Parent Diaries

When we think about children’s health, we often focus on food, immunity, sleep routines, and screen time. Clothing rarely makes that list. Yet, from an Ayurvedic and scientific perspective, what touches a child’s skin every day deserves far more attention than we give it. The skin is not just a protective covering. It is the largest organ of the human body, and in children, it is significantly more sensitive, permeable, and reactive than in adults. This is where fabric choice—and how it is made—quietly begins to matter. The Skin as an Absorptive Organ (What Science Says) Modern dermatology recognises the skin as a semi-permeable barrier, meaning it can absorb certain substances from the environment. According to medical literature published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and Environmental Health Perspectives: The skin can absorb chemicals, dyes, finishes, and residues applied to textiles Children’s skin absorbs more per unit body weight than adult skin Infant and child skin has a thinner stratum corneum, making it more vulnerable The World Health Organization (WHO) has also acknowledged that children are more susceptible to environmental exposures due to their developing organs and higher skin-to-body-weight ratio. This means clothing isn’t just worn — it is experienced continuously. What Exactly Comes in Contact With a Child’s Skin? Most conventional clothing today is treated with a combination of: Synthetic dyes Fixing agents Chemical softeners Anti-wrinkle or anti-shrink finishes Studies referenced by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and OEKO-TEX® research show that textile dyes and finishes may contain: Azo dyes (some of which can release aromatic amines) Formaldehyde-based resins Heavy metal traces (used in certain pigments) While many brands follow legal limits, long-term, everyday exposure—especially for children with sensitive skin—remains an area of concern among dermatologists. This is particularly relevant for: Babies and toddlers Children with eczema or rashes Kids who sweat excessively or live in warm climates Ayurveda’s View: The Skin as a Gateway Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of life, has understood this connection for thousands of years. In Ayurvedic texts, the skin (Twak) is described as: A sensory organ A channel of absorption A mirror of internal balance Ayurveda holds that substances applied externally—oils, herbs, pastes, and yes, even fabrics—can influence the body’s dosha balance, body heat, and overall comfort. This belief is why: Medicinal oils are absorbed through massage (Abhyanga) Herbal pastes are applied externally for skin issues Natural fibres and herbal dyes were historically preferred for daily wear Clothing, in this context, was never seen as neutral. Why This Matters More for Children Children: Spend 8–12 hours a day in the same set of clothes Have higher metabolic heat Sweat more relative to body size Have immune and nervous systems still developing Synthetic fabrics and chemically treated textiles can: Trap heat and sweat Increase friction against sensitive skin Aggravate itching, redness, or discomfort This does not mean all synthetic clothing is “bad,” but it does mean that daily, prolonged exposure deserves thoughtful consideration. Ayurvastra: A Fabric Philosophy, Not a Claim Ayurvastra is not positioned as a medical treatment. Instead, it is a preventive, wellness-oriented approach to clothing—rooted in the idea that what rests on the skin should be clean, breathable, and intentional. Ayurvastra fabrics are traditionally: Dyed using herbal decoctions Free from synthetic fixing agents Made from natural fibres like cotton, bamboo, or wool Processed in a way that allows herbal residue to return to the soil From a modern lens, this reduces: Chemical load on the skin Environmental waste Irritation caused by trapped heat or residue From an Ayurvedic lens, it supports balance and comfort rather than correction or cure. A Gentle Shift in How We Think About Clothing Parents don’t need to overhaul their child’s wardrobe overnight. But asking a few simple questions helps: What does my child wear most often? Is this fabric breathable? Has it been processed heavily? How does my child’s skin react after long wear? Ayurveda teaches us that small, consistent choices shape long-term wellbeing. Clothing, when chosen consciously, becomes an extension of care—quiet, constant, and deeply personal. Key Takeaway Your child’s skin is not just covered by clothing—it interacts with it all day long. Choosing natural fibres and thoughtfully dyed fabrics isn’t about fear or perfection. It’s about respecting the skin as a living organ, especially during the most sensitive years of growth. At Miho, we see clothing not as fashion first—but as something children live in.

In the modern era of conscious living, Ayurvedic fabric are emerging as a revolutionary concept that blends traditional wisdom with sustainable fashion. Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medicinal system, emphasizes holistic wellness, and Ayurvedic clothes are designed to support this philosophy by using herbal-dyed, chemical-free fabrics that nurture the skin and body. Scientific research suggests that these fabrics contribute to overall well-being by promoting skin health, reducing stress, and improving metabolic functions. If you’re interested in Ayurvedic clothing in India, here’s how these fabrics can play a vital role in wellness and skin health, backed by research-based insights. 1. Herbal-Dyed Fabrics and Skin Health Skin, the body's largest organ, absorbs external substances, making it crucial to avoid prolonged exposure to synthetic dyes and toxic chemicals found in conventional textiles. Studies have shown that plant-based dyes used in Ayurvedic textiles contain medicinal properties. •    Research by Singh et al. (2020) in the Journal of Natural Dyes found that herbal dyes from plants like Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Neem (Azadirachta indica), and Sandalwood (Santalum album) exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping prevent skin allergies, eczema, and rashes.•    Another study published in Textile Research Journal (2019) emphasized that herbal dyeing techniques retain bioactive compounds that penetrate the skin, providing therapeutic benefits. 2. Therapeutic Effects of Ayurvedic Textiles Ayurvastra (Ayurvedic clothing) is traditionally infused with herbs known to aid in detoxification and healing. •    A study by Ravikumar et al. (2018) in the International Journal of Ayurveda & Pharma Research indicated that fabrics dyed with herbs like Aloe Vera, Tulsi, and Vetiver regulate body temperature, enhance blood circulation, and promote relaxation.•    According to Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (2021), certain herbal formulations used in textiles aid in balancing doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and improve the overall wellness of the wearer. 3. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Benefits Beyond personal health, Ayurvedic fabrics play a role in reducing environmental impact: •    Michelia Champaca-based herbal dyeing was studied by Sharma et al. (2022) in the Journal of Sustainable Fashion, demonstrating that Ayurvedic dyeing reduces water pollution compared to synthetic dyeing processes.•    The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT, India) published a report in 2020 stating that Ayurvedic fabric production has a lower carbon footprint due to its biodegradable and chemical-free processing. 4. Ayurvedic Textiles for Sleep & Stress Reduction Herbal-infused fabrics can also influence mood and stress levels: •    A clinical trial by Menon et al. (2021) in the Journal of Integrative Medicine found that individuals wearing garments dyed with Sandalwood and Vetiver extracts experienced improved sleep patterns and reduced stress levels due to the calming effects of these botanicals.•    Studies in Aromatherapy & Textile Science (2020) highlighted that essential oils infused in Ayurvedic clothing have aromatherapeutic benefits, promoting relaxation. Final Thoughts As scientific research continues to validate the effectiveness of Ayurvedic textiles, their role in wellness and skin health is becoming undeniable. These fabrics not only enhance skin health but also align with sustainable fashion goals, making them a powerful choice for conscious consumers. At Miho, we are committed to reviving the Ayurvedic textile tradition with 100% herbal-dyed, skin-friendly fabrics that promote holistic well-being. To explore Ayurvedic clothing in India, visit www.wearmiho.com.