HOW TO LOOK AFTER DRY, ITCHY OR ECZEMA SKIN

HOW TO LOOK AFTER DRY, ITCHY OR ECZEMA SKIN
Taking care of tender, sensitive and eczema skin requires gentle care. It is surprising how many products can exacerbate sensitive skin, even ones which claim to be gentle on the skin. The key is to keep on top of moisturising and to reduce inflammation which can worsen the situation. Avoiding anything which can irritate or be too heavy for the sun will help to alleviate any symptoms worsening.

Here are our top tips for managing dry, itchy or eczema skin:

PATCH TEST NEW PRODUCTS
Always err on the side of caution with new products. It’s tempting to want to try new products immediately but be aware with sensitive skin that starting little can avoid any flare ups or reactions which then take time to calm and balance. Always do a patch test on a small area of skin and wait 24 hours to monitor whether you have a reaction.

AVOID HARSH CLEANSERS
Select soap free, mild cleansers as these will not strip your skin of its’ natural oils and will help keep the skin balance in check. Seek out cleansers which are specially formulated for eczema prone and sensitive skin. Always avoid foaming cleansers are these contain ingredients which can irritate the skin and tend to be harsher on the skin.

STEER CLEAR OF ASTRINGENT SCRUBS
Certain exfoliants and scrubs can trigger and exacerbate sensitive skin. Whilst exfoliating is good for the skin, it can often cause issues with eczema prone skin. Look out for gentle exfoliants which contain kinder ingredients such as beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). There are now so many more on the market but ensure you check the ingredients and not just the packaging, as some products call themselves gentle on the skin but can often be far from it!

USE FRAGRANCE FREE PRODUCTS
If you have sensitive skin, always select fragrance-free or hypoallergenic products to avoid any skin response. Many products cite natural fragrance but often these too can create a skin response. Seek out the brands which offer both fragranced and non fragranced options.

ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN
All skin types must use sunscreen all year round. This is especially important for sensitive or tender skin. However, most sunscreens contain lots of nasty ingredients and chemicals which will have detrimental effect on the skin. Choose a suncream which has zinc oxide or titanium oxide and routinely use a minimum of SPF 30 daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

KEEP MOISTURISING
Keep your skin well hydrated by applying little and often. It can help to use a hydrating mist which contains gentle ingredients and can be used on clean skin or over make up. This can especially help if you are using a screen all day. Use a fragrance free, hypoallergenic moisturiser. Become familiar with the ingredients which help to feed your skin, lock in moisture and soothe your skin. Get into the habit of looking for products which contain glycerin, ceramides or mango butter.

PINPOINT YOUR TRIGGERS
Everyone has different skin and what works for some may not work for you. Monitor which products provoke a skin response and avoid them at all cost. Diligently checking the ingredients and understanding which has a negative effect on your skin will enable you to identify the brands you can rely on to not irritate and have a positive effect on your skin.

SHOWERING AND BATHING
Keep your showers short and at a low temperature. Long, hot showers and baths will dry out the irritate the skin, resulting in flare ups. When bathing, oats in a muslin bag or even a sock can bring comfort and relief to sore and irritated skin.

INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR
Oatmeal – Soothes and calms skin irritation, inflammation and soreness
Niacinamide – Helps to reduce redness and angry skin
Licorice extract – Known for its anti-inflammatory benefits
Ceramides – Help to preserve moisture and repair the skin barrier
Aloe vera – Calms and heals the skin
Colloidal Silver – Famed for its’ antimicrobial properties
Chamomile – Soothing and calming on the skin
Green tea extract – Soothing antioxidants which relieve the skin
Mango Butter – Soothes and heals skin

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
FRAGRANCES – These can cause allergic reactions and skin responses
SULPHATES Often listed as SLS / SLES. These are harsh ingredients which strip the skin
PARABENS These are preservatives which can cause sensitivity
ALCOHOL This will dehydrate and parch the skin
CHEMICALS Look out for phthalates, formaldehyde and triclosan

The main thing to remember is that we all have different types of skin and what works for some may not work for others. Try to establish what works for you and develop your own routine and go to products which you have good results with. Being mindful of the above ingredient lists which will help you avoid ingredient and products which are likely to create a skin stress response.

SCENCE products are natural vegan and hand-made, using clean organic formulas.

They are cruelty-free and sustainable products created for individuals who care about what they put on their skin and how the products they choose impact our world. Our products nurture, nourish, and protect the skin and have zero waste packaging, which is not only recyclable but can be home composted along with garden and food waste. All Scence products are cruelty free and certified vegan by the Vegan Society.

Don’t just take our word for it! Here are some quotes from our happy customers:

I would like to tell you why I made my recent order.
I’ve been suffering very badly with eczema since about November last year. I seem to have allergies from just about every food and I live such a clean lifestyle,  apart from when I feel naughty and have dairy ice cream!
I haven’t had eczema this badly for about 7 years and I’ve been trying all manner of lotions and potions.
I came across a tube of the body moisturiser I’ve ordered in my drawer, and to my amazement,  my dry patchy skin had some nourishment finally. 
I’m still getting the flare ups which I’m trying to get to the bottom of, but the moisturising balm has given me some welcome respite.
I’ve used almost a whole tube over the last 2 weeks so I ordered 2 more and the rose scented… hopefully that will also suit my skin.
I also find I’m now u.v sensitive and finding a spf has been troublesome as well.  I’m praying the zinc formula will do the job!
 Sue B.

Earthy Spice Deodorant: Absolutely LOVE this deodorant balm. Smells beautiful and works consistently unlike others I have tried which seem to stop working after using for a while. My husband borrowed mine and is now hooked too!! Natasha

Fresh Cedar Deodorant: I love this deodorant.
I spent ages looking for a vegan eco friendly deodorant that didn’t contain bicarb which irritates my skin. This stuff is wonderful. It feel so smooth and soft and moisturising when applying, it feels more like body care than deodorant. It doesn’t irritate my skin, I even use it straight after shaving in the shower. The smell is smooth and calm and doesn’t cause my headaches but keeps me feeling and smelling fresh and relaxed all day. Easy and convenient to use. Love it. Highly recommended. Isabel

Perfect Rose Face Balm: I absolutely love this face balm!! I have very sensitive, acne and redness prone skin and for the past 10 years have used the same moisturiser that I loved. Sadly that company’s moisturiser came in non-recyclable plastic so I made the decision to try this. WOW!!! My skin has never looked or felt so amazing! It smells incredible too! It’s also extremely good value as you only need to use a tiny amount.

I am so happy that I can now have fantastic skin whilst being environmentally friendly. Thank you and like the previous reviewer- please don’t ever stop making this product! Katy

Perfect Rose Face Balm: I love this face balm. Not only does it smell amazing, it has visibly reduced some red scarring left by adult acne after a only couple of weeks‘ use. I love that you only need a tiny amount but it does a great job. It’s also great that it’s all natural and the packaging is recyclable. And I also love that the Scence team were a big help in tracking it down so I could purchase it locally. Great customer service! Please don’t stop selling this wonderful balm! Anne

Thank you all for your lovely reviews. We really appreciate feeling appreciated!