Those who live with problematic skin conditions such as eczema can often feel a psychological impact as a result – it is estimated that around 54% of the UK population experience a skin condition in any given twelve-month period1. A survey by Cetraben has revealed that almost half (47%) of eczema sufferers said that their confidence has been negatively impacted since diagnosis2. Further to this, 44% of sufferers said their sense of attractiveness has been negatively impacted with 22% saying insecurities about their skin had affected an intimate relationship.
Consultant Psycho Dermatologist, Dr Anthony Bewley comments: “It’s well recognised that living with a skin condition can have a massive impact on an individual’s outlook on life, and small problem areas do not necessarily mean a small impact on day to day living. Even skin conditions which are usually hidden under clothing can have an effect.”
Create a skin diary
Skin diaries can provide a helping hand for those with problematic skin. A skin diary will encourage you to record your skin triggers and appreciate the effective methods that have helped calm problematic skin.
Chill out
Stress has been known to cause skin flare ups. Therefore, try to keep daily stress levels low, when something annoying happens at work or a friend cancels late minute rise above it. Feel calm and confident in yourself and you will look and feel much better for it.
Moisturise
It simply cannot be stressed enough, ensuring your skin is well moisturised will have a soothing effect whilst helping the skin establish protection from dehydration and infection. Find the best routine for you, if you find you need to moisturise 2-3 times a day, then do it. If you struggle to stick to a routine, you could even schedule an alarm on your phone. Products targeted towards sensitive skincare such as Cetraben (£4.99) provides effective and specialist skincare that treats by re-hydrating and protecting skin from irritants. Aveeno Skin Relief (£3.59) also soothes on contact and provides immediate relief for extra dry skin.
Cut out fatty foods and sugar
Fatty foods and in particularly sugar can have a damaging effective on the skin. For instance, refined sugars can lead to dehydration in skin cells. Too much sugar in the body can also lead to eczema wounds taking longer to heal. Where possible stick to healthy foods that you know won’t damage your skin.
Use unscented body wash
Using unscented soap substitutes in the shower is highly recommend as some fragranced soaps and bubble baths can remove the natural oils from your skin leaving it dry and irritated.
Use your emollient after a bath or shower
If you apply emollient to your skin whilst your skin is wet, it can help lock in not only the moisturiser from the cream but the water itself, preventing some of the water from evaporating off the skin, maximising your hydration opportunities.
Manage extreme temperatures
Extreme temperatures and contrasts in temperatures can have a damaging effect on the skin. When it’s cold outside it’s tempting to have boiling showers, however, if you can, keep them mild as not to irritate the skin. The dry air of central heating can also be damaging and many sufferers will find a humidifier at home helps.
Wear natural fibres
If you’re dressing up for the date, take care of the materials you are wearing. Clothes with synthetic fibres can irritate the skin causing itchiness and redness. Stick to clothes which are 100% cotton silk or bamboo as this will reduce the risk of your skin becoming irritated.
Clear the dust
It is common for people who suffer from skin allergies to also suffer from a dust mite allergy. If so, being around dust mites can trigger an eczema flare-up. Therefore, if ever an excuse is needed to keep your home and office space clean, this is it.
Fight the itch
If you really want to take care of your skin and prevent it becoming worse, fighting the itch is essential. If this is too tough, there are things you can do to prevent the itching becoming so problematic. This includes keeping nails clean and short. So, if you’re going for a valentine’s manicure, resist the temptation to go for long nails and keep them neat.
For more advice on how to love your skin visit Centraben.
About the Author / Gareth Hargreaves
Gareth looks after all editorial content on 50connect. He is the Swiss Army knife of content ideas and production.
