Since childhood, I've dealt with various skin concerns—eczema, sporadic breakouts, rashes, and seasonal redness like heat rashes and those dry winter patches caused by low humidity. It's the skin I was born with, and while I've learned to manage its sensitivities, these issues can disrupt our lives, affecting not just our appearance but also our well-being.
To support my fellow sensitive skin sistas, I've put together a little guide with tips to help manage redness and irritation, so you can learn to embrace your closest friend just a bit more.
Eczema Flare-Ups
Understanding Eczema
Eczema has been a recurring challenge for me, especially with the trifecta of asthma, eczema, and allergies. It leads to red, inflamed patches on the skin, triggered by various factors. Consistently hydrating the skin and minimising exposure to irritants have been crucial strategies in my journey.
Tips for Managing Eczema
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Hydrate Frequently: Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers, oils, or balms daily.
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Opt for Lukewarm Showers: Hot water can strip away natural oils—ouch!
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Use a Humidifier: If you don't have one, consider getting one, it helps to maintain optimal indoor moisture levels.
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Wear Skin-friendly Fabrics: Breathable materials like cotton, bamboo, linen, hemp, and those made with wood pulp can help minimise irritation.
Nudist Repair Balm
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Spotlight on Rosacea
Navigating Rosacea Flare-Ups
Rosacea has also been part of my skincare journey, causing persistent redness and visible blood vessels, especially with temperature changes and stress. Through trial and error, I've found that gentle, fragrance-free skincare is essential for managing rosacea symptoms.
Skincare Tips for Rosacea:
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Use Mild Cleansers: Gentle, non-irritating cleansers have been my go-to. My favourite is the Cleanse Dust Powdered Face Cleanser—it's natural, pH balanced, and leaves my skin soft and calm.
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Know Your Triggers: Spicy foods and alcohol can trigger flare-ups, so take the time to understand your body and minimise exposure to these triggers.
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Protect with SPF: Daily sun protection is crucial for maintaining skin health. I use a gentle everyday moisturiser with SPF.
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Soothing Ingredients: Products with calming ingredients like chamomile, lavender, or green tea extract have helped soothe my rosacea flare-ups.
Cleanse Dust Powdered Face Cleanser
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Lip Care Essentials
Keeping Lips Smooth and Healthy
Dealing with chapped lips is a shared struggle, worsened in dry conditions and by my habit of licking my lips. Here are a few things that have helped me along the way:
Tips for Healthy Lips:
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Hydrating Lip Balms: Regularly applying a hydrating lip balm, especially with SPF protection, has been a game-changer.
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Breaking the Licking Habit: Avoiding lip licking has been hard, but has significantly reduced dryness and flakiness.
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Gentle Exfoliation: Using a soft lip scrub or brush has helped gently remove dead skin cells. Plus, it tastes delicious!
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Staying Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help keep lips hydrated from within.
Fruitini Lip Balm
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Keratosis Pilaris
Tackling Rough Skin Bumps
Keratosis pilaris, those small, rough bumps on the skin are worsened by dryness. Consistent hydration and using gentle products can help you achieve a smoother skin texture.
Tips for Smoothing Bumps:
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Moisturise Regularly: Choosing oils with hydrating ingredients like argan, jojoba and rosehip. My top pick is Adios Irritation, it double as face and body oil.
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Gentle Exfoliation: Incorporating mild exfoliation to unclog pores and smooth skin has been beneficial.
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Choosing Gentle Cleansers: Avoiding harsh soaps that strip moisture has been crucial.
Adios Irritation Face & Body Oil
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Managing Psoriasis
Caring for Psoriasis Year-Round
While I don't suffer from psoriasis myself, seeing my father struggle with severe psoriasis around his calves has taught me what works to help manage symptoms. Flare-ups can be triggered by stress and dry air conditions, but with the right approach, symptoms can be effectively managed.
Tips for Controlling Psoriasis:
- Moisturise Thoroughly: Regularly applying moisturisers and ointments is essential in soothing dry patches and itchiness.
- Considering Light Therapy: Exploring UVB phototherapy options under dermatological guidance can help manage symptoms.
- Staying Hydrated: Maintaining hydration throughout the day can support overall skin health.
- Managing Stress: Engaging in stress-relieving activities is said to help minimise flare-ups.
Protect Against Windburn
Preventing Windburn
Exposure to cold wind can cause skin irritation and redness, similar to sunburn. Taking protective measures is essential for maintaining skin comfort.
Tips to Prevent Windburn:
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Using Protective Moisturisers: Use a barrier cream to shield the skin from harsh environmental conditions.
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Covering Up: Wearing scarves and hats protects exposed skin from cold winds, especially during morning walks with my dog.
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Applying SPF: Consistently applying sunscreen, even on cloudy days, protects the skin from UV-related damage.
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Maintaining Moisture: Keeping the skin moisturised throughout the day can help preserve its natural protective barrier.
Foot Care Focus
Caring for Your Feet
Let's not forget our feet. Proper foot care is essential year-round to prevent dryness and cracked heels, ensuring comfort and overall skin health.
Tips for Soft Feet:
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Moisturise Daily: Using a nourishing foot cream before bedtime keeps my feet soft and hydrated. For extra nourishment, I wear socks right after applying cream—it helps hold in moisture while keeping dirt out.
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Gently Exfoliating: Regularly removing dead skin with a pumice stone or gentle exfoliant can help improve skin texture. You can try our sugar-based peppermint-based foot scrub.
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Wearing Breathable Socks: Opt for moisture-wicking materials like cotton to help keep feet dry and comfortable.
Mint Hand & Foot Scrub
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From one sensitive skin sista to another, I hope sharing my tips inspires you on your skincare routine.
- Melissa xo
