Why Gluten-Free Skincare Could Be Right for You

If you have gluten sensitivity, you are probably very careful with what you eat and drink so you don’t have flare-ups, upset stomach etc. However, many people are asking what benefits gluten-free skincare can provide?

Many people find that cosmetic products made with gluten or gluten derivatives may cause skin irritations, rashes and other problems. With an estimated 3.1 million people in America on gluten-free diets, there’s been an increase of gluten-free foods on supermarket shelves in recent years.

WHY GO GLUTEN-FREE

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye grains. It can negatively affect people in many different ways. The most severe condition is celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder often passed down genetically that can damage the lining in the small intestine. Celiac disease can cause problems with food digestion and may lead to other issues. There is no cure, so the only way to lessen the impact of celiac disease on your health is to go on a gluten-free diet.

It’s estimated that about 3 million Americans have celiac disease, but the vast majority don’t know they have it because it’s easy to misdiagnose. So while people who have a confirmed diagnosis of celiac disease live gluten-free, there are many, many more people who abstain from gluten for another reason: non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This is what I have and why I have founded EpiLynx.

Gluten sensitivity doesn’t harm the small intestine as celiac disease does, but the two have similar symptoms in common: stomach pain and bloating, fatigue, headaches, irregular bowel movements, rashes and more.

BENEFITS OF GLUTEN-FREE SKINCARE

With so many people affected by gluten-related digestive issues, it is only a matter of time for the focus to expand beyond what they eat to what they put on their skin. Generally, gluten or wheat products are used as a moisturizing, binding, filling and hydrating agent in beauty products ranging from shampoo to face cream to foundation. Many people find that gluten-free skincare is a great way to ensure that they live an entirely gluten-free lifestyle, and it may help them avoid many of the painful symptoms that can be triggered by gluten. Also, our skin is the largest organ, so everything you put on the skin will be absorbed into your body.

There are people who say they have experienced rashes, dry patches, acne and other skin irritations with products that contain gluten. That could be, especially for people with celiac disease, because the body’s autoimmune response that damages the small intestine may manifest itself on the skin. In fact, some people with celiac disease suffer from the skin condition dermatitis herpetiformis, a type of rash, if they are exposed to gluten, while certain skin conditions such as eczema may be exacerbated.

People sensitive to gluten may want to use gluten-free skin care products to avoid inadvertently ingesting the protein. For instance, it’s common for lipglosses, lipsticks etc to wind up inside your mouth when you eat or lick your lips. Hand creams can also pose problems if you frequently touch your fingers to your lips. By using gluten-free products, you eliminate the chances of accidental ingestion.

You don’t have to be gluten sensitive to experience the benefits of gluten-free skincare. Some people with sensitive skin, find that natural skincare with fewer toxins and no gluten may reduce irritation or breakouts. Others may not have a problem with gluten but they can develop contact dermatitis if it’s an ingredient in their skincare products. Usually, the adoption of a gluten-free skincare regimen can resolve those issues.

If you’re thinking about transitioning to a gluten-free personal care routine, it can be time-consuming to read the labels on your current products to figure out if they meet the criteria. While the label may not say “gluten” in the ingredient list, if you see wheat, rye, barley or the wheat/rye combination triticale, it’s best to avoid it. It’s much easier to purchase skin care that specifically says it’s gluten-free.

At EpiLynx, we are proud that all of our products are gluten-free, nut-oil free, casein-free, and cruelty-free. All those products are designed by our founder, Dr Liia Ramachandra, PharmD, PhD.

If you think going gluten-free, EpiLynx is the best choice for you and your health, we have a wide range of products for every skin issue. You’ll have the assurance that comes from using skincare with only the best natural ingredients.

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