy to care for. Linen is also hypoallergenic and allows the skin to breathe easily.