Seaweed fiber is incredibly breathable and contains numerous vitamins and minerals, for example, calcium, magnesium and vitamin B3. It also has the capacity to eliminate free radicals and treat skin conditions like psoriasis and acne. This means it is great for people with skin conditions, as well as underwear and sleep wear. 

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Cotton is a great fibre because it is super breathable; it keeps you cool in the summer yet warms you up in the winter. This means it has super moisture-wicking and thermo-regulatory capacities which keeps your skin super comfortable and temperate. Cotton fibers are also incredibly thin, thinner than a strand of hair, which makes it very soft and comfortable against the skin. 

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Viscose is natural fibre made from the pulp of trees, for example eucalyptus, birch and even bamboo. It is a great fabric for sensitive skin as it is extremely breathable and has a silky texture, meaning that it won’t aggravate skin conditions. 

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Linen is made from the flax plant and, like cotton, has great thermo-regulation properties. However, linen is more rigid, giving it an earthier feel. This is because the cellulose fibres are slightly longer and thicker and it can be up to 3x stronger than cotton. It can absorb 20% of moisture before the fabric becomes damp making it a popular choice for summer clothes. The fiber is also hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial. 

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Silk, because of its unique protein structure, is actually hypoallergenic. This is why many people choose to wrap their hair in silk scarves or sleep on silk pillowcases. It is also incredibly soft which makes it ideal to be next to hair as it prevents breakage as it does not tear hair follicles. The protein structure also supports the skin, meaning it won’t pull skin in sleep, which is why people claim it helps to prevent wrinkles. 

 

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In contrast, polyester and synthetic materials do not allow the skin to breathe as they are bad conductors of both heat and sweat. This can lead to odour, irritation and skin infections. 

It is obviously quite hard to avoid every material that is deemed harmful for the skin, but with a little bit of research and planning it is a lot easier to make the choices that will ultimately benefit your body and your wardrobe.