Sensitive skin people...Does anyone lead a fragrance free life?

[CrownJewel]

So I just had an allergy patch test done for contact dermatitis. I''m not sure how seriously to take the results. The doc says I should stop buying products with these ingredients in them. Apparently I have a severe allergic reaction to cinnamic aldehyde, which is used in a lot of fragrances, added flavors, toothpaste, detergents, soaps, spices, etc.

Anyway, the doc made a big deal out of buying fragrance and flavor free products. By flavor free, I think he means toothpaste, mouthwash, and lipsticks. However, I don''t have chronic rashes or anything...so I''m not sure I believe this is as serious as he is making it sound. I''m going to get a second opinion...but in preparation, what kinds of products do you buy?

It looks like the FDA does not require anything more specific than "flavor" or "fragrance" or "perfume" in ingredient lists. Since I don''t know if cinnamic aldehyde and the other evil ingredients are in that particular "flavor" or "fragrance" I have to avoid them completely!

Where do you get fragrance free shampoo? And laundry detergent? This is going to be hard!

 

[monarch64]

My mother leads probably a 95% fragrance free life...mine''s probably more like 50%. I use Aquaphor and Moisturel for moisturizing my face. I use ALL (fragrance free) when I wash towels, delicates, socks, jeans, and other things that are next to my skin most of the day. I DO use Bounce scented dryer sheets, though...I haven''t had any issues with those. My mom can''t use anything scented whatsoever so I don''t think she uses dryer sheets.

It seems to be only certain things that bother my skin, most things don''t give me any problems but every so often I try something new and have itchy little rashes, so I just try to be somewhat cautious and avoid switching things much. Mom has ended up in the ER several times though over even slight changes, like a new eyeshadow or something.

There are lots of fragrance free things out on the market now, CJ...the transition will be hard, but once you figure out which FF things you like, you will get into the routine of buying those and it will go more smoothly for you. HTH!

 

[somethingshiny]

I have never had an actual Patch Test, but this is what I've found out over the years.

I have terribly sensitive skin and am allergic to just about everything. I've ended up in the ER from lots of reactions. Even walking through a salon put me in the ER on a Benadryl drip. I had to switch to one that doesn't use Biolage products.

I stick mostly with fragrance free products that I bathe or wash in. I use All Free and Clear detergeant and an unscented dryer sheet)

I can use Caress body wash, Bed Head products, John Frieda (most Pantene, and some Redken products), and some Avon lotions. Other than that I stick to shea butter or cocoa butter (not the stuff that's been added to).

Fragrance free is different from Unscented. Unscented usually means they have added other chemicals to neutralize the originals. Fragrance free means the only smell is of the product itself (cocoa butter SMELLS like cocoa butter, etc)

I can't wear perfumes but I can wear some "body splashes". I can wear Love Spell from Vicky's.

I wear Bare Minerals makeup and some Almay products. I'm very allergic to Maybelline, Mary Kay, Avon and a few other Big names. I can wear Clinique but I don't particularly like the products.

I can only use two kinds of Contact lens solution and one has been removed from the market.

I have to wash all of my clothes before I wear them, so I can never buy Dry Clean Only stuff.

I'm highly allergic to Penicillin and related drugs. My son is on Amoxycillin right now (liquid). He kissed me on the neck after he had taken it and I broke out in hives.


So, while I am allergic to lots of things, I have found a few that I'm good with.

The most important thing for me is introducing one product at a time. A couple years ago I had hives from head to toe (including my lips and nose) for nearly 6 months. I couldn't figure out what it was from and was living on Benadryl (sleepily, I might add) When I had a few days off work, I just rinsed my body and hair (LOTS). Then I added in shampoo (Bed Head was recommended and it worked right away) until I found one that didn't bother my skin (and I used that as body wash too.) Then I found a conditioner, then a body wash. Then I started in on the hair and makeup stuff.


If you're not having particularly bad reactions, you may just want to take his diagnosis with a grain of salt. But, if you're getting rashes at all, I would try to figure out why.


sorry for the novel!

