Why What Touches Your Skin Matters

From a young age, I’ve always had sensitive skin. For me, it started with my face — if I used a moisturiser with a strong scent, or tried certain sunscreens, I’d often wake up the next day with a rash. I quickly learnt to stick with gentle, fragrance-free face creams, and that became my norm.

Of course, I still had flare-ups from time to time. I’d try something new and instantly regret it. In more recent years, though, I’ve noticed that my body, not just my face, has become dry and itchy — especially after wearing synthetic fabrics for long periods.

As someone who enjoys regular exercise, I find myself in activewear most days. Sports bras, leggings, and performance tops are usually made from synthetics like polyester and nylon — fabrics chosen for their stretch, durability, and moisture-wicking properties. And to be fair, it’s hard to imagine doing yoga in jeans. But I’ve come to notice that the longer I wear these synthetic clothes, the itchier my skin becomes. So now, I try to get changed as soon as I can after exercising.

It took me a while to connect the dots. At first, I wondered if it was just in my head. But the more I’ve paid attention, the more I’ve noticed a clear pattern: my skin simply feels better when I wear natural fibres like cotton and linen.

So I started asking questions. Is it the synthetic fabric itself? Is it the fact that these materials are essentially plastic, sitting against our skin? Or is it the chemical dyes used to colour them?

What the research says

It turns out, there’s evidence to support what many of us with sensitive skin have long suspected.

Synthetics are not inherently breathable — they trap heat and moisture, which can create the perfect environment for irritation, especially for those with eczema, dermatitis, or general skin sensitivities. Even worse, the dyes and finishes used in textile processing can contain a cocktail of chemicals, including heavy metals like lead and chromium, which are known to cause allergic reactions and disrupt hormonal function 1.

Many synthetic clothes are also treated with substances like formaldehyde (used to prevent wrinkles), flame retardants, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to make them stain- or water-resistant. These so-called “forever chemicals” don’t easily break down and are increasingly being found in the human body 2. And yes — research shows that sweating increases skin permeability, meaning we’re more likely to absorb whatever is on our clothes when we exercise or in hot weather.

Skin absorbs what we put on it

Our skin is our largest organ. It protects us, but it also absorbs what we put on it — and what we put against it. And unlike food, which is filtered by our digestive system, what we absorb through our skin enters our bloodstream without any of those natural defences.

Over time, the chemicals we’re exposed to can build up in the body. As women, we’re already dealing with countless exposures — skincare, hair dyes, makeup, nail polish, deodorants, perfumes, even car air fresheners. We can’t eliminate all of them, but reducing what we can is a step in the right direction.

What I’ve changed

I've made a conscious switch to wearing more natural fibres. Linen and cotton are my everyday go-tos — they breathe, they feel good, and my skin thanks me for it. I’ve also started wearing cotton underwear, which has made a noticeable difference.

Bras are a bit more tricky — most still contain synthetics due to the need for stretch and support — but I’ve found some beautiful Aussie brands offering better options:

• The Great Undressed – Simple, soft organic cotton basics, made in Australia.
  thegreatundressed.com
• Eco Intimates – Lingerie and sleepwear made from organic cotton with a focus on comfort and sustainability.
  ecointimates.com.au
• Underwear for Humanity – A thoughtful brand offering affordable organic cotton underwear, ethically made.
  underwearforhumanity.com.au

Final thoughts

I’m not a scientist, and I don’t have all the answers. But I do trust how my body feels — and when it comes to what touches your skin, I believe that feeling matters.

If you’re someone with sensitive skin, or even if you just want to reduce your exposure to everyday chemicals, choosing natural fibres is a great place to start. You don’t have to overhaul your wardrobe overnight. Just start where you are — and pay attention to how you feel.

Because what touches your skin does matter. And your body will tell you, if you listen.