Time for a Spring clean? Top 10 tips on how to protect your skin from chemical cleaning products

Spring is finally here! As the warmer weather approaches, we all think about our Spring / Summer wardrobe, and Spring cleaning our home. But did you know that household cleaning products contain a range of chemicals which can be harmful to the skin, especially if we’re using them on a regular basis? Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Daron Seukeran, sk:n’s Group Medical Director, shares his top 10 tips on how to keep your skin safe whilst cleaning.

• Ventilate your space: Throw open a window to ensure fresh air circulates whilst you’re scrubbing away.
• Wear rubber gloves: Reusable rubber gloves are key for avoiding chemicals coming into contact with the skin, but also over exposure from washing up can cause dry skin and irritated skin.
• Always protect – The products to be most careful of include drain and oven cleaners as well as acidic toilet cleaners, as these often include chemicals such as calcium and sodium hydroxide which can cause nasty burns when they come into contact with the skin. Make sure you wear suitable protection.
• Keep Hydrated: It is important to keep the skin hydrated throughout the day. Never underestimate the importance of drinking water, which helps keep your skin smooth, elastic and firm. Hydrate your skin with a good moisturiser. For maximum results do this when you have just got out the shower using sk:n’s all over calming body lotion as your skin will be extra porous.
• Moisturise – Skin tissue will quickly absorb liquids, especially if the skin is already dry and dehydrated which is why it is so important to use gloves and ensure you are regularly using an appropriate moisturiser, such as sk:n Aloe Vera Gel.
• Go Natural – Fresh, sweet-smelling scents can actually be worse for our health by increasing the likelihood of developing eczema, dermatitis and in some extreme cases psoriasis. Look out for natural or organic cleaning products, as these won’t contain chemicals that are typically found in cleaning products. Not only is this better for your health, but also the environment.
• Homemade – Make your own natural, non-toxic cleaning products using ingredients like vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and lemon juice. You can find loads of information online about homemade cleaning products.
• Allergies – Products such as air sprays and scented infusers, as pleasant as they may smell, could cause problems for people who have a fragrance allergy, and they could start to develop facial eczema if exposed to these products.

If you do encounter any issues:

• Wash off the product asap – If you do come into contact with a cleaning product like bleach, it’s important to ensure you wash the product off immediately with lots of clean water and avoid using soap as this may increase irritation to the skin.
• Soothe your skin – If you experience skin damage such as redness, itching and soreness of the area of skin that has come into contact with the cleaning agent, the best way to soothe any red itchy patches of skin is by using a moisturiser, but in more severe cases such as blistering or bleeding, stronger medication may be needed.