 

[VegasAngel]

Well, fragrance free products are easy to find. You can get Aveeno, Dove or another unscented body wash, use unscented lotions. Paula Begoun sells fragrance free products. There are lots of Free & Clear laundry detergents/fabric softener.

I found this page http://www.orlandoskindoc.com/test.cinnamic%20aldehyde.htm I guess you have to avoid products with cinnamon.?

 

[marcy]

I feel all of your pains. I am allergic to the universe.

I buy fragrence free lotion, use cheer free detergent, free downey and almay makeup. I can only use one brand of contact solution and it bothers me pretty bad during hay fever season. As others recommend introduce only one thing at a time and wait to see if you have problems with it. Also, combinations of things are really hard to figure out. I also have severe food allergies than can give me hives and rashes which just adds to the fun.

Good luck to all of you.

 

[sumbride]

For those who use dryer sheets but shouldn''t, have you tried the dryer balls? They are rubber balls that bounce your laundry around and theoretically do the same thing as the sheets, but without any fragrance or chemicals. We have some, but my DH keeps losing them when he takes the clothes out of the dryer, so I don''t know if the effect is really the same or not. Just thought I''d mention them.

I''m allergic to cayenne pepper, which is in a lot of things, including some foot lotions, but it''s mostly ingesting it that I have to avoid. And it''s not listed on most things as "cayenne" but as "red" pepper. There are tons and tons of red peppers, but only cayenne seems to have an effect on me. Cinnamon is also in a lot of things, so that sounds like it would also be tough to avoid. But you can! There is lots of good advice here. Good luck!

 

[brazen_irish_hussy]

I have skin sensitivity to a certain degree and here are some possible suggestions.

I find men''s deoderant is far less irritating to my skin. It also works better and the stuff I use doesn''t have a strong scent.

You might try facial products from here: http://www.colorescience.com/ which I have had really good luck with.

My mom''s friend had an alleregy like yours that she didn''t take seriously. When she finally did, she had a lot of other problems clear up she didn''t think were related to her skin reactions.

 

[somethingshiny]

I use tennis balls in the dryer when I wash bedding. They knock the fluff back into place and soften the sheets. I don''t use dryer sheets on my undergarments (I hang them to dry), but I do use the sheets on my shirts and pants.

 

[CrownJewel]

Thanks for your replies! I never knew about Free & Clear. Neat! Where do you find those products? I found a website...but I wonder if I can go to any regular store to buy them.

I asked the allergist again today, how seriously do I have to take these results, since I don't have terrible rashes and I certainly have never been to the ER for an allergic reaction (I'm so sorry to hear you guys have!). He said, "well these are the 35 most common allergenic substances, and usually when I do this test, patients have none or one or maybe two positive reactions. You've got FIVE sustained rashes. I would take it very seriously if I were you." I asked him if he really thinks I need to go completely fragrance free...shampoos, detergents, etc...and he said, "Yes, definitely."

It doesn't make sense to me though. My skin problems are SOOOOO mild, compared to other people. I have mild exczema, and mild acne. Those are my only chronic problems. I've used fragranced shampoos and detergents my whole life...but I don't have allergic reactions to them. I wonder, maybe in real life my reactions are so mild that I don't think it's an actual reaction. The allergist said these allergens could indirectly induce acne. I guess it's worth a try.

Oh, it turns out, my fave body lotion is by Aveeno. I checked the ingredients...and it's free and clear! Hooray! One thing I don't have to change.

 

[CrownJewel]

Date: 2/21/2008 11:08:11 PM
Author: brazen_irish_hussy
I have skin sensitivity to a certain degree and here are some possible suggestions.

I find men's deoderant is far less irritating to my skin. It also works better and the stuff I use doesn't have a strong scent.

You might try facial products from here: http://www.colorescience.com/ which I have had really good luck with.

My mom's friend had an alleregy like yours that she didn't take seriously. When she finally did, she had a lot of other problems clear up she didn't think were related to her skin reactions.

