Articles
Plain-language explainers on the ideas behind the claims the panel reviews: what the words on a label mean, how skin works, and what the evidence says. No product names, just the concepts.
Rough “chicken skin” in kids and teens: what parents should know
Why so many children and teens get keratosis pilaris, its link to eczema and dry skin, why it isn’t harmful or catching, a gentle routine that helps, what to avoid, and when to see a doctor.
Who should choose fragrance-free products (and who doesn’t need to)?
Eczema, sensitive skin, babies, hand dermatitis and known fragrance allergy are the clearest reasons to go fragrance-free. What Canadian and US dermatology groups advise.
Shea butter: a rich emollient and the nut-allergy question
What shea butter is made of, what studies show for dry skin and eczema, why refined shea butter is considered low-risk for people with nut allergies, and how quality varies.
Who checks skin care claims in Canada?
How Health Canada, the Competition Bureau and Ad Standards share the checking of skin care claims, why cosmetics and drugs follow different rules, what a label can’t say.
Hypoallergenic & sensitive skin
“Gentle on skin”: what actually makes a product gentle
Gentle is formulation, not a feeling: pH close to the skin’s, milder surfactants, no fragrance or dye, fewer ingredients. How labs measure it, for cleansers and laundry alike.
Zinc oxide: sunscreen filter and diaper-rash protector
Why zinc oxide shows up in both diaper creams and mineral sunscreens, what Health Canada allows in each, whether nano zinc oxide is safe, and why some formulas leave a white cast.
Heat rash (miliaria): tiny bumps from blocked sweat
Why babies get heat rash, what the tiny bumps or blisters look like, how to cool the skin and dress your baby to prevent it, and which signs mean it’s time to call a doctor.
Peptides in skin care: small proteins, big promises
What peptides are, the three types found in creams (signal, carrier, neurotransmitter-inhibiting), why getting them into skin is hard, and what trials really show.
Washing wool and delicates without irritating your skin
Why wool itches (hint: it’s rarely allergy), how to wash wool, silk and delicates gently, why enzyme detergents damage protein fibres, and how to keep wash residue off sensitive skin.
Itchy scalp: the usual suspects and how to tell them apart
An itchy scalp can come from dandruff, dryness, product residue, a hair-dye allergy, psoriasis or lice. Here are the clues for each one and what to do next.
Swimming with eczema: chlorine, lakes and after-swim care
Can kids with eczema swim? What chlorine does to eczema-prone skin, how to protect it before and after the pool or lake, and when it’s better to sit a swim out.
Cotton, bamboo and plant-based fibres in diapers and wipes
What each layer of a disposable diaper is made of, where cotton or viscose fits in, what the absorbent polymer does, and what “plant-based” changes for your baby’s skin.
Does cold-water washing get clothes clean (and is it better for skin)?
How cold-water detergents work, what cold washing saves in energy and fabric wear, when heat still matters, and whether any of it makes a difference to your skin.
Lotion, cream, ointment or gel: choosing the right texture
How lotions, creams, ointments and gels differ, what a large trial found when it compared all four, and which texture suits which body area, season and time of day.
Scalp care for textured, curly and coily hair
How often to wash curly and coily hair, how to treat dandruff without drying your hair, what scalp oils can and can’t do, and how to spot hair loss from tight styles early.
“Clean”, “natural”, “green”: marketing words vs what the science says
None of “clean”, “natural” or “green” is defined in law. Learn why natural ingredients can be allergens, why synthetic ones can be safe, and how to read past the words.
Who checks cosmetics after they reach the shelf in Canada?
What Health Canada does once a cosmetic is on sale: notifications, targeted inspections, lab testing, border checks and enforcement, plus the honest limits of that oversight.
Atopic dermatitis vs eczema: are they the same thing?
Eczema is a family of itchy, inflamed skin conditions and atopic dermatitis is its most common member. A plain tour of the types, and why the name on a study matters.