What is Eczema?
Eczema (also known as dermatitis) is a non-contagious, inflammatory dry skin condition that can affect people from early infancy to old age. The most common form, atopic eczema, affects 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults in the UK.
The main symptoms of eczema are itchy dry patches of skin that during a flare up can become red, cracked, and sore.
Eczema is a condition where the skin’s defensive barrier is naturally impaired and lacking efficient barrier lipids that normally keep skin protected and hydrated. This defective barrier not only allows moisture to escape but also penetration of potential irritants and microbes which can exacerbate symptoms, especially itching and inflammation.
Eczema Triggers
There are multiple triggers for eczema and sensitive skin.
- Climate changes and extreme temperatures: Flare ups are common in the height of summer and depths of winter.
- Friction: Tight fitting clothes and scrub type skin care formulas will irritate this delicate skin condition.
- Stress: Skin is affected negatively by elevated stress hormones and many inflammatory conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne can flare up during periods of stress.
- Certain skin care formulas: Common irritants for sensitive skin conditions to avoid include – fragranced/perfumed products, abrasives, low pH acids, high pH cleansers (soaps), sulphates and ‘foaming’ formulas, SD alcohol (drying/astringent products) and chemical sunscreens.
Management Of The Skin
When treating eczema prone skin, it’s advisable to keep your skin care regimen simple with a focus on restoring the skin’s defensive barrier and include anti-inflammatory ingredients. Emollient (lipid rich) formulas are best to help replenish the barrier function.
Top ingredients to restore skin’s barrier function and soothe skin
Oats have been used for centuries to soothe skin and relieve itching. Modern studies have proved the benefits and shown that colloidal oatmeal binds to the skin and provides a protective barrier against irritants. The lipids contained in oatmeal add to its emollient activity, which can improve the itch of dry skin.
Aloe Vera Leaf Juice contains many active phytochemicals including anthroquinones, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids to hydrate and soothe.
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract calms and soothes sensitised skin conditions, promotes healing and skin hydration and has antiseptic and disinfectant qualities.
Dual Hyaluronic Acid Technology to deliver multiple levels of essential hydration and help skin retain moisture, relieving discomfort and itch.
Calm, Soothe And Hydrate
Prep, Treat and Glow with Dermalogica’s top 3 formulas for sensitised, dry and irritated skin.
UltraCalming Cleanser Gentle cleansing gel/cream. Sulphate free.
UltraCalming Mist Soothing, hydrating mist to calm redness with Aloe Vera Leaf Juice.
Stabilizing Repair Cream Nourishing, balm moisturiser. Helps stop sensitive skin within 1 week* and helps stop sensitive skin by helping skin produce more of its own ceramides.**
*See a reduction in redness, irritation, and itchiness within 1 week. Independent clinical test, 31 subjects, 2 applications/day for 8 weeks. **See a reduction in redness, irritation, and itchiness within 1 week. Independent clinical test, 31 subjects, 2 applications/day for 8 weeks.In The Hands Of A Pro
Visit your local Professional Skin Therapist for a PRO Calm service. This treatment targets all sensitive skin conditions. Soothing botanical actives provide relief while lymphatic drainage and pressure point massage help to calm a stressed nervous system. Experience visibly calmer skin, reduced redness and skin that feels soft, balanced and hydrated.
Find your Dermalogica Expert here.
For more information and advice visit https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/