When we buy clothes or search for fabric, very few of us really wonder where it has come from, but perhaps we should. Thinking about how our fabrics were created, as well as whether they are good for us, and the environment should be at the forefront of an eco-conscious individuals mind.
What are natural fibres?
Natural fibres are fabrics that are made from natural raw products. They include cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo, and jute. Fibres from these plants are then spun to create yarns that are made into fabric. What’s great is that natural fibres are grown naturally and are eco-friendly and sustainable. Natural fibres once spun into fabric can then be used as eco cloths, reusable cotton rounds, bamboo flannels, organic washcloths, sustainable makeup removers, reusable nail polish remover pads, reusable baby wipes, reusable sanitary products, organic cotton handkerchiefs, amongst others.
Why are they good for your skin?
The advantage of these natural fabrics is that they are moisture wicking, reusable, eco-friendly, zero waste, plastic free, biodegradable, breathable, durable, naturally repellent to mould and dirt, and even heat responsive. All of these are great benefits if you are using them on your skin, and if you buy organically, they are also free from pesticides and chemicals that can harm and irritate skin. In addition to this, man-made fibres such as viscose, nylon and polyester can cause reactions in sensitive skin causing itching, rashes, and irritation.
Here are some popular natural fabrics that are used in natural skincare and their benefits.
Cotton– Naturally hypoallergenic, cotton has anti-bacterial qualities as well as being super soft. It is gentle on sensitive skin, is incredibly versatile and is breathable and easy to clean. Its softness makes it superb for using to remove makeup with the help of eco friendly, natural makeup removers to wash away dirt from you skin. Cotton can be used to make eco, natural, reusable baby wipes, reusable facial wipes, reusable cotton rounds, organic cotton handkerchiefs and many more eco friendly, reusable wonders.
Linen– Did you know that linen is the oldest fabric known? Derived from the flax plant is is durable, washable, and hypoallergenic. It also dries quickly and is resistant to a lot of use, making it great for use as natural, reusable washcloths and towels.
Bamboo– Natural fibres derived from the bamboo plant can be spun into super soft, durable, and very breathable fabrics. Commonly used in bamboo flannels, reusable nappies and reusable sanitary pads, bamboo is eco and extremely absorbent and is great for combating any smells or breeding of unsavoury bacteria, due to its antibacterial properties. Bamboo can also be used to make sustainable washcloths too! It is also great in reusable baby wipes and can be used to make an eco-friendly nail polish remover such as these reusable nail polish remover pads.
Hemp- Made from the cannabis plant, hemp is very durable and strong as well as being resistant to mould. It also resists bacterial growth and is great for preventing odours so you can find it used in a wide range of different natural skincare and skincare fabric products.
