You may have noticed that I no longer show lip swatch photos? This is not out of laziness or a desire to keep my lips off of the internet (what a bizarre turn of phrase) but due to Eczema. Last year I began to develop red, itchy almost sore like patches around the corners of my mouth and on my chin, to begin with my doctor diagnosed it as an Iron deficiency and placed me on supplements. It did nothing for my complexion and new patches of red, dried out skin began to appear - namely on the back of my wrists and my neck. This happened for over a year before I finally went back to my GP to see if I could get a proper diagnosis - I left it so long as the patches are fairly small and with basic treatment and care, they clear up fairly easily. To cut a long story short I have Eczema that is more often than not triggered by stress.
This really isn't a woe is me post - lots of people are plagued by Eczema and I have an extremely mild case. It just so happens that the main area that is affected somewhat affects my day to day job. I know that dry, red skin is nothing to be embarrassed by but the constant wiping off and applying lipsticks (when collections are involved) can be extremely irritating, when my skin isn't at it's best - not to mention it does dent my confidence time to time. Having said that, facially my skin does seem to be in a better place, both my Acne and Eczema are somewhat under control so I will be back to posting real swatches in future blog posts.
I'm by no means an expert but I have found that cooler showers, switching to Non-Bio clothes wash, using a non-scented soap and body moisturiser really does help. At the moment I use E45 Wash to cleanse my body and E45 Cream moisturise affected/prone areas. Lush Porridge soap is a great facial cleanser for easily irritated skin types, including Eczema due to the high percentage of oats within the product. I also apply Sudocrem to affected areas to calm the itch and to heal broken skin. Aveeno Daily Moisturising (Lush Dream Cream is also great) is great elsewhere on my body to generally keep the skin supple and prevent future flair ups. I have learnt to avoid directly spraying perfume and using scented products on my wrists; I now roll up my sleeves to prevent rubbing/chapping the already dried out skin. I was also advised to drink lots of water to keep my skin hydrated and avoid dairy as it can prevent aggravation, especially as I'm Lactose intolerant (I'm the gift that keeps on giving huh?).
As mentioned above my Eczema really isn't worth talking about, others have it so much worse - one of my friends suffers tremendously, more so in the Summer and recommends Oatmeal baths (you can find a basic technique here), loose cotton clothing and cotton bedding. She also on occasion puts cotton socks on her hands to stop her from scratching at any itchy areas when asleep - adorable but effective.
If you have any further tips or product recommendations for Eczema be it a foundation, a body wash or treatment please do share. This is all a little new to me and I'm keen to learn more.
This is a great post! I get eczema terribly on my hands, especially in the winter. I love the Aveeno Skin Relief, it's so gentle and kind, and works well overnight.
ReplyDeleteI get this so bad on my legs but nowhere else. Ive found it hard to deal with in the summer but hoping I can take some tips for this post, thanks chica!
ReplyDeleteCharlotteSamantha // www.charlottesamantha.co.uk
I've suffered with psoriasis my entire life, which has very similar attributes to eczema. I've found sunlight to be one of the biggest cures, resisting the urge to itch, keeping my fingernails short and never letting any effected areas get dry.
ReplyDeleteI have been prescribed so many medicinal remedies over the years and I've grown to detest their greasy textures and chemical smells.
I switched to natural alternatives a few months back and my skin is in the best conditions I've ever seen. Our Tiny Bees Über Balm and Lyonsleaf Calendula Cream are two products I would definitely recommend.
http://baresome.blogspot.co.uk
Hi Lucy
DeleteYou how you feel with the Psoriasis. Sun light is the best treatment for it. I lived in Australia for 10 months and cleared it right but. Now back in the UK I go for the odd Sunbed to keep it at bay.
I did a post on my experience of it if your interested.
http://www.loonthego.co.uk/psoriasis-treatments-tips-my-story/
Leonie ♥ Lo On The Go
Hi Lucy.
DeleteI suffer from psoriasis too. I know how you feel about the prescribed "treatments". You're right about sunlight though, my dermatologist at one point had me in a UV Rays treatment. Not a tanning bed (that's more harmful than good), but a specialized stand-up cabin at her office. It did work for a while but my flare-ups are mostly stress-induced and harder to treat. I live in France but maybe you can look into it wherever you are.
As a product i found works very well for me is Chantecaille Retinol Body Treatment. It's freaking expensive but it's a big tube and you don't need much. it doesn't irritate, spreads and absorbs easily and relief is immediate.
i used to get extremely bad eczema that was sore & weeping on my legs. the only thing that got rid of it was some pure vitamin e oil from holland & barrett. it really helps to moisturise & heal the area. la roche-posay serozinc & cicaplast have also helped me more recently when i had a bit of a flareup on my neck. the l'occitane almond shower oil is also fab at healing eczema patches on your body! xx
ReplyDeleteI don't have eczema but I do have acne...I am on my third week of roaccutane (at 36...how depressing) and it is making my skin dry and sensitive already. I really like the Yu Be moisturizer - it's quite a thick, glycerine-based one that helps to soothe it. Have you ever tried Mir skincare? It's mainly for rosacea but would suit anyone with sensitive or angry skin.
ReplyDeleteI get patches around my face and they normally flare for a number of reasons, things like late nights, leaving my make up on when I go to bed, eating too much sugar and not drinking enough water. I also found that E45 didn't work for me at all but Aveenos is literally my holy grail! I also use the steroid cream my GP gives me but I rarely need it now due to Aveenos.
ReplyDeleteMeEmBeauty
This was a really great read and very helpful, i have recently been having some serious issues with my legs, i think i might give the E45 wash a go! xo
ReplyDeleteJessica Ann ♥️
My boyfriend suffers badly with eczema and has his whole life so he can definitely relate to this post (maybe not the lip swatch part!)
ReplyDeleteBea x
As Seen By Bea
I started getting random patches of exzema last year and nothing would clear it up for me except Eucerin Intensive Lotion, it is my holy grail and I always have some in my house incase it comes back!
ReplyDeleteDanielle's Beauty Blog
Really helpful post thank you! I have had eczema all my life and still struggle with it now at twenty one! I find the aloe vera range from The Body Shop fab for sensitive and irritated skin. I always come back to it!
ReplyDeletehttp://mypetitecloset.blogspot.co.uk/
Niamh :)
I've had similar, and it used to make me feel awful. I used to use Hydrocortisone to get rid of the skin but that's so stripping, always a last resort but Avene XeraCalm Balm is amazing, and I found sometimes the Blue Orchid Oil from Clarins really helps rehydrate. Mine was also stress and environment triggered so hope they help
ReplyDeleteLauren x
Britton Loves | Lifestyle Food Beauty
The La Roche Posay Cicaplast range is great. I swear by the hand cream when you want moisture and protection but nothing irritating. The face one is also great, basic but in a good way as it just protects without adding to any irritation. You could also tell your freind to get cotton moisture gloves- they do the same