You Can Reduce Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis and Contact Dermatitis

The cosmetic industry tests each product as though it were the only product used on the skin or hair. These safety and allergic reaction studies do not take into consideration that multiple products are used, or consumer ignorance and misuse of these products. Are these products safe? Maybe, if consumers only used only one product only as directed. However, the reality is that consumers use multiple products on a daily basis for personal hygiene (soap, shampoo, conditioner, facial cleanser, lotion, cream, make-up, make-up remover, astringent, toner, perfume, cologne, after-shave, deodorant, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc) and often misuse those products.

There are many dermal irritants that are proven to increase the frequency, severity and duration of eczema, acne, rashes and other symptoms of contact dermatitis. This article references scientific studies so you know what to avoid to reduce acne, eczema and contact dermatitis. All you have to do is avoid the ingredients on this list of common, well-documented dermal allergens and irritants that could be causing or increasing the severity and duration of your skin problems. This is only a partial list, there are many more. However, the following chemicals seem to be causing the majority of allergic reactions in our population.

Sodium laureth sulfate, also labeled sodium laurel ether sulfate, is an inexpensive foaming agent added to increase bubbles in skin care products. Wikipedia has an incredible article showing that the drying action of this inexpensive foaming additive can cause flare-ups or worsen symptoms associated with acne, eczema, psoriasis and chemical sensitivity. A quick search in drugstore.com shows over 900 results for products containing sodium laureth sulfate.

Propylene glycol is an emulsifying agent and surfactant. Emulsifying agents help blend two unblendable substances, such as oil and water. Surfacants lower the surface tension of liquids to allow easier spreading. According to the International Programme on Chemical Safety, propylene glycol is dermally absorbed and has caused at least one known case of cardiopulmonary arrest in an infant being treated for burns. In addition, local irritation and hypersensitivity reactions can occur from the use of products containing propylene glycol. A quick search in drugstore.com shows over 2478 results for products containing propylene glycol.

Cocamidopropyl betaine is a surfactant which lowers the surface tension of liquids to allow easier spreading. A search in PubMed, a division of the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of health show that it is a common contact allergen in shampoo and shower gels. For example, this study appears to show that there is a high incidence of allergic response, "Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is a surfactant, and reports of allergic contact dermatitis to this chemical have been reported in the literature. Although most commonly found in rinse-off products, the chemical nonetheless has been shown to induce allergy." (Cocamidopropyl betaine allergy., Am J Contact Dermat. 2001 Dec;12(4):223-4.) A quick search in drugstore.com shows 789 results for cocamidopropyl betaine.

Triethanolamine is a common emulsifier with a long history as a source of contact dermatitis. According to this study, "Prevalence and sources of sensitization to emulsifiers: a clinical study", "737 patients with suspected cosmetic- or medicament-related contact dermatitis...a total of 54 positive reactions were found, 23 of which were clinically relevant, triethanolamine being the most frequent sensitizer." This would certainly be a contact allergen to avoid for people with sensitive skin. A quick search in drugstore.com shows 914 results for triethanolamine (and 4 for trithanolamine).

Triclosan is a common ingredient in toothpaste, mouthwash, body soaps, shampoo, acne preparations and face care products, and most anti-bacterial soaps and lotions. According to this article in MedScape Today, "Product Allergen Watch", there are reports of contact dermatitis related to products that contain triclosan. A quick search in drugstore.com shows 88 results for triclosan.

For more studies relating to contact allergens in PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, click here: Contact allergens in cosmetics. You might be able to find out what is causing your skin condition problems. Because if you can avoid the causes, you can avoid the problems.

If you have skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, unexplained rashes, or other symptoms of contact dermatitis, the above contact allergens have been shown to make those problems worse. When you avoid the chemicals that could be causing your problems, you may find that your skin conditions are no longer as frequent, severe and sometimes, may simply go away.