Synthetic Clothing: A Hidden Risk for Your Skin
When choosing clothing, we often think about comfort, style, or performance. But one crucial aspect is still overlooked far too often: the impact of synthetic fibers and chemical treatments on our skin, the body’s largest protective organ.
With more than 60% of clothing sold worldwide now made from polyester, nylon, or elastane, dermatologists are increasingly warning about the irritating, allergenic, and occlusive effects of these materials. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Synthetic fibers: a non-breathable environment
Unlike natural fibers (cotton, hemp, linen, wool…), synthetic fibers are derived from petrochemicals. Their dense structure traps heat and humidity.
The result:
- excessive sweating,
- bacterial growth,
- faster development of odors,
- repeated irritation.
This “skin occlusion” is one of the main factors leading to breakouts, itching, eczema, or folliculitis.
2. Heavy use of chemicals in the textile industry
Most synthetic garments undergo multiple industrial treatments:
- azo dyes, sometimes irritant or allergenic,
- anti-pilling finishes,
- resin coatings,
- chemical softeners,
- antibacterial treatments,
- flame retardants,
- surface coatings to alter texture or softness.
These substances can remain in the fibers and migrate onto the skin — especially with heat, perspiration, or friction — causing:
- redness,
- dryness,
- hypersensitivity,
- allergic reactions (contact dermatitis),
- disruption of the skin’s microbiome.
People with sensitive skin, atopic tendencies, or athletic lifestyles are even more exposed.
3. The vicious cycle: heat + friction + chemicals
Many people attribute their skin irritations to:
laundry detergent
sweat
minor allergies
But the true cause often lies in the combination of:
- synthetic fibers + heat + chemical residues + lack of breathability
→ a perfect environment for skin inflammation.
- The areas most affected tend to be where clothing fits tightly:
→ neckline, underarms, chest, back, waist, inner arms, thighs.
4. Why natural fibers are better tolerated
Natural fibers offer inherent benefits that synthetic materials can’t replicate:
- natural breathability,
- absence of petrochemical components,
- excellent moisture absorption,
- less bacterial retention,
- high biocompatibility with the skin.
Garments made from cotton, linen, hemp, or wool regulate temperature more effectively and reduce moisture buildup, significantly lowering the risk of irritation.
5. Moving toward healthier and more responsible fashion
As health and environmental awareness increases, new brands including ERVERTE Paris are offering alternatives:
clothing made without polyester or elastane, biodegradable, breathable, and free from harsh chemical treatments.
The objective:
protect your skin
protect the planet
restore natural comfort without compromise
6. Tips to prevent skin irritation
- Avoid tight synthetic clothing.
- Choose natural fibers whenever possible.
- Prioritize brands that are transparent about their manufacturing processes.
- If you have sensitive skin, avoid blended fabrics (cotton + polyester).
Conclusion
Choosing the right textile materials is not just a matter of style — it’s also a matter of skin health. Synthetic fibers, widely used in today’s fashion, can be responsible for subtle yet significant skin issues.
Switching to natural, untreated, skin-friendly fibers is a powerful step toward a healthier and more sustainable wardrobe.