Effects of softened and unsoftened fabrics on sensitive skin

The effects of softened fabrics on the skin were evaluated by a forearm wet and dry test, under conditions simulating real-life skin contact with fabrics. 15 volunteers with sensitive skin according to dermatological assessment and their own recognition entered a double-blind 12 day, 3 sessions per day, forearm wetting and drying test, using cotton fabrics washed with a powder detergent and softened or not with a liquid fabric conditioner. To simulate conditions of skin damage, a dilute solution of sodium lauryl sulfate was applied under patch to the forearm before the start of the study. Skin effects were evaluated by visual grading (redness, dryness and smoothness), by noninvasive skin stripping and measuring of Chroma C* (squamometry), and by instrumental measurements (capacitance, transepidermal water loss, and colorimetry). Both the unsoftened and softened fabrics induced no deleterious effects on control or previously irritated skin. Furthermore, a mild beneficial effect was observed with the softened fabrics, particularly on previously irritated skin. The study findings suggest that softened fabrics may exert a reduced frictional effect on the skin.