KNOWLEDGE FOR SKIN-FRIENDLY TEXTILES
Textile comparison for people with skin diseases and sensitive skin
Which materials are truly suitable for people with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or sensitive skin? Our detailed comparison shows how fibers differ in terms of breathability, skin compatibility, antibacterial properties, and biocompatibility – scientifically sound, clearly explained, and tailored to dermatological requirements.
Breathable & temperature regulating
With a surface area of approximately two square meters, the skin is the largest organ in the human body and performs numerous vital functions. It protects against environmental influences, regulates body temperature, and supports a healthy skin climate—all key aspects of our daily well-being.
Despite this importance, there are currently few textile products that specifically support the skin's natural functions. TRUSTGARN is pursuing an innovative approach: By using a three-dimensional knitting process, a new quality in textile production is achieved that both increases comfort and contributes to skin health.
Unlike conventional processes such as weaving or knitting, three-dimensional knitting allows for a structured arrangement of fibers, which facilitates better air circulation. This is crucial for effectively dissipating excess heat and moisture—a key aspect for a pleasant, dry skin feeling.
The benefits of this technology are particularly evident in the field of functional sportswear: Studies show that garments manufactured in this way wick away sweat more efficiently and can prevent overheating. Many athletes report improved well-being and increased performance when wearing breathable clothing that doesn't place additional strain on the body.
This choice of material also offers significant advantages for people with sensitive or diseased skin—such as those with atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. While conventional textiles often cause skin irritation, products made of three-dimensional knit are characterized by high skin compatibility. This reduces the risk of irritation and promotes the skin's natural balance.
Overall, it's clear that the combination of breathability, temperature regulation, and comfortable wear makes the three-dimensional knitting process a pioneering solution – for everyday use as well as for demanding applications in sports or for skin conditions. Products manufactured using this principle not only support the skin's natural functions but also noticeably contribute to quality of life.
TRUSTGARN's three-dimensional knitting process is based on precise fiber alignment across multiple layers, creating a microscopically controlled fabric structure. This allows for permanent air circulation between the skin and the fabric, optimizes heat and moisture transport, and thus supports the skin's thermophysiological regulation. The combination of mechanical elasticity and targeted pore structure promotes a stable microclimate and minimizes the risk of skin irritation, even under high stress.
TRUSTGARN technology
TRUSTGARN's three-dimensional knitting process is based on precise fiber alignment across multiple layers, creating a microscopically controlled fabric structure. This allows for permanent air circulation between the skin and the fabric, optimizes heat and moisture transport, and thus supports the skin's thermophysiological regulation. The combination of mechanical elasticity and targeted pore structure promotes a stable microclimate and minimizes the risk of skin irritation, even under high stress.
The market currently offers very few truly breathable and temperature-regulating textiles. Materials such as organic cotton or fibers with silver ionic or zinc-containing finishes are often marketed as skin-friendly, but primarily focus on antimicrobial or ecological properties. However, they barely improve air circulation or the thermophysiological exchange with the skin – crucial factors for lasting comfort.
A key problem with conventional textiles lies in the manufacturing process: Weaving and knitting processes result in dense fabric structures that hinder effective air and moisture circulation. Even with high-quality materials, this limits functionality. Only innovative processes, in which the fibers are arranged three-dimensionally and with open structures, can achieve continuous air circulation – a key factor in supporting the skin's natural functions, especially during physical stress or on sensitive skin.
Organic cotton, silver-ionized fibers and zinc fibers
The market currently offers very few truly breathable and temperature-regulating textiles. Materials such as organic cotton or fibers with silver ionic or zinc-containing finishes are often marketed as skin-friendly, but primarily focus on antimicrobial or ecological properties. However, they barely improve air circulation or the thermophysiological exchange with the skin – crucial factors for lasting comfort.
A key problem with conventional textiles lies in the manufacturing process: Weaving and knitting processes result in dense fabric structures that hinder effective air and moisture circulation. Even with high-quality materials, this limits functionality. Only innovative processes, in which the fibers are arranged three-dimensionally and with open structures, can achieve continuous air circulation – a key factor in supporting the skin's natural functions, especially during physical stress or on sensitive skin.
Antibacterial & odor-reducing
Choosing appropriate clothing is particularly important for people with dermatoses such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or atopic skin. Conventional cotton textiles often prove inadequate: They offer neither targeted support for skin function nor an effective barrier against microbial growth. For sensitive skin, this can lead to additional stress, as bacteria can potentially trigger inflammatory reactions.
