From makeup, stress, hard water, and air pollution to pillowcases… the list of acne triggers is countless. Today, we are adding another trigger to the list: laundry detergent.
It was after I moved into a new place that I started noticing more acne inflammation on my cheeks. At first, I thought it might be caused by my stress and hormonal imbalances. So I adjusted my nutrition, started meditating more regularly, ordered acne spot treatment, bought multivitamins and pre/probiotics supplements. However, after a month, my acne kept coming back.
I started doubting my skincare routine. Am I using the wrong cleansing method for my skin, even though I’m double-cleansing with a gentle cleanser? Am I not exfoliating my skin enough, even though I do it twice a week? Are my pillowcases not clean, even though I wash them frequently? I felt stuck with no solution.
I did some research and asked my friends about it, but I couldn’t gather much helpful information. Until, one of my friends said: “Maybe your skin is reacting to your laundry products. I use white vinegar as a substitute for fabric softener because it has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.”
I was feeling hopeless and would do whatever it takes to solve this issue. So, after I learned about this, I went to a local supermarket right away and got one for myself.
After using white vinegar for my laundry several times, I noticed my acne redness fading and my skin's healing process accelerating.
Does laundry detergent and fabric softener cause acne?
If you have sensitive skin, your laundry products may contribute to your breakouts. Fragrances and chemicals in detergents and fabric softeners are the leading causes of skin irritation, such as contact dermatitis, acne, and eczema.
Almost all laundry products contain toxic chemicals such as sulphates, benzyl alcohol, and phthalates, and even after rinsing, these compounds remain in fabric fibres. Fabric softeners, in particular, apply a thin layer of chemicals to the fabric to make it soft, which contributes to skin irritation.
Common harsh chemicals found in laundry products are…
- Sulphates
- Benzyl alcohol
- Phthalates
- Optical brighteners
- pH adjusters
- Bleaching agents
It is vital to choose laundry products labelled as fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and suited for sensitive skin.
Common skin reactions caused by laundry products are…
- Rashes and redness
- Itchiness
- Dry or flaky skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- A flare-up of your existing skin condition
- Blemishes or acne
If your diet and skincare regimen haven’t changed, but you are noticing these skin reactions, your laundry products are most likely the cause.
Can vinegar help treat acne?
Vinegar contains acetic acid, which helps restore the pH balance of the skin. As we talked about previously in The Dream Letter, the skin’s pH level should stay below 5. However, most skin cleansing products are highly alkalic, with a pH level of 9 to 11, contributing to skin dryness and irritation. Meanwhile, vinegar is mildly acidic with a pH level of 2 to 3. It helps neutralise highly alkaline skin and improve the appearance of the skin.
Vinegar has antimicrobial properties. Acetic acid is especially effective in controlling acne symptoms and tackling the growth of bacteria and fungi.
With its anti-inflammatory properties, vinegar can help soothe skin irritations such as eczema and atopic dermatitis. People with these conditions have higher skin pH levels, which means they are more alkaline. That’s when vinegar will be the superhero in restoring the pH balance while easing the symptoms.
The benefits of using vinegar as a fabric softener are…
- Removes mildew odour
- Dissolves detergent residue
- Softens the fabric
- Hypoallergenic
- Gentle and non-toxic to the skin
Which vinegar to use for laundry?
By now, you learned how vinegar can benefit in maintaining your skin health.
However, one more important question remains: Which vinegar should you use, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar? While both vinegars have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, their benefits as a fabric softener may differ slightly.
Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice and has the subtle aroma of apples. Its pH level is around 3, milder than white vinegar, suitable for more delicate fabrics and clothes. However, this vinegar has an amber colour that can potentially stain.
On the other hand, white vinegar is made from grain-based alcohol and is more acidic than apple cider vinegar. It is suitable for preventing soap residue, tackling stubborn stains and is slightly better at softening clothes than apple cider vinegar.
House cleaning products can be toxic to our skin health. If you have been suffering from rashes, dry skin, blemishes, and acne, why not replace your laundry products with non-toxic and eco-friendly options, such as vinegar?