CORN: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen. Corn Corn is not a common allergen, at least not for the skin. It is so uncommon, in fact, that it is not even a standard inclusion in skin patch test trays. Corn can be a B-cell allergen, however, which is typically a food concern and can be confirmed by a scratch test […]

Could Your Skin’s Patterns Be The Map To Its Cure?

Patterns aren’t just for understanding behavior. Your skin problem’s pattern can be the very roadmap to its solution! Look at your skin. Really look at it. If you observe your acne, rashes, dry patches, and dark splotches as carefully as you would an inkblot test, you might be surprised at how much your skin is telling you about the causes of […]

What Causes Dry Scalp & Dry Hair?

“What do I do for dry hair or dry scalp?” First, we need to understand that the two conditions are different. Dry Scalp Dry scalp — itching, flaking, or both — is frequently an irritation. It could be a chronic contact dermatitis or a reaction to allergens in hair products. Some common culprits include allergen surfactants like “amido-amines” […]

Are Natural Ingredients Really Good For Sensitive Skin?

Yes and no. Yes because natural (or really, organic, which is a regulated term) means less processing. Less processing means less contaminants (like specific chemicals used in growing, storage, or extraction), additives (like flavors, colors, fragrance, or preservatives), or alterations (like bleaching or heating). Because many contaminants, additives, and alterations are common allergens, organic can mean less […]

MONOLAURIN: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen. Monolaurin Coconut-derived monolaurin is not on published lists of common allergens. Monolaurin is found in breastmilk (it helps protects infants from infection) and has several benefits for skin. Monolaurin is a very safe yet effective antimicrobial that can help heal wounds and treat various forms of acne and sweat acne (bacterial and fungal). As an […]

SALT: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen. Salt Salt is not on published lists of common allergens. But be wary of salt that has been bleached or processed, or that has additives that may be allergens. Raw, pure, organic rock salt from the ocean can even be a great skin scrub! If you have acne, rashes, darkening, or dryness […]

CITRIC ACID: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen. Citric Acid Citric acid is commonly used in cosmetics to acidify a product to be closer to the skin’s normal, slightly acidic pH of 4.5-6. Citric acid is so popular in cosmetics partly because it is widely considered to be stable and non-allergenic — it is not on published lists of common allergens. Also, contact dermatitis literature […]

CRYSANTHEMUM, FEVERFEW: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Allergen. Chrysanthemum parthenium (Feverfew): While a favorite ingredient of natural skincare buffs because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) is on published lists of common allergens as part of the Compositae (Asteraceae) group. Of particular concern in this group, and in feverfew, are the flowers, leaves, stems and pollen which contain sesquiterpene lactones. If you patch-tested positive […]

GLUTEN: Allergen or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen. Gluten Food and skin allergies don’t always correlate (different cells are involved) and gluten is not a common skin allergen. While not on published lists of common skin allergens, when ingested, for those sensitive to it, gluten is linked to some nutritional problems which could impact the skin. If you have been diagnosed […]