BAKING SODA: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Baking Soda This pantry staple is regularly used in baking as well as lots of household and health needs. It is not a top contact allergen and can be beneficial for the skin. For example, it’s a common remedy to soothe dry skin, insect bites, and “swimmer’s itch” (cercarial dermatitis), and as an alternative to fluoride-free toothpaste […]
KOMBUCHA: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Kombucha In its original, basic form, this powerhouse probiotic made with fermented green or black tea with sugar, bacteria, and yeast is not a top contact allergen. However, be wary of mass produced, pre-packaged kombucha that might also contain artificial flavors (many of which are contact allergens and/or related to fragrance) or food […]
VAPING: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Vaping Smoking isn’t good for your skin, lungs, or anything else. Once touted as the safer alternative, vaping or using e-cigarettes has turned out to be as dangerous, with some additional health risks. For skin in particular, both the e-liquids (or “vape juice”) and vaping device contain several top contact allergens. E-liquids normally contain propylene glycol as […]
EXERCISE MAT: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen Exercise Mat Yoga mats, pilates mats, fitness mats, and rubber mats in gyms are important to keep you safe when working out. But most are made of or contain rubber, which is a top contact allergen. Where you find rubber, you tend to find other allergens like thiuram. Some thicker mats also contain foam, where latex becomes an additional […]
PUPPY: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Puppy Dogs experience contact dermatitis. And some people are allergic to dogs, usually from their dander…but not even their dander, really. The culprit is usually from the animal’s sebaceous glands and saliva, which is then transferred onto its dander during grooming. This allergy isn’t the same as a contact allergy, and pet allergens are not common skin […]
DISINFECTING BLEACH: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen…But A Strong Irritant Disinfecting Bleach The main component of many disinfecting bleaches is sodium hypochlorite, which is not listed as a top contact allergen. However, it is a strong irritant that can cause chemical burns. Many bleaches contain other caustic ingredients which can also burn the skin by destroying its fatty tissue and oils. […]
CHIA SEEDS: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Chia Seeds Eaten raw or added to salads, smoothies, yogurt, or meals, chia seeds are a healthy addition to your diet because they are so rich in calcium, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Neither chia seeds nor their extracts are standard in patch test trays, and (possibly because they are still […]
MELATONIN: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Melatonin While still relatively new to skincare (and an ingredient’s allergenicity is related to how common it is), so far, melatonin does not have case reports of contact allergic reactions. There are already excellent laboratory studies (ex vivo, or outside the living body) on the anti-aging effects of topically applied melatonin (counteracting […]
Allergic Versus Irritant Reaction: Not All Skin Reactions Are The Same
A reaction is a reaction…isn’t it? Yes, in that a skin reaction usually looks and feels “off.” No, in that a skin reaction can be irritant or allergic. Some substances can be irritants but not allergens (such as the iodine on the bottom right of the photo above) or allergens but not irritants (such as the lemongrass essential oil […]