Do You Live with Psoriasis or Persistent Itchy Skin? It Could Be Your Washing Powder
If you have psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, or chronically itchy skin, your washing powder may not be helping—it could be making things worse over time. Here’s why:
How Laundry Products Can Trigger Skin Flare‑Ups
1. Harsh Surfactants & Chemicals
Many laundry powders contain strong surfactants (like sodium lauryl sulfate), preservatives, dyes, and fragrances. These ingredients can strip your skin’s natural oils and weaken its barrier, increasing drying, irritation, and flare-ups—especially in psoriasis-prone skin (nestingnicely.com).
2. Fragrances, Enzymes & Dyes
Fragrances and artificial brighteners may enhance a detergent's smell or appearance but can irritate sensitive skin. Dermatologists often recommend fragrance-free and enzyme-free formats for people with eczema or psoriasis sensitivities .
3. Repeated Residue Exposure
Laundry residue embedded in clothing can stay in contact with your skin for extended periods, acting as a chronic irritant. Over time, this may cause contact dermatitis or worsen conditions like eczema and psoriasis .
4. Real Stories from the Community
Many people on eczema and psoriasis forums report that switching detergents helped ease flare-ups. One shared:
“I do feel that my clothes have a bad touch … when I started using a fragrance-free sensitive detergent, my skin started doing so much better…” (Reddit, Reddit)
Another found that certain detergents triggered hives and itching—even “hypoallergenic” brands contained known irritants like methylisothiazolinone (Reddit).
Practical Tips to Protect Your Skin
Use fragrance-free, enzyme-free detergents designed for sensitive or reactive skin.
Avoid harsh additives such as SLS, SLES, artificial dyes, optical brighteners, and preservatives.
Run extra rinse cycles to remove as much residue as possible from your fabrics (Green People, Tru Earth AU & NZ).
Patch test a small piece of garment or towel before full use if you’re changing detergents.
Consider using a natural, minimal-ingredient powder or creating your own, free of common irritants like fragrances, enzymes, and synthetic chemicals.
Why Choose Your Home, Naturally Washing Powder?
Our formula is designed to be:
✅ Fragrance‑free and enzyme‑free, minimizing known triggers for psoriatic and eczema‑prone skin.
✅ Plant‑ and mineral‑based, completely biodegradable—safe for your skin and New Zealand waterways.
✅ Effective in both cold and warm water, making your laundry routine gentler, simpler, and more mindful.
If itchy patches or irritations flare up after wearing freshly washed clothes, consider that the culprit could be your washing powder. Making a switch could provide real relief and help support the natural health of your skin.
Regular upkeep is essential for the best performance of your washing machine and to guarantee that your laundry comes out spotless every time. Consider the following practical advice:
Maintain your filters: Consistently inspecting and cleaning the filters in your washing machine is crucial for its efficiency. For top-loading machines, don't forget to take off the agitator and clean underneath with Natural Cleaning Paste at least every six months or as needed. For front loaders, you can find guidance on cleaning your washing machine filters from Consumer NZ.
Washing Machine Deep Clean:
After cleaning filters with your Natural Cleaning Spray or Natural Window Cleaner and removing the agitator to clean (if applicable), run a long, hot empty cycle with:
· 6 TBSP Citric Acid and 6 TBSP Washing Soda Ash for top loaders.
· 3 TBSP Citric Acid and 3 TBSP Washing Soda Ash for front loaders.
This will help dissolve mineral build-up and leave your machine fresh.
By implementing these maintenance practices, you can extend the lifespan of your washing machine and ensure it delivers excellent cleaning results for your clothing.