Moisturizers are meant to protect skin from dryness by replenishing lost moisture, restoring its elasticity and keeping it soft and supple. The best moisturizers are free of mineral oil, are made with plant oils and emollients derived from natural sources, and are often enriched with vitamins and other skin nutrients.
Unfortunately for people who are gluten intolerant, some of those plant extracts in moisturizers can come from wheat, oat and other gluten-containing grains. Hydrolyzed gluten is used as a stabilizer in many creams, lotions and other types of beauty products. While a gluten-containing moisturizer can be very effective for most people, someone with celiac disease or with a sensitivity to gluten will encounter potentially serious reactions on the skin, including:
- Redness
- Irritation
- Inflammation
- Blisters
- Itching
Since moisturizers are immediately absorbed, applying a gluten-containing product to the skin can introduce gluten into the body as effectively as when consuming a food containing gluten. It is essential those with gluten sensitivities find gluten-free moisturizers and other beauty products in order to avoid potential problems.
Removing Gluten From Your Daily Beauty Regime
Studies from 2011 presented at a meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology showed that absorption of gluten through the skin can cause serious issues for those with strong gluten sensitivities, ranging from mild skin irritation to dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), a condition accompanied by rash, redness, itching and inflammation.
It is essential that those suffering from gluten intolerance maintain a gluten-free environment. Shopping for gluten-free moisturizers and other beauty products is key to preventing skin problems caused by exposure to gluten. Luckily many cosmetic manufacturers now offer many gluten-free options. By diligently reading the labels and seeking out products free of wheat, oat and other grains, you can easily avoid these issues.
If you are suffering from strange, unexplained rashes, skin irritation and inflammation, you may have a gluten sensitivity you are not even aware of. Adding gluten-free moisturizers and other products to your shopping list may help you determine whether your skin problems can be traced back to a gluten sensitivity.