THAT is very interesting. Hmmmm... Maybe this explains why I cannot use most facial products and cosmetics.

 

[Jas12]

I have bad allergies as well--i used to just use ''sensitive skin'' products but they still have a bunch of gunk in them. When I became pregnant I decided I wanted to be as toxin free as possible -as a benefit to us both- so i switched to natural toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deordorant and some cosmetics--i found eveything at health food stores and even in the organic sections of big supermarkets--it was easy.
I find the hair products don''t lather as well and make my hair tangle, and the toothpaste tastes awful, and the deordorant is not quite as effective (when i know i will be at a ''sweaty event'' i use regular) but i got used to everything fairly quickly and feel it''s a small price to pay for overall better health.

I''ve also switched to all-natural cleaners (vinegar and tea-tree oil based) as having these products sprayed all over your home can be an issue for some --without even knowing about it.

Don''t confuse things like Aveeno unscented with all natural--there are still plenty of chemicals and irritants in popular brand products--you really have to go to a health foods market or something similar.

Good luck--you''ll feel much better after making the change

 

[VegasAngel]

Date: 2/22/2008 1:32:34 PM
Author: CrownJewel

Date: 2/21/2008 11:08:11 PM
Author: brazen_irish_hussy
I have skin sensitivity to a certain degree and here are some possible suggestions.

I find men''s deoderant is far less irritating to my skin. It also works better and the stuff I use doesn''t have a strong scent.

You might try facial products from here: http://www.colorescience.com/ which I have had really good luck with.

My mom''s friend had an alleregy like yours that she didn''t take seriously. When she finally did, she had a lot of other problems clear up she didn''t think were related to her skin reactions.

THAT is very interesting. Hmmmm...

I think you should give it your best shot when it comes to avoiding the allergen/using fragrance free stuff. Everyone should use fragrance free products. I bet if the people who have chronic dry skin/breakouts/eczema whatever, used fragrance free products & switched from bar soap to an unscented bodywash, lotions etc. they would see a big improvement. I forgot to mention for deodorant there is Crystal Body Deodorant spray/roll-on. I love it, no fragrance & I dont get rashes under my arms anymore.

Reactions vary so much you may not notice a difference until the culprit is eliminated. Body, hair, makeup, laundry products are easy to change I think for me what would be hard to eliminate is the food products that contain cinnamic aldehyde.

I have those dryer balls & they dont do anything for me as far as reducing static. I have never, ever lived in a house with 24/7 365 static-it''s crazy. Plus, I think they are kind of rough on my clothes because of the nodules. I think I will try the tennis balls Like Somethingshiny since I do like that they can help fluff & dry faster.

 

[CrownJewel]

Date: 2/22/2008 1:55:51 PM
Author: VegasAngel

I think you should give it your best shot when it comes to avoiding the allergen/using fragrance free stuff. Everyone should use fragrance free products. I bet if the people who have chronic dry skin/breakouts/eczema whatever, used fragrance free products & switched from bar soap to an unscented bodywash, lotions etc. they would see a big improvement. I forgot to mention for deodorant there is Crystal Body Deodorant spray/roll-on. I love it, no fragrance & I dont get rashes under my arms anymore.

Reactions vary so much you may not notice a difference until the culprit is eliminated. Body, hair, makeup, laundry products are easy to change I think for me what would be hard to eliminate is the food products that contain cinnamic aldehyde.

I have those dryer balls & they dont do anything for me as far as reducing static. I have never, ever lived in a house with 24/7 365 static-it''s crazy. Plus, I think they are kind of rough on my clothes because of the nodules. I think I will try the tennis balls Like Somethingshiny since I do like that they can help fluff & dry faster.

Well, I don''t chew gum or drink soft drinks so that''s easy. But I do use cinnamon in cooking, so I guess I have to stop that. I forgot to ask the doctor if my ingesting an allergen is different from just having it on your skin. I know cinnamon-y, minty things (like those lip plumpers, lip glosses, etc) wreak havoc on my lips but I''ve never had a problem eating cinnamon-y foods.

