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Gluten Free Skin Care?


NewGFMom

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NewGFMom Contributor

Hi there,

I've seen a lot of requests & questions for and about gluten free skin care products, lotions and shampoos, etc. I read on this website that it is not absorbed through the skin, ie if a child plays with homemade playdough, he should be fine as long as he washes his hands really well before he eats.

Are some people having a regular allergy reaction in addition to the celiac? Or do all celiacs get sick when shampoo or soap contains gluten.

thanks in advance,

Margaret (Mom to a nearly 4-year-old celiac)


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psawyer Proficient

Gluten is not absorbed through the skin. However...

When a child touches something containing gluten, they may very well put their hand or fingers in their mouth without thoroughly washing them first.

Shampoos and other hair care products can get onto the face and be unintentionally ingested through the mouth.

Soap could be a special issue, since if you are trying to wash gluten off your skin, well, using a soap with gluten in it just sounds like trouble waiting to happen.

I handle products that contain gluten frequently in the course of my work. I always wash my hands thoroughly afterwards. I am cognizant of the risk factors, and well aware of what will happen to me if I ingest gluten. A child will not be nearly so aware, and will not be likely to connect the reaction to the cause.

Just my thoughts.

Cherry Tart Apprentice

Gluten in body/hair products can also irritate those who suffer from DH. Often times, there are small lesions that can be inflamed by gluten (for those who are especially sensitive). I have definitely seen a difference in my skin/scalp since I started using gluten-free products ;)

jmd3 Contributor

I have had small cuts on my hand, or elsewhere that would become very strange looking - I went to the doctor, and he mentioned that I was allergic to what I was putting on - "the gluten in the lotion was causing an allergic reaction to my skin/tissues, and not letting it heal" - after I stopped using gluten lotions/soaps/shampoos and my cuts, or boo-boo heal so much better!

mouth Enthusiast
Hi there,

I've seen a lot of requests & questions for and about gluten free skin care products, lotions and shampoos, etc. I read on this website that it is not absorbed through the skin, ie if a child plays with homemade playdough, he should be fine as long as he washes his hands really well before he eats.

Are some people having a regular allergy reaction in addition to the celiac? Or do all celiacs get sick when shampoo or soap contains gluten.

thanks in advance,

Margaret (Mom to a nearly 4-year-old celiac)

Dear Margaret,

They say that you can not get glutinized thru the skin, but think about it, if you put make up on your face, where does it go? It gets absorbed into the skin. My biggest worry is lipstick.. That goes in your MOUTH!!!

Any way, for a good but a little expensive gluten-free skin care you can call Kathy at NuSkin, 757-206-7140 her email is mackeyk@bigplanet.com she will send you a book and a list of all their gluten-free products. I ordered a lipstick for my daughter for a "Formal Party" and one for myself because I liked the color so much. She was great. I had it inside of a week! and the color didn't wear off with the first sip of my hot tea. Good luck.

PS IF YOU GET IN TOUCH WITH HER PLEASE MENTION MY NAME: Lynn

Good luck

Lynn

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    • Scott Adams
      It’s great that you’re taking the time to research products carefully for your son with celiac disease—especially since accidental gluten exposure through skincare can be a real concern for sensitive individuals. Based on the ingredient lists you’ve shared, none of the products appear to contain obvious sources of gluten like wheat, barley, or rye derivatives. Ingredients like glycerin and tocopherols (not listed here but often a concern) can sometimes be derived from wheat, but many manufacturers use plant-based or synthetic sources. SHIELD’s transparency and willingness to share their full ingredient list is a good sign, and their note about not intentionally adding gluten is reassuring. Still, because ingredient sourcing can vary and sensitivities differ from person to person, it’s wise that you’ve reached out to your GI specialist to be sure these products are safe for your son’s specific needs. In the meantime, if you do try any of the products, consider patch-testing them first and watching closely for any signs of skin irritation or reactions. PS - Most people with celiac disease won't react to skin products that may contain gluten, but I still recommend finding gluten-free products.
    • LynnM
      Greetings Trents and Scott. This is the first time I'm posting here so I apologize in advance if I'm not replying properly. My 13 YO was diagnosed at age 5 and once gluten was removed from his diet, he grew 3" in a year, skin became much better and dark circles around his eyes disappeared. Today his numbers were very high and our new dietician discovered his face cream (Clinique dramatically different lotion) contained gluten. My fault for not checking.    His acne really has only just started and he's using OCT gluten-free products but the SHIELD is nothing short of miraculous for my 16 YO son and the 13 YO is eager to start. I will await his dietician's reply or google each ingredient.    I don't want to put him on that Rx as it's not that bad and isn't painful either. Just a boy starting 8th grade and doesn't want bad acne.    When I hear back I will circle back. 
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