Normally this article would be paid, but MATE the Label generously sponsored this article so we can bring you this important information. And, until 12/4, all organic intimate styles are 30% off.
When I talk to people about how our clothes can contaminate us, I’m often asked if they should go through their closets, throw everything away, and start over. No, you don’t have to. (If you can afford it.)
Instead, if you’re concerned about harmful fashion and health, start by replacing the basics. That means intimate clothing such as underwear and bras.
There are several good reasons why it’s so important to make sure your underwear is made of natural fibers and non-toxic.
1. You want to keep your vaginal microbiome healthy
It turns out that having a balanced microbiome is extremely important for vaginal health. Studies have linked an unhealthy vaginal microbiome to an increase in sexually transmitted infections, infertility, and premature birth. And did you know that a healthy vagina has a proper pH balance? It’s beneficial bacteria that create acidic conditions that protect you from infections.
The vagina is very good at taking care of itself and rebalancing its microbiome and pH after some disruption. However, this is not the case when wrapped in plastic, such as polyester or nylon. These synthetic materials trap heat and moisture (from healthy vaginal secretions and sweat), creating a damp, dark environment that can lead to yeast infections and even bacterial vaginosis.
In fact, nearly all cases of toxic shock syndrome involve tampons that contain some degree of synthetic substances.
Therefore, experts agree that cotton is the best material for underwear, especially shorts for everyday use. Of course, having a cotton gusset inside synthetic panties is better than direct contact with synthetic fabrics, but it still doesn’t allow for air flow and drying.
MATE the Label never uses polyester, nylon or polyamide in our underwear. Instead, the GOTS Certified Organic Comfort Collection is made with 95% certified organic cotton, 5% stretch elastane, and non-toxic dyes. Elastane is needed to make underwear stretchy, but he hopes bio-based alternatives will emerge soon. (By the way, the Intimates Collection is currently 30% off.)
In fact, some gynecologists recommend saving lace underwear for special occasions when they’ll come off quickly. But don’t worry. Research shows that cotton laces are perfectly fine.
2. Because the area under the skin is highly absorbent.
Scientists have long known that the vagina and vulva are more sensitive than normal skin and are particularly absorbent of hormones and antibacterial substances.
At the same time, synthetic materials are more likely than natural materials to contain harmful and allergenic substances, particularly BPA, an endocrine disruptor linked to fertility problems and birth defects. Sports bras made from polyester and spandex have been found to contain levels of BPA that are 22 times higher than California safety standards. Do not place this near the delicate skin of your vulva or vagina.
Even if you buy cotton underwear, it doesn’t mean you can buy just any brand. MATE The Label endorses a strict list of restricted substances to ensure that carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and other toxins are not present near your body.
3. Because synthetic fibers can cause stiffness and backlashes.
Synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon are always dyed with disperse dyes. Dermatologists also know that certain disperse dyes, such as Blue 106 and 124, are common skin sensitizers and can cause rashes and hives. For example, if you go to a dermatologist with persistent skin problems, the skin patch test will include disperse dyes. One European study of people who underwent dermatological patch testing found that almost 7% of those tested had a disperse dye allergy.
But these two colors are not the only ones. Researchers at Duke University purified and cataloged 12 azo disperse dyes and found that all 12 can cause skin allergies. Also, the more azo disperse dye in the fabric, the more likely it is to react.
In 2018, the French Agency for Food, Environment and Occupational Safety and Health (ANSES) conducted a biomedical study linking skin reactions in 50 patients to specific chemicals in clothing. Based on these results, the government called for a ban on disperse dyes in 2022.
This is not underwear or a bra that is pressed tightly against your skin 24 hours a day.
Dyes used on cotton and other natural fibers, on the other hand, are much less likely to cause skin problems. MATE the Label uses only GOTS certified organic cotton and non-toxic dyes, so your skin will always feel good. If you want to really nourish and purify your sensitive skin, you can get unbleached white underwear.
Check out MATE at www.matethelabel.com.
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