Thanks for your input Vegas...I''m gonna give it a whirl. I do have chronic dry skin too...but I just thought it was normal. So I just started giving my fragranced products away.

 

[CrownJewel]

Date: 2/22/2008 1:49:15 PM
Author: Jas12
I have bad allergies as well--i used to just use ''sensitive skin'' products but they still have a bunch of gunk in them. When I became pregnant I decided I wanted to be as toxin free as possible -as a benefit to us both- so i switched to natural toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deordorant and some cosmetics--i found eveything at health food stores and even in the organic sections of big supermarkets--it was easy.
I find the hair products don''t lather as well and make my hair tangle, and the toothpaste tastes awful, and the deordorant is not quite as effective (when i know i will be at a ''sweaty event'' i use regular) but i got used to everything fairly quickly and feel it''s a small price to pay for overall better health.

I''ve also switched to all-natural cleaners (vinegar and tea-tree oil based) as having these products sprayed all over your home can be an issue for some --without even knowing about it.

Don''t confuse things like Aveeno unscented with all natural--there are still plenty of chemicals and irritants in popular brand products--you really have to go to a health foods market or something similar.

Good luck--you''ll feel much better after making the change

Good point Jas. And you know what stinks? I was in a health foods store the other day looking for flavor free toothpaste (imagine that) and even all the "natural" toothpastes have mysterious flavors in there. I left emptyhanded!

Cosmetics are hard...almost nothing works on my face. I''ve tried bare escentuals but it made my face sooooooo itchy. I think I''m allergic to mica because there was this Tarte cheek stain that I LOVED. It didn''t have any mica in it when I first started using it. After I used it all up, I bought a new one. I started breaking out but couldn''t figure out why. I was using the EXACT same product, color, etc. I looked at the ingredients again...and it had a new ingredient. It said, "may contain mica." ARGH.

What kind of toothpaste and shampoo do you use?

 

[justlurking]

Hi,

This is the first time I''ve posted on Pricescope but I''ve been reading the forums for a long time. I was motivated to register and respond to your post because I lead a near 100% fragrance free life at this point, as much as I can. I want to say that though it may be difficult at first, you should be able to find and use products that work for you. There are plenty of allergic people out there and the products do exist, sometimes close to home. I personally find the difficulty more the psychological adjustment and figuring out what works. Once you know what works, it''s easy to find products to fit your needs.

Here''s my story: as a young artist I became allergic to the volatile organic solvents used in many artmaking processes. I am also allergic to various antibiotics, etc. I would have trouble breathing at times upon being exposed to these chemicals, and I was also just very very sick for a long period of time before I figured out what was wrong. I have ended up in the hospital from shortness of breath and from severe reactions to the antibiotics that I am allergic to.

Even though I had to avoid solvents (which includes many products such as household cleaners, etc), I still used perfumes until I realized they were bothering me too (most perfumes contain acetone which is a voc, along with other things I should be avoiding). I gradually stopped wearing any perfume, and switched to unscented or fragrance-free products. As I have become increasingly more sensitive to things that have a noticeable scent, I''ve made more of an effort to go completely "natural" and now mostly use products with no scent. My household cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, personal care products are now scent free. I stopped using any kind of hair product other than my fragrance free shampoo and conditioners, and, while I would like to use a little gel now and again, my skin has completely cleared up which is a thrilling turn of events. It actually looks like the beautiful skin I envy on other people.

