Gluten-free skincare products have become increasingly popular in recent years. Besides being produced without gluten, these products are typically manufactured in contaminant-free facilities. Let’s explore who these products are made for and if people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities should use gluten-free skincare exclusively.
Can Gluten From Skincare Products Cause an Allergic Reaction?
Gluten protein found in wheat, oats, rye, barley, and other grains is a relatively common ingredient in topical skincare products.
This gluten can’t be absorbed through the skin since the particles are too big to enter the bloodstream. As a result, simply applying a product containing gluten on your skin won’t cause a typical systemic celiac reaction, such as nausea, stomach pain, and intestinal cramping.
However, if you accidentally swallow a little amount of a gluten-filled product, a reaction will likely ensue. This accidental ingestion can happen easily while putting on Chapstick or touching your lips after applying hand cream.
For this reason, people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities should use gluten-free skincare, especially when it comes to the area around their mouth.
Should Only People With Gluten Sensitivities Use Gluten-Free Skincare?
Even if you aren’t sensitive to gluten, using gluten-free skincare has certain benefits. For one, people with sensitive skin or eczema can use these products to reduce redness, breakouts, and irritation since they contain anti-inflammatory properties. Also, gluten-free products improve skin’s youthful appearance thanks to their antioxidant-rich formula.
What to Do if You Accidentally Ingest Gluten From Skincare
If you have a gastrointestinal reaction to gluten from a skincare product, try flushing out your system by drinking lots of water. In case of a rash, wash off the product and use over-the-counter pain relief to soothe the symptoms. A warm bath and a cool compress can also help. If the symptoms persist, visit your dermatologist.
