Love Your Skin with Natural Fibers

The benefits of all-natural fabrics next to your skin

There’s a big wave sweeping through the textile industry right now, and for so many good reasons. Everywhere we look, we see natural fibers like wool, cotton, linen, hemp, and silk getting a lot of much-deserved attention. It’s clear—natural fiber materials are making a big comeback after decades of dominance in the market by synthetics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic.

This is great news for both you and the planet. Unless you’ve already committed to natural fabrics on your body and at home, it can seem like a daunting task. We think the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences, and it can be a process over time instead of all at once. So never fear! Read on to learn more about the benefits natural fibers offer our health, particularly our skin.

Troubleshooting Skin Issues

When something is troubling our skin, it can be a frustrating and mysterious experience. Often, what we see and feel on our skin is the external expression of an internal process, and unraveling the messages our skin is sending us can be difficult.

The truth is, our skin is the largest organ of our body. It acts as a protective barrier, but it is so much more than that, playing a major role in our sensory perception, temperature regulation, and immune defenses. As we’re learning, it’s also host to a universe of bacteria, known as our microbiome, that is key for good health. And the data is still coming in, but recent research is showing that our skin can absorb microplastics, making the choice for natural fibers that much more important. Be sure to check out our post on microplastics.

If you suffer from any of the below list of skin ailments, it’s worth looking into your clothing and bedding to see if switching to natural fibers could benefit you:

Contact dermatitis
Heat rash
Acne & inflamed hair follicles
Skin itchiness (pruritus)
Eczema
Psoriasis
Atopic dermatitis
Chemical sensitivities
Rosacea
Body odor
Bacterial and fungal skin imbalances & infections

Why Your Skin Loves Natural Fabrics

Choosing the right fabrics for clothing and bedding can have a significant impact on your skin’s health and comfort. Natural fiber materials, such as cotton, wool, linen, silk, and hemp, offer a range of benefits that make them superior to synthetic alternatives. Here’s how natural fibers support healthier skin:

Breathability & Moisture Management
Natural fibers allow air to circulate freely, preventing overheating and excess sweating that can lead to irritation and clogged pores. As anyone with a synthetic athletic shirt can attest, synthetics hold on to odor-causing bacteria that never seems to go away. Wool is a master moisture wicker, pulling it away from the skin, keeping you dry and reducing the risk of rashes and breakouts. This is especially important for those who battle fungal imbalances—make sure your underwear is natural!

Hypoallergenic & Gentle on Sensitive Skin
Natural fibers are free from common allergens found in synthetic materials. They are less likely to cause irritation, making them an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin conditions such as eczema or contact dermatitis. When it comes to bedding, natural fibers do not harbor the mites that cause allergies for many people. Make sure to opt for undyed cotton or fabrics dyed with nontoxic dyes. Our friends at Aizome make sheets for skin health—check them out!

Free from Harsh Chemicals & Toxins
Unlike synthetic fabrics, which are often treated with chemical dyes, flame retardants, and other additives, natural fibers in their organic form are free from harmful substances. This reduces the risk of skin irritation and long-term exposure to toxins that may disrupt overall skin health. Not to mention those pesky microplastics…studies show that they are more easily absorbed when we’re hot and sweaty.

Softness & Comfort
Natural fibers conform to the body’s needs and become even softer over time, providing superior comfort. For all the reasons listed here, natural fiber fabrics win in the comfort category, from wool to cotton to silk.

Temperature Regulation
Wool adapts to changing temperatures, helping to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Wool and silk create a breathable microclimate around the skin, preventing excessive sweating or chilling that can lead to discomfort.

Antimicrobial & Odor Resistance
Wool, hemp, and linen naturally resist bacterial growth, reducing odors and keeping skin fresh. This antimicrobial property helps prevent acne and other skin conditions caused by bacteria buildup, making natural fibers an excellent choice for daily wear and nightly sleep.

Eco-Friendly & Skin Health Connection
Sustainable natural fibers, such as organic cotton and responsibly sourced wool, are grown without pesticides or harmful chemicals, making them safer for both the environment and your skin. Usually, the producers growing and raising natural fibers are more conscious of their inputs and impacts upon the land, stewarding wisely. By choosing biodegradable fabrics, you also help reduce plastic pollution from synthetic fabrics that shed microplastics and then languish in landfills. We’ve noticed a connection between the health of humans and the health of the planet—they go hand-in-hand.

Once You Go Natural, You’ll Never Go Back

Switching to natural fiber materials is a simple yet effective way to promote healthier skin and overall well-being. With their breathability, comfort, and chemical-free properties, these fabrics provide a skin-friendly alternative to synthetic textiles, ensuring a more comfortable, sustainable, and beautiful experience. Be sure to check out our all-natural wool mattresses, bedding, and organic cotton linens for every bed in the house.

Interested in more healthy, sustainable information? Check out these Counting Sheep blog posts:

Thanks for your interest in all things natural! Be sure to follow us on Instagram for more healthy living tips, and sign up for our Ewe’s Letter in the form below for special insider-only info. Until next time, sweet dreams!