The reason to take this seriously (and I am not a doctor, this is just my layman''s understanding and I haven''t been to an allergist in a long time) is because reactions can get suddenly worse. I"m not sure if it works this way with topical applications, but in the bee sting or peanut allergy example, one allergic reaction can be mild and the next one can be potentially lethal (anaphylactic shock). I have no idea how this works for fragrance allergy, but I imagine this is why allergists are concerned. While I don''t now feel in any kind of mortal threat from having a solvent allergy, I did have to be rushed to the ER in college for shortness of breath after long term and acute short term exposure to solvents. Now, since I avoid all solvents if possible, I am much less likely to have any sort of reaction that strong, and haven''t since. My body sends me strong signals to stay away, and this includes things like stores where they just cleaned the floor, newly laid carpet (formaldehyde is in most carpet, and the adhesives are no fun either), etc. There are definite challenges to navigating the world because of this but I feel a good sense of control of it now. Your situation might be more like someone I knew who was allergic to corn. Her allergist gave her a list of everything with corn in it (and that is so many things, including dixie cups which are dusted with corn flour). I imagine many packaged foods could be problematic for you, and such a list could be helpful.

Everyone is different, and the products I can use may not work for you. For example, cetaphil face wash is the only face wash I can use but it has parabens and various other chemicals people are sensitive to. I use Tom''s of Maine toothpaste but I bet that has cinnamic aldehyde in it. For me, going to whole foods or the health food store can be a blessing, but it is also a challenge because so many things are scented, even if they are "natural". It''s taken me a little while to narrow down this list. But some of the other things I use may be appropriate for you. Here''s a list:

Shampoo:
Stonybrook Botanicals fragrance-free shampoo
http://www.veganstore.com/body-care/hair-care/stonybrook-shampoo/Page_1/050.html
This one has some extracts that may trouble you, and also parabens. But I like how it works better than the Auroma Shampoo and I can tolerate it. Also use as a body wash.

Conditioner
Auroma Conditioner Base Additive Free
http://www.auroma.com/catalog/BathAndBody/ConditionerBase/
Ironically, this is a base for you to add your own fragrance, but it works for me. Purchased at Merck''s Apothercary.

Face Wash
Cetaphil - can buy in any drugstore

Bar Soap -
Basis Sensitive Skin bar. Can buy in most drugstores. Recommended by a dermatologist.

Laundry Detergent:
Ecos Free and Clear Detergent
http://www.herbalremedies.com/laundry-detergent-sensitive-skin.html
I like this better than Seventh Generation. I buy either at whole foods or a local health food store.

Dish Soap (one of the products that is very scented if you are not careful)
This probably won''t work for you, so I''d research another alternative
http://www.ecover.com/us/en/Products/Dishes/Herbal+Dishwashing+Liquid.htm - it has "plant based fragrance" which I usually avoid but this one doesn''t bother me
this might be a good alternative
http://www.seventhgeneration.com/our_products/free_and_clear/free_clear_dish_liquid.html


Household cleaners:
Seventh Generation Free and Clear Cleaner
http://www.seventhgeneration.com/our_products/free_and_clear/free_clear_all_purpose_cleaner.html
can buy at whole foods
friends of mine now use vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, and salt to clean and there are many recipes online

also, I used to use Bon Ami - here''s a thread on it: http://www.dld123.com/q&a/index.php?cid=2755

Makeup -

I personally can stand a lot of makeup as long as it doesn''t have a noticeable scent. That does phase out a lot of things. I also hate the smell of castor oil which is the basis for a lot of natural lipsticks, and a lot of natural lipsticks still are scented. You may have more of a challenge. I recently ordered a ton of samples from an online store called www.bewellstaywell.com . I was thrilled to find them, and so grateful For most products, you can buy a small sample. They also cover a range of allergies so it is likely they will have products to suit your needs. This is a store particularly designed for people with sensitivities.

I also had a bad reaction to Bare Minerals. After doing some reading, I realized it was because of the Bismuth Oxychloride in it which many are allergic to.

Sorry for the huge essay! I hope some of this is helpful. If these products don''t work for you, they might lead you to stores which sell products that do.

 

[CrownJewel]

Hi Justlurking! Thanks for coming out of lurkdom to post your advice. I''m very very grateful for it. It sounds like you''ve had lots of unfortunate experiences with allergens!

