Jennifer Jennings loves the structured look and fresh, clean feel of new clothes. However, these garments don’t seem to “treat” her well. Clothing that has been heavily dyed tends to bleed into her skin as if her skin were a sponge. Almost all newly bought clothes cause her skin to feel hot, turn red, and eventually lead to excessive sweating.
“Regardless of the fabric, I always have an extreme sensitivity reaction to new clothes,” she told The Epoch Times.
Jennings is not alone in this experience, as many people also have reactions to new clothes. However, they may not realize that all types of garments, whether bought online or second-hand, may contain imperceptible irritants like hidden “landmines.”
Dr. Shilpi Khetarpal, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic, told The Epoch Times, “You don’t know the history of a garment—where it has been, what treatments it has gone through, when it was packaged, what was in the packaging, or who has handled it.”
During the production of fabric for clothing, various chemical substances are added. It starts with the cleaning process. Karen Leonas, a professor of textile science at North Carolina State University, explained to The Epoch Times that dirt and sweat on natural fibers like wool and cotton need to be removed.
“It requires a fairly rigorous chemical processing,” she said, “Followed by bleaching and cleaning with surfactants during the yarn and fabric production stages.”
For individuals with highly sensitive skin, the sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide in bleach can damage the skin barrier; fragrances added to detergents can also cause irritation. However, more concerning irritants are often found in the finishing agents. Fabrics usually undergo dyeing and potentially additional chemical treatments for properties such as waterproofing, flame retardancy, antimicrobial finishes, stiffness, wrinkle resistance, or softness. Some chemicals are removed during washing, while others need to remain on the fabric to continue functioning.
One of the worst culprits is formaldehyde resin, which is used for wrinkle resistance in textiles, and its usage has been limited in recent years. Azodyes have been banned in Europe for use in clothing production over their association with dermatitis in populations in contact with or wearing such garments.
An overview in “Current Treatment Options in Allergy” states, “Azodyes are inexpensive, easy to use, and provide a wide range of colors, making them the most commonly used class of dyes. They bind only partially to textile fibers, which may explain their sensitizing potential.”
Flame retardants used in some children’s pajamas are linked to hormone disruption; in animal studies, they are thought to have neurotoxic effects.
Increasing attention is also being paid to the potential hazards of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.” PFAS are used in clothing to enhance stain resistance, thereby extending the garment’s durability.
Leonas noted that the presence of excessive chemical residues on fabrics is not uncommon.
“Many times, they are not thoroughly removed,” she said.
With long supply chains, especially for overseas goods, clothing often passes through many hands before reaching the final shelves for sale. Almost all garments have been stored at some point in warehouses, crowded storage facilities, or production factories, inevitably picking up dirt, bacteria, dust, or mold. Clothes in stores may have been tried on by customers, carelessly thrown on fitting room floors, stepped on, then rehung on racks, or even returned after being worn. Any individual who has come into contact with these garments, whether customers during shopping or various personnel throughout the production and sales process, can transfer microbes to the fabric.
Certain populations are at higher risk of adverse reactions, including infants, toddlers, those living in harsh climatic conditions, and individuals prone to rashes or allergic reactions.
The main issue triggered by the residual chemicals in new clothes is dermatitis, a condition that causes intense itching, redness, and dryness of the skin. Eczema—caused by a combination of genetic factors, overactive immune systems, and weakened skin barrier functions—is a form of dermatitis.
“Sometimes, people don’t understand why their symptoms worsen or conditions deteriorate,” Khetarpal said. She pointed out that even for those prone to skin issues, new clothing is often not initially suspected as the culprit behind skin problems.
If you’re in the habit of wearing new clothes without washing them first, Khetarpal warns against this practice.
“Our skin can become sensitive to substances that were not previously a problem,” she said, “This is because the skin changes over time. As we age, the production of sebum decreases.”
Sebum is an oily waxy substance serving as a barrier covering and protecting the skin. It not only locks in moisture but also defends against harmful bacteria and irritating chemicals, acting as an anti-aging barrier.
Cold weather or climate can also reduce sebum production, weakening the skin’s natural protection throughout the year.
Formaldehyde and dyes are also associated with cancer; however, the potential carcinogenic risks brought by clothing mainly result from the accumulation of other chemicals that you continuously encounter in your daily life.
The solution is simple: whether it’s new clothes, bedsheets, or towels, always wash them before using. This practice not only washes away residual chemicals but also preserves those chemicals that have bonded with the fabric and have long-term effects.
Cold water not only helps in caring for the garment but also enhances the removal of chemical residues with detergent better than hot water alone. Cold water prevents bright colors from fading or bleeding and avoids premature damage to the fabric.
The choice of detergent is more critical than most people think. Avoid using products containing fragrances. Khetarpal pointed out that fragrances are known for stripping skin moisture, weakening the skin barrier function, and making it more prone to adverse reactions.
“We always recommend using fragrance-free or pure ingredient detergents because you don’t want to introduce fragrances or other irritants to the skin,” she said.
She also emphasized choosing dryer sheets that are free of chemical additives.
You can wash clothing inside out to protect embellishments, embroidery, and other decorative patterns from damage. Brightly colored garments should be washed separately to prevent dye transfer to other clothing; however, most other new clothes can be washed with other garments.
Outerwear, sweaters worn over other clothes, and various outer garments, being less likely to directly touch the skin, are usually less harmful to the skin and can be delayed or reduced in the frequency of washing.
As clothing-induced skin reactions continue to rise, Khetarpal suggested the trend likely reflects the widespread use of chemical substances in various industries, as well as the lack of exposure to beneficial bacteria for the immune system.
A healthy skin microbiome serves as the first line of defense against skin reactions. Protect it by using soap and water while avoiding bleach or antibacterial products, as the latter, while clearing harmful microbes, also eliminate beneficial ones. Beneficial skin microbes suppress bacterial overgrowth, thus preventing inflammation and skin damage.
The immune system also plays an “inside-out” role. Having a rich gut microbiome containing beneficial bacteria contributes to preventing dermatitis. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables and avoiding the use of antibiotics (especially in childhood) lowers the risk of dermatitis.
Leonas stated that the good news is the decreasing prevalence of excessive chemical residues in textiles. Advancements in technology enable manufacturers more precise control over chemical usage, reducing waste and costs. Whether this reduction in chemicals would lead to decreased allergic reactions remains to be seen; however, given the considerable number of people affected by textile dye mixtures, these substances have been included in allergy skin patch tests for detection.
“While the control of chemical substances has improved, it doesn’t mean that all products are free of these substances,” she noted. “Washing clothing to reduce possible contact with residual chemicals is always a good idea.”
For Jennings, this lesson has become instinctual for her. Sometimes, if she experiences severe allergic reactions in the fitting room when trying on clothes, even if she loves the garment, she abandons the purchase. She believes that taking these preventive measures is worth it; although her husband and children have never had allergic reactions, she still washes their new clothes before letting them wear them.
“I don’t know exactly what substance is at play, considering there are so many different fabrics involved,” she said. “I’ve just developed the habit of feeling the need to wash everything, even socks.”
Original Article:
Why Washing New Clothes Matters More Than You Think