Silk Scarves for Sensitive Skin

June 18, 2010

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As anyone will know who suffers from sensitive skin, trying to find clothing and accessories which won’t cause painful or unsightly irritation can be a challenge.  Man-made fabrics themselves result in red, itchy rashes, but the chemicals used in the manufacturing process to color and create the printed designs on mass-produced items can also cause sometimes severe skin reactions.  With a hand painted silk scarf, however, you can enjoy the maximum in comfort and be the envy of women everywhere as you sport a truly unique design.

 

Softer Than Cotton

 

As a natural fabric, cotton is frequently recommended as the material of choice for those with delicate or sensitive skin.  Known for its cooling properties, it helps to reduce the potential for embarrassing and itchy heat rashes, but at the same time it tends to absorb moisture when in close contact with the skin as is commonly the case with scarves.  In addition, it has a somewhat rough texture unless it is of the very thinnest and finest quality, which is not usually used in the production of scarves for women.  Worn around the neck, cotton can chafe against the skin, which is one of the main reasons why silk was traditionally chosen for the manufacture of aviators’ scarves, to stop either the scarf itself or the collar of the aviator jacket from causing discomfort.  The thicker cotton scarves which are sold in most department stores also have the disadvantage of looking and feeling bulky when knotted, whereas silk, which is much finer and softer, will tie neatly for a much more refined and elegant look.

 

Kinder Than Man-Made Fabrics

 

Man-made fabrics such as nylon and polyester can be a nightmare even for those who do not normally suffer from skin conditions.  With a tendency to cause profuse sweating, moisture sits on the skin causing extreme discomfort.  Women’s scarves made from silk, on the other hand, draw moisture away from the skin, keeping the wearer both cool and dry.  When worn around the waist or bust or as a sarong, nylon scarves which become damp will cling to the body – and often in all the wrong places.  Even in the heat, however, silk will continue to drape across the contours of your figure, providing a much more flattering effect.

 

Hand Painted Versus Mass-Produced

 

In the mass-production process, color and design commonly involves the introduction of the use of harsh chemicals, even in the case of some of the designer scarves.  While silk in itself has hypo-allergenic properties, the colors and dyes used to create the fabulous, unique designs are much gentler on the skin too, making for a much more comfortable wearing experience.

 

Softer on Aging Skin

 

The natural process of aging tends to have a drying effect on women’s skin in particular, something which can often cause rougher fabrics to feel uncomfortable.  Being soft and light, however, silk not only feels gentler, but its ability to move easily against the skin means that it does not drag and cause unsightly wrinkling around the neck or other parts of the body.

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