Since the beginning of March, my skin started to show signs of irritation and itchiness. After 2 different doctor opinions it seems that it's my laundry detergent & fabric softener. How Depressing!! I have a whole shelf of products that will now have to sit there until (hopefully!) the day my skin can take fragrance and dyes again.
I switched to extra moisturizing soaps and gels over the harshly cold winter we had. At the same time, I tried a whole new brand of dryer sheets that I remember being extra-weary of. I also add extra detergent when I don't see enough suds in the washer. The NY Times had a "real eye-opening" article last week on the last issue. I am in the group that does think suds = more cleaning power. I've had to cut that practice ASAP.
Yesterday I was in search of a fragrance & dye-free laundry detergent. The fact that it has its own section at Target makes me think that we're not doing right by our skin. Years of overly harsh formulas must be taking their toll. Or parents are extra OCD about their kids? Probably both. Another find - that most of the Free & Clear formulas smell chemically. What gives? Scientists haven't figured a way around this by now?? Normally I use Cheer, and I thought about going with Cheer's Free & Gentle formula, but I feel like that will be harsh and also it smelled bad. Reviews say the smell disappears in the wash, but I was not buying it- literally or figur
atively. Target was sold out of All's Free & Clear in every possible size. Apparently everyone thinks this is the best one? Or they just had a really good sale on it? It gets high marks in all the sensitive skin formula ratings, so I'll try a trial bottle at some point. I want to know what it smells like. Another favorite of Carrboro-esque sites is Charlie's Soap. It's free of everything and biodegradable, but it came with some warnings of mineral build-up around collars and sleeves.I purchased Purex's free & clear version. I've used Purex before an
d haven't had a bad experience, and it had a pleasant chemical-free smell. So far so good. What I'm missing most is the softness that my liquid fabric softener and dryer sheets added. I know they're a waste and the sheets are bad for the environment, but scratchy towels are bad for my hands. Maybe I'll purchase Bounce's fragrance-free dryer sheets in the future but who knows.