Lets talk MI and Cleansing your skin

What is MI?

Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is a preservative used in baby wipes and other personal products, which is currently causing an appreciable number of cases of allergic contact dermatitis, an itchy skin rash. Preservatives like MI are needed in moist wipes to prevent bacterial contamination.

Where is MI found?

MI may be found in a range of cosmetic and personal products including:

• Disposable wet wipes including baby wipes and make-up removal wipes
• Shampoos and conditioners
• Body washes and hand cleaners
• Moisturisers
• Sunscreens
• Deodorants
• Who is affected?

Interestingly it is the parents, carers, and people who use baby wipes or makeup removal wipes. It has been found that these wipes tend to cause hand dermatitis, caused by allergic contact dermatitis to MI. Maternal and Child Health Nurses and medical practitioners, as well as parents of babies and young children, should be aware of the potential for allergic contact dermatitis to develop to MI from baby wipes. SO if you a mum or use these wipes please become aware and use these wipes with care. It can also cause a propensity to develop very mild acne, so all you young people out there whilst this is an easy option it’s a dicey option too.

What are the symptoms?

• An itchy red rash on the hands and fingers (similar appearance to eczema).
• Open pores

What options do I have?

It is best to invest in a good ph balanced cleanser. The best cleansers are usually cosmeceutical brands. These cleansers can be more expensive than your chemist or department store cleanser but are worth every cent in the long run. They are ph balanced and made to pick up the smallest dust particle. It is wise to mix your cleanser with 2 parts water and then cleanse your face with a cleansing brush. Brushes are not expensive but can range from $2 to $ 350. So take your pick.

To check that you are not prone to this type of dermatitis allergy please read the ingredients of the wipes you use. Wipes were made for a quick cleanse whilst traveling or for the quick face wash emergency. Today people have turned to it as a fast cheap and cheerful way to take their make-up off before they put on another layer of makeup for the next day to night makeup change.

As you can imagine this will leave behind a residue on the face and then with the long night and add sweat and sebum to the party , we have residues of the wipes and make up compacting the skin making sure the haven for surface pollution and bacteria is ensured. We then go home after a late night use the wipes again, apply our nominated face creams and hey presto a combination of bacteria and face cream. This is not what the doctor advises.

This principle applies to gym uses too. The wipes were made for short quick use for hands and not for removing makeup day in and day out.

This practice does cause open-pore which may lead to grade one acne. SO my friends cleanse with care and use the wipes for the hands and occasionally if you have too.

Where can I get help to find the right …(do me no Harm) Cleanser Moisturiser and Sunscreen?

Come and speak to us. We offer a free Skin Analysis and General skin Consult.

We can guide you with your skincare regime and advise you on the best way to cleanse your face and choose the best skincare for your long term skin wellness.

We would love to speak to you and help you get on your road to the best skin you can have. We specialize in skin and cosmetic procedures and our cosmetic medical doctor has a wealth of skin knowledge and experience.

Visit theDoc.com.au or call us on 03 90216022