Could Certain Foods Be Causing Your Itchy Skin?
So, you have dry, itchy skin. You slather on some cream to help with the dryness, but the itching is relentless and the dryness just comes back. What gives? If your skin is prone to itching or is dry and red, inflamed, scaling, or oozing, common symptoms of eczema, then it’s possible food allergies or […]
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 […]
LAVENDER: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Allergen. Lavender A beautiful, gorgeous-smelling, and soothing herb used for centuries, lavender is on published common allergen lists. Eating lavender does not seem to be an issue, but lavender in topically-applied products such as creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, essential oils and the like should be avoided if you have a history of sensitive skin, or if you […]
COCONUT JAM: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen. Coconut Jam The relatively healthier spread coconut jam is not a published common allergen. To make sure you lower the risk of a skin reaction around the mouth or elsewhere, choose pure coconut jam with only coconut sugar and coconut oil or coconut milk as the ingredients. A coconut jam that contains flavors, dyes or other […]
RICE: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen. Rice Rice is not on published common allergen lists. But if you have sensitive skin or have patch tested positive to bleaches and preservatives, white rice should give you pause, as eating rice that contains or was exposed to these substances could result in skin problems around the mouth or elsewhere. Opt for healthier rice […]