The Skin Issue: Eczema & Sensitive Skin
- lauramkim
- Mar 13, 2017
- 4 min read
Ever since I was a little girl, I suffered from skin issues related to allergies and environmental triggers. I later found out that I had a minor form of eczema which is essentially a skin disorder which leads to chronic inflammation and irritation. Depending on your genetic make up, immune system, and regular treatment of the disorder, the severity can vary from person to person.
I am fortunate to only have a minor case on my chin and cheeks that is easy to control with pro-active and regular maintenance but for anyone out there that has eczema or similar skin issues, we know the daily struggle of keeping our skin healthy and free of irritation.
It took me years of trial and error with products, trying medications, meeting with dermatologists, and googling everything there is to know about eczema to finally understand my specific case and how to best treat it. Treating eczema on the face is a degree harder because of how temperamental our visage is to different products like sunscreen, make up, and skincare. It can be a real science project finding a way to treat flare-ups whilst also dealing with issues like acne, anti-aging, hyper pigmentation, etc. The list goes on!
I totally understand the frustration and want to share what I've found works for me. Here are the products and regimen that have seriously improved my skin and helped me maintain a balanced, healthy glow.
1.) Cleanse
CERAVE HYDRATING CLEANSER
This cleanser single-handedly saved my skin. I realized after trying this that I had been using cleansers that were way too strong and harsh making existing irritation worse. They would sting and make my face feel tight and dry after washing - always a red flag! When this happens, it means the skin's pH balance has been thrown off and the natural oils have been stripped. For anyone with eczema, maintaining your skin's natural moisture barrier is #1 priority so hydration is key. This cleanser is perfect because it is water-based, gentle, and non-irritating.
*Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser is also a popular pick but it was too harsh for my specific skin type. I've also tried La Roche Posay's Hydrating Gentle Cleanser and while it is gentle, I find Cerave to be more effective in cleansing and keeping acne at bay.*
VANITY PLANET ULTIMATE SKIN SPA SYSTEM
I added this cleansing brush system into my regimen a few months ago and it has changed the game. It comes with a battery operated brush with 3 different brush heads depending on your skincare needs: daily cleansing, silicone, exfoliating. I personally find the silicone head to be the best because it is not abrasive like the other two. It is a gentle yet effective way to get down into the skin and pull off all the make up, oil, and bacteria off without hurting the skin's barrier. Combined with the Cerave hydrating cleanser, the silicone cleansing brush works like a dream. Another bonus is that it's only $25 with this groupon deal - steal!
1B.) Exfoliate
BE THE SKIN NON-STIMULUS FACE POLISHER
Twice a week, I use this amazing product by one of my favorite new skincare brands Be The Skin. It is a super gentle exfoliator with a light gel texture that clears skin buildup, especially dry flakes. To maintain a healthy flow, exfoliation is key but it can be difficult to find a product that is non-irritating and does not contain physical or chemical exfoliants which can wreak havoc on existing irritation. I love this cleanser because you use your fingers to gently roll the gel around your face and it balls up to gather dead skin. It immediately leaves you with a fresh and brightened glow with no dryness, and your make up will look smooth and flawless!
PIXI GLOW MUD MASK
I use a bunch of different masks based on the result I'm looking for but this particular mask has been particularly impressive as a way to exfoliate and reveal brighter smoother skin. It has glycolic acid, a type of chemical exfoliant that in other products has really irritated my skin. However, this 15 minute mask is gentle enough and I wake up with glowy and noticeably brighter skin.
2.) Tone
BE THE SKIN BOTANICAL NUTRITION POWER TONER
Toner is an essential part of any skin care regimen. It helps soothe, nourish and hydrate the skin while restoring its delicate pH balance all the while preparing the skin to soak up all the goodness from your facial products. This toner by Be The Skin is all-natural and hydrates my skin for maximum moisture retention. It is ideal for dry skin. Holy grail!
3.) Moisturize
CLINIQUE MOISTURE SURGE GEL CREAM
This lightweight gel cream has easily become my go-to daily moisturizer. It is perfect under make up and keeps you hydrated all day long, without any concern about clogging pores or causing break outs. It is super gentle and keeps any inflammation at bay by protecting my skin's natural barrier.
DR. JART CERAMIDIN GEL CREAM
This entire line of products is ah-mazing. Jam packed full of ceramides, they are perfect for people with dry skin. Ceramides are necessary for the skin's water-retention capacity and studies show that those with eczema generally have fewer ceramides in their skin. Therefore, to maximize moisture retention, I slather this on a few nights a week to lock in that extra punch of hydration. I tried the bottled cream version but returned it for the gel-cream instead because this allows my skin to breathe a bit more.
Thanks for reading and I hope my recommendations come in handy for some of you. If you have any suggestions or would like to share your thoughts, I would love to hear about them!
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