To solve this problem, some manufacturers resort to chemical finishing processes – for example, by incorporating silver or zinc ions into the fiber structure. These methods are intended to achieve an antibacterial effect, but are increasingly the focus of scientific controversy. While they can inhibit microbial activity in the short term, their effectiveness decreases significantly after several wash cycles. Furthermore, the long-term skin compatibility of such technologies has not been conclusively clarified, especially in cases of long-term skin contact and on sensitive skin.
In contrast, modern textile concepts rely on fibers that naturally exhibit antibacterial properties – without the use of additional chemical treatment. With these materials, the antibacterial effect is maintained throughout the product's lifetime. For people with skin conditions, this not only means lasting protection against unwanted microbial growth but also proven high skin compatibility. The risk of irritation is significantly reduced while simultaneously improving overall skin well-being.
TRUSTGARN's innovative fiber technology is based on a particularly smooth, densely structured surface, which significantly impedes the adhesion and proliferation of bacteria. Standardized laboratory tests demonstrated a pronounced antibacterial and odor-inhibiting effect – entirely without the use of chemical additives. This effect persists even after many wash cycles, making it usable over time, even under heavy use.
TRUSTGARN technology
TRUSTGARN's innovative fiber technology is based on a particularly smooth, densely structured surface, which significantly impedes the adhesion and proliferation of bacteria. Standardized laboratory tests demonstrated a pronounced antibacterial and odor-inhibiting effect – entirely without the use of chemical additives. This effect persists even after many wash cycles, making it usable over time, even under heavy use.
Although organic cotton is highly regarded for its environmental and skin-friendliness, it lacks any intrinsic antibacterial properties. Therefore, for people with dermatoses or elevated microbial exposure, it offers no additional protection—neither against bacteria nor against odor-causing processes.
organic cotton
Although organic cotton is highly regarded for its environmental and skin-friendliness, it lacks any intrinsic antibacterial properties. Therefore, for people with dermatoses or elevated microbial exposure, it offers no additional protection—neither against bacteria nor against odor-causing processes.
Textiles treated with silver ions can exhibit a short-term antibacterial effect. This is based on the release of silver ions, which inhibit the growth of certain microorganisms. However, the effectiveness decreases significantly after repeated washing, as the ionic substances are gradually washed out of the textile. Furthermore, the application of this technique is increasingly being discussed critically regarding skin compatibility and environmental aspects.
Silver ionized fibers
Textiles treated with silver ions can exhibit a short-term antibacterial effect. This is based on the release of silver ions, which inhibit the growth of certain microorganisms. However, the effectiveness decreases significantly after repeated washing, as the ionic substances are gradually washed out of the textile. Furthermore, the application of this technique is increasingly being discussed critically regarding skin compatibility and environmental aspects.
Zinc ions – usually in the form of zinc oxide – also possess antibacterial properties and are primarily used in the cosmetics industry. However, textiles present a similar problem to silver: their effect is not permanent. After several washes, the effect noticeably diminishes, limiting long-term use. A stable, medically useful effect over the lifetime of the textile cannot currently be guaranteed.
zinc fibers
Zinc ions – usually in the form of zinc oxide – also possess antibacterial properties and are primarily used in the cosmetics industry. However, textiles present a similar problem to silver: their effect is not permanent. After several washes, the effect noticeably diminishes, limiting long-term use. A stable, medically useful effect over the lifetime of the textile cannot currently be guaranteed.
Anti-allergic & gentle on the skin
For people with sensitive skin, allergies, or chronic skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, choosing the right clothing is far more than a question of comfort – it can have a direct impact on the appearance of the skin and overall well-being. It is often assumed that certain materials such as microfiber or organic cotton are automatically skin-friendly. In reality, however, the skin-friendliness of a textile depends not only on the material but also significantly on the fiber structure, surface quality, and workmanship.
A high fiber density, for example, can reduce mechanical irritation, while smooth surfaces minimize the risk of chafing and irritation. Conversely, even natural materials like cotton—depending on how they are processed—can have a certain sensitization potential. Nevertheless, many manufacturers do not have their products specifically tested for skin compatibility or allergenic effects. The result: a high level of uncertainty among those affected, who rely on skin-friendly clothing.