I have actually been searching health food stores for products.
-I am currently using Tom''s of Maine, fennel toothpaste. Everything else is minty or cinnamony or has "flavor" as an ingredient. The allergist also suggested medicated toothpaste.

-Face wash, I''m using Cetaphil, but it dries out my skin. I don''t think I''m allergic to any of its ingredients, so I''m just going to keep using it until I find something better. I''m afraid to use anything containing oil on my face, because I''m afraid it will make me break out.

-Facial moisturizer, I''m using DDF Oil Free ultralight moisturizing dew.

-Shampoo, I bought the Whole Foods brand 360 fragrance free. Lathers well.

-Conditioner is some sort of Baby Super Sensitive product. It''s very expensive!

-Bar soap- Grandpa''s oatmeal soap.

-Laundry detergent, I bought the Seventh generation, but I will also look into Ecos. I haven''t found any fabric softener yet.

-Dish soap, cleaning products are also Seventh generation free&clear.

-Body lotion - Jason''s fragrance free.

Still looking for hair products, like a gel or pomade to keep my baby hairs near my bangs tame. Cosmetics are just too frustrating, so I''m avoiding that altogether. My allergist did give me a list of products that use the 5 evil ingredients. But they weren''t very detailed. For example, the cinnamic aldehyde...it just says something like "fragrances, spices, toothpaste, sunscreen, gum, candy, sweets, ice cream, hyacinth." Which spices exactly?! I can''t live without spices! I love to cook!!

Anyway, thanks again justlurking. I''m glad you''ve been able to find products that work for you! I guess you can no longer paint or continue your art huh? That really stinks.

 

[CrownJewel]

Oh actually I think parabens was part of my allergy test and I did not have a reaction. Hooray!

 

[somethingshiny]

CJ~ I can''t use Cetaphil because of the drying either. I use Purpose by Johnson and Johnson. It''s a liquid that''s soap free and oil free. It does have fragrance, but very little and it hasn''t bothered me. It''s so non-drying, that I don''t NEED to use a moisturizer (although I still do for the SPF)

I also have used Gerber Grins and Giggles oatmeal baby wash for myself.

And, for a hair product, you could try working a small amount of conditioner in and leaving it, or take a bit of your moisturizer and work it through the baby hairs.

Just for info''s sake, I still use TONS of spices. Sometimes I have to wear rubber gloves while preparing food because my hands will break out or swell up, but I still EAT the food and don''t have problems.

Justlurking~ Thanks for the links.

 

[CrownJewel]

Date: 2/27/2008 5:08:21 PM
Author: somethingshiny
CJ~ I can''t use Cetaphil because of the drying either. I use Purpose by Johnson and Johnson. It''s a liquid that''s soap free and oil free. It does have fragrance, but very little and it hasn''t bothered me. It''s so non-drying, that I don''t NEED to use a moisturizer (although I still do for the SPF)

I also have used Gerber Grins and Giggles oatmeal baby wash for myself.

And, for a hair product, you could try working a small amount of conditioner in and leaving it, or take a bit of your moisturizer and work it through the baby hairs.

Just for info''s sake, I still use TONS of spices. Sometimes I have to wear rubber gloves while preparing food because my hands will break out or swell up, but I still EAT the food and don''t have problems.

Justlurking~ Thanks for the links.

SS, I''ve used Purpose also for face wash, and it dries me out more than the Cetaphil...how wonky is that?!!!! I wonder if it is the fragrance? Sigh...it is so frustrating. Sometimes I get all frustrated at the store because it takes so long to decipher the ingredients lists. But I thank you all for sharing your products, it makes the search a LOT easier!

Thanks for the info on using spices. I made chili last night (lots of cumin and chili powder) and I was so paranoid because I felt my lips tingling. But I didn''t get any hives or anything so that was a good sign. And my lips are not peeling any worse than they normally are, so that''s another good sign.

Great tip on the conditioner/moisturizer on my baby hairs. Brilliant actually!

