Skin Allergies: skin friendly detergents, toiletries etc

terra_ferma

Hello
I would like to know what products people use when someone in their family have an allergy.
This is a bit of a problem for me because my daughter has a skin allergy which means that I can't buy cheap detergent, toiletries etc.

This is what I buy:

Ecover liquid detergent (reluctant to change this because since I've been using it clothes no longer become discoloured, even blacks stay properly black, so clothes last longer and look nicer!).

Softener: Comfort Naturals or Pure only (no experimenting here as laundry stuff, together with hand soap and washing up liquid were the first triggers identified, causing a lot of problems). May stop using them altogether when I wash her stuff as she seems to have some problems at the moment.
Bounce dryer sheets: currently using them, but may stop

Surcare washing up liquid (Ecover sometimes, but Surcare is better for her hands)

Any sensitive hand-washing liquid (except Lidl because sensitive it ain't!). May swap to Ecover washing up liquid, smells nice, kind on hands, cheaper!

Any perfume-free vegetable soap (Tesco a favourite, she likes the size)

Simple facewash

Face creams: usually any, but recently Garnier Soft Sensitive because of a recent bad rash to her face, probably due to Tresemme colour revitalising shampoo.

Hand cream: occasionally Neutrogena perfume free.

Shower gel: any good quality, so far no problems.

Facial Wipes: Lidl baby sensitive are the best she has found, even compared to leading brands proper facial wipes (often the material is a bit rough).

Deodorant: Bionsen Aluminium Free. can't use antiperspirants much, sensitive are the same as the others because of the harsh chemicals/minerals used.

Lady's wash: Femfresh (don't ask, even there!).

Can anybody suggest anything else, based on skin-friendliness or cost?
(she hasn't got time or interest for home-made recipes)

Does anyone use Bounce sheets? Can they cause problems?

MsRed1

What about soap nuts for your laundry?

I use a magno-ball and sometimes don't need to use fabric softener:
http://www.yourtomorrow.co.uk/product/28/magno-ball_water_softener_washing_machine_magno_ball.php

Indie_Kid

I use aqueous cream to wash instead of shower gel.

terra_ferma

MsRed1 wrote: »

What about soap nuts for your laundry?

I use a magno-ball and sometimes don't need to use fabric softener:
http://www.yourtomorrow.co.uk/product/28/magno-ball_water_softener_washing_machine_magno_ball.php

I have not been keen to experiment with laundry, but the nuts look very interesting! May give it a go!

nikki2804

I know you say she doesn't have the time or interest in home remedies but skin care wise the oil cleansing method is the most gentle I have found. Don't even need a moisturiser afterwards.

I have really sensitive skin that reacts to a lot of things and I find the OCM the only thing not to irritate my face.

thevicster

Dead Sea Spa Magik products are supposed to be good for sensitive skin?

terra_ferma

nikki2804 wrote: »

I know you say she doesn't have the time or interest in home remedies but skin care wise the oil cleansing method is the most gentle I have found. Don't even need a moisturiser afterwards.

I have really sensitive skin that reacts to a lot of things and I find the OCM the only thing not to irritate my face.

Sounds interesting. What oil do you use?
A few weeks ago she resorted to using olive oil cleanser/moisturiser (the only natural, organic product we could think of at the time) because she did not dare use any creams, her face was so bad.
Is olive oil suitable for OCM?

jewelly

I have had skin allergies since I was a child. I recommend keeping things simple at first until the symptoms have gone or are significantly reduced. Then introduce a new thing (if you have to) and monitor it for a week before deciding if it is 'safe'. Avoid anything containing alcohol or perfume in the ingredients as these are often the culprits.

Simple basics
Non-biological washing powder
No fabric conditioner (maybe try later)
No Bounce
Simple or Tesco (cheaper) facewash/wipes for sensitive skin
Aqueuos cream for moisturising (only about £2 for a 500ml tub at any pharmacy)
Aqueous cream instead of shower gel - turns to liquid soap when water is added
Aqueous (again!) for hand cream
ALWAYS use rubber gloves for washing up or when using cleaning chemicals

I do think a lot of products people use nowadays are largely unnecessary. We all like the nice smells they give, but sometimes (as an allergy sufferer) it's enough just to have clean skin and avoid the itchy rashes!

If she finds the aqueous cream too greasy for her face, try Simple. I actually use Oil of Olay as it seems to suit my skin. Always go for hypo-allergenic or sensitive skin products.

I hope you find products that suit your daughter. You may want to ask the GP to refer you to get a proper skin test to ascertain exactly what you daughter is allergic to.

Good luck.

3plus1

terra_ferma wrote: »

my daughter has a skin allergy

To what?

Without knowing what your daughter is allergic to, it's impossible to make any recommendations. Cheap products and expensive products contain a lot of the same harsh chemicals - unless you know what it is you need to avoid, you may well be wasting your money trying what is perceived to be a better brand.

If you don't know what it is your daughter is allergic to, one of you (not sure how old she is, so whether she sees her GP on her own) needs to ask for allergy testing. It's free on the NHS.

Lobell

I have extremely sensitive/reactive skin and I can't use the majority of products recommended already on this thread. But as 3plus1 has so correcly pointed out, it's impossible to make recommendations without knowing what she is allergic to.

For instance, I do think Aqueous cream is great as a body wash but find it worse than useless as a moisturiser. I've also never had any joy with Simple products...they either do nothing or make the problem worse.

It's very much trial and error with sensitive skin unless you can pinpoint the triggers. The usual allergy tests are pointless for me as I can suddenly develop sensitivity to something that have used successfully for a long time but they may be a starting point for your daughter, if she hasn't had them already. Her GP should be able to make the appropriate referral for her.

xxvickixx

I use white vinegar instead of Fabric softener,there is a huge thread over on Old Style.