Is this the skincare chemical flaring up your eczema or dermatitis?

Doctors in the UK are blaming a preservative chemical used in a wide range of skincare and cosmetic products, for sparking an epidemic of allergic reactions.

Used to prolong the shelf life of products such as face creams, wet wipes, bubble bath and shower gels - even those marketed as being kinder to skin such as Nivea body lotion, Wet Ones wipes and Boots men's face wash - methylisothiazolinone is now being targeted by skin experts.

Also known as MI, methylisothiazolinone has been used in cosmetics since 2005 to help prevent the growth of unhygienic bacteria and yeasts. Good, right?

But despite the chemical being tested for toxicity and found safe for use, European regulations now allow greater concentrations of the chemical to be used than ever before. Which dermatologists claim, could be triggering the biggest epidemic of eczema, dermatitis and skin allergies our generation has ever seen. Yikes.

So what's happening now? The use of MI will be adressed at the British Association of Dermatologists conference in Liverpool this week, while the European Society of Contact Dermatitis (ESCD) has written to the European Commission, calling for an investigation into what levels are safe.

If you've been struggling to get your own skin allergies under control, check the ingredient list on the back of any products you use.

If it's overly complex or contains MI you'd be wise to take a break from it or book an appointment with your doctor.

Though not all preservatives are bad news, this could be yet another case to support the simplification of skincare products. What do you think?

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Is this the skincare chemical flaring up your eczema or dermatitis?