 

[Mara]

oh so sorry to hear this CJ.. i actually prefer fragrance free everything as scents give me a headache, i don''t like perfumes at all or even standing next or near to someone who has a perfume can give me a headache. one of my fave products is the Neutrogena Body Oil which says Fragrance Free but not sure if it has any chemicals in it...the regular one smells like Sesame which i can''t stand.

 

[anchor31]

I mostly do live a fragrance free life. I''ve never tested for allergies, but I have a very sensitive skin and get the worst acne breakouts. I''ve been ok with using fragrance free for sensitive skin line of products from Dove, but it might not work for people with actuall allergies.

 

[somethingshiny]

Date: 2/27/2008 7:50:03 PM
Author: CrownJewel

Date: 2/27/2008 5:08:21 PM



Great tip on the conditioner/moisturizer on my baby hairs. Brilliant actually!

Brilliant? Well, clever maybe, but certainly not brilliant! Namaste

 

[CrownJewel]

Thanks Mara and anchor for your tips. I''m really amazed at how many people try to be fragrance free! I don''t know why, Mara, but I was totally shocked that you are fragrance free. You just never know, huh?

Anchor, it''s frustrating getting breakouts because of sensitive skin. I''ve had problems with clogged pores (ewie!) and mild acne my whole life. The allergist says that the allergies won''t cause acne, but it can irritate the skin and cause the oil glands to work overtime and produce clogged pores. So far I haven''t gotten any better yet, but I''m sure it takes time!

I have noticed that my skin is less itchy from using the Grandpa''s oatmeal soap. Usually if I haven''t had time to moisturize after showering, my body is itchy itchy itchy all day, but the oatmeal soap is amazing! Even without body lotion I''m amazed at how soft my skin is!

SS, hi! I mean...namaste! I haven''t yoga-ed in a week

 

[Fancy605]

I am fragrance free as much as possible too! I have to because of my skin. It is a pain sometimes, but not always.

I use dove unscented sensitive skin body wash, cetaphil lotion and face wash, deodorant that smells as much like soap as possible (nothing breezy or flowery or anything like that--I think mine is called shower something), cheer free laundry detergent, some sort of something free dryer sheets, fragrance free moisturizers, etc. I rarely wear perfume (except on rare occasions just to mix it up once in a while). I mostly just smell like shampoo and body wash (which I don''t think is an all together bad thing). Now I do have one type of candle that I will light that has a light fragrance (teakwood and avocado), but it is nothing flowery or sweet, just soothing. We try to get natural smelling household cleaners (like lemon) as much as possible, but that doesn''t work out all the time. My husband doesn''t care for fragrances either really. He is very sensitive to any smell.

I also keep an air freshener in my classroom at school because goodness knows 8th grade boys can generate quite a stench. But, it has to be something like "clean linen" or something that just smells clean rather than perfume-y.

Honestly, I think there is a fine line between nice smelling fragrances and cheap smelling fragrances. I just don''t like to be anywhere NEAR crossing it for any reason.

 

[anchor31]

Date: 2/29/2008 12:20:01 PM
Author: CrownJewel
Thanks Mara and anchor for your tips. I''m really amazed at how many people try to be fragrance free! I don''t know why, Mara, but I was totally shocked that you are fragrance free. You just never know, huh?

Anchor, it''s frustrating getting breakouts because of sensitive skin. I''ve had problems with clogged pores (ewie!) and mild acne my whole life. The allergist says that the allergies won''t cause acne, but it can irritate the skin and cause the oil glands to work overtime and produce clogged pores. So far I haven''t gotten any better yet, but I''m sure it takes time!

I have noticed that my skin is less itchy from using the Grandpa''s oatmeal soap. Usually if I haven''t had time to moisturize after showering, my body is itchy itchy itchy all day, but the oatmeal soap is amazing! Even without body lotion I''m amazed at how soft my skin is!

SS, hi! I mean...namaste! I haven''t yoga-ed in a week

Yeah, that''s pretty much my problem. Ditto on the "ewie" for clogged pores...

I find it difficult to find products and a routine that keeps my skin balanced and "happy"!