Innovative textile technologies offer new approaches that are specifically tailored to the needs of sensitive skin – through proven anti-allergenic properties, optimized fiber morphology, and a permanently skin-friendly material structure.
The fiber used by TRUSTGARN originates from medical technology and has been tested for hypoallergenic compatibility. Medical tests have confirmed its suitability for people with sensitive or allergic skin. The smooth fiber structure minimizes friction and prevents localized irritation – while maintaining a high level of comfort.
TRUSTGARN technology
The fiber used by TRUSTGARN originates from medical technology and has been tested for hypoallergenic compatibility. Medical tests have confirmed its suitability for people with sensitive or allergic skin. The smooth fiber structure minimizes friction and prevents localized irritation – while maintaining a high level of comfort.
Although organic cotton is valued for its environmental friendliness, it has a certain sensitization potential – depending on the fiber thickness and structure. Only a few suppliers have their cotton textiles systematically tested for skin compatibility. Allergic reactions due to mechanical irritation or residues in the fabric cannot be ruled out.
organic cotton
Although organic cotton is valued for its environmental friendliness, it has a certain sensitization potential – depending on the fiber thickness and structure. Only a few suppliers have their cotton textiles systematically tested for skin compatibility. Allergic reactions due to mechanical irritation or residues in the fabric cannot be ruled out.
Silver-ionized textiles are primarily used to combat microbial contamination, not to minimize mechanical skin irritation. The skin compatibility of silver ions has not been conclusively clarified in the specialist literature—particularly for people with sensitive or previously damaged skin. Caution is advised for allergy-prone users.
Silver ionized fibers
Silver-ionized textiles are primarily used to combat microbial contamination, not to minimize mechanical skin irritation. The skin compatibility of silver ions has not been conclusively clarified in the specialist literature—particularly for people with sensitive or previously damaged skin. Caution is advised for allergy-prone users.
Zinc ions, usually incorporated as zinc oxide, also have no proven effect on irritation relief or allergy prevention. While there are cosmetic applications with a positive effect on the skin barrier, this effect cannot be sustained in textiles—especially not after repeated washing.
zinc fibers
Zinc ions, usually incorporated as zinc oxide, also have no proven effect on irritation relief or allergy prevention. While there are cosmetic applications with a positive effect on the skin barrier, this effect cannot be sustained in textiles—especially not after repeated washing.
Medically approved & biocompatible
The medical suitability of textiles is becoming increasingly important – especially for people with chronic skin conditions such as neurodermatitis, psoriasis, or atopic dermatitis. Clothing is in direct contact with the skin and can have either a soothing or aggravating effect. This makes it all the more important that functional clothing is not only comfortable to wear but also meets the highest standards in terms of skin tolerance, freedom from harmful substances, and biocompatibility.
TRUSTGARN has set a groundbreaking standard in this area: The textiles used have been extensively medically tested and demonstrably meet the requirements for Class 1 medical devices. The testing was carried out by the renowned Hohenstein Institute, known for its rigorous testing procedures and Oeko-Tex certifications. TRUSTGARN is thus the first supplier worldwide whose textile products have been certified as medically tested and biocompatible through such testing procedures.
This classification proves that the products are not only free of harmful substances, but also do not cause irritating or sensitizing effects even in the presence of existing skin conditions. The optimized textile structure also actively supports the skin's barrier function, allows for uninterrupted air circulation, and minimizes mechanical irritation – important criteria for the prevention of inflammation and general skin well-being.
TRUSTGARN is currently the only supplier of clothing for people with dermatoses whose products are classified as Class 1 medical devices . The textiles have been tested according to international standards for skin compatibility, biocompatibility, and freedom from harmful substances – including cytotoxicity, sensitization potential, and irritant effects. TRUSTGARN thus offers a unique combination of tested safety, high compatibility, and functional textile technology.
TRUSTGARN is currently the only supplier of clothing for people with dermatoses whose products are classified as Class 1 medical devices . The textiles have been tested according to international standards for skin compatibility, biocompatibility, and freedom from harmful substances – including cytotoxicity, sensitization potential, and irritant effects. TRUSTGARN thus offers a unique combination of tested safety, high compatibility, and functional textile technology.
Although organic cotton is considered an environmentally friendly and natural material, such textiles are generally not subject to medical testing. The term "organic" primarily refers to the cultivation of the raw fiber, not to the dermatological or toxicological suitability of the final product. Systematic testing for biocompatibility or compliance with medical device requirements has not yet been conducted in this segment.
Although organic cotton is considered an environmentally friendly and natural material, such textiles are generally not subject to medical testing. The term "organic" primarily refers to the cultivation of the raw fiber, not to the dermatological or toxicological suitability of the final product. Systematic testing for biocompatibility or compliance with medical device requirements has not yet been conducted in this segment.
Products with silver ionization aim to reduce microbial contamination, not dermatological biocompatibility. While studies on the antibacterial effect of silver exist, comprehensive testing for skin compatibility—especially with long-term contact—is not part of the standard certification. Medical test series by recognized testing institutes such as Hohenstein are generally not available.
Products with silver ionization aim to reduce microbial contamination, not dermatological biocompatibility. While studies on the antibacterial effect of silver exist, comprehensive testing for skin compatibility—especially with long-term contact—is not part of the standard certification. Medical test series by recognized testing institutes such as Hohenstein are generally not available.
Zinc-containing fibers are also primarily functionally treated textiles without medical classification. The use of zinc oxide is known from cosmetics, but its effect in textiles has neither been permanently nor normatively tested with regard to biocompatibility. Certification as a medically approved skin contact material according to ISO 10993 is not usually available.
Zinc-containing fibers are also primarily functionally treated textiles without medical classification. The use of zinc oxide is known from cosmetics, but its effect in textiles has neither been permanently nor normatively tested with regard to biocompatibility. Certification as a medically approved skin contact material according to ISO 10993 is not usually available.
Effect of creams & ointments
For people with chronic skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, creams and ointments are part of basic daily therapy. They serve to relieve inflammation, stabilize the skin barrier, and provide active ingredients. However, the therapeutic effect depends not only on the quality of the products themselves – the textile that comes into contact with the treated skin also plays a crucial role.
Conventional natural fibers such as cotton, merino wool, or lyocell are characterized by their high absorbency. While this is considered an advantage for sweat, it becomes a problem for medicinal ointments and creams: The textiles absorb a significant portion of the applied active ingredients before they can take effect on the skin. This can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment and delay the healing process.
The special fiber developed by TRUSTGARN offers a targeted solution to this problem. Due to its highly water- and oil-repellent properties, ointments and creams remain where they are medically needed: on the skin's surface. This supports continuous drug release without the clothing acting as a disruptive factor. At the same time, the special textile structure offers a comfortable feel and additionally protects sensitive skin from external irritants.
For those affected by skin conditions requiring treatment, this results in a double benefit: increased efficiency of dermatological treatment and textile-based relief of irritated skin.
The special fiber used by TRUSTGARN has a highly water- and oil-repellent structure, specifically developed to prevent medical creams and ointments from penetrating the textile. The active ingredients remain on the skin, where they can exert their therapeutic effects. This supports treatment success while preventing material loss through absorption.
The special fiber used by TRUSTGARN has a highly water- and oil-repellent structure, specifically developed to prevent medical creams and ointments from penetrating the textile. The active ingredients remain on the skin, where they can exert their therapeutic effects. This supports treatment success while preventing material loss through absorption.
Due to its natural fiber structure, organic cotton is highly absorbent—both for water and oil-based substances. Upon contact with the skin, it absorbs a significant portion of applied creams or ointments, which can significantly limit their effectiveness. This applies regardless of whether the cotton has been chemically pretreated or not.
Due to its natural fiber structure, organic cotton is highly absorbent—both for water and oil-based substances. Upon contact with the skin, it absorbs a significant portion of applied creams or ointments, which can significantly limit their effectiveness. This applies regardless of whether the cotton has been chemically pretreated or not.
Fibers equipped with silver or zinc ions primarily aim for antimicrobial effects and do not offer specific protection against the penetration of ointments into the fabric. Their absorbency is comparable to that of untreated natural fibers. Furthermore, ionized fibers lose their effectiveness over time and do not affect the physical properties of the textile with regard to water- or oil-repellent effects.
Fibers equipped with silver or zinc ions primarily aim for antimicrobial effects and do not offer specific protection against the penetration of ointments into the fabric. Their absorbency is comparable to that of untreated natural fibers. Furthermore, ionized fibers lose their effectiveness over time and do not affect the physical properties of the textile with regard to water- or oil-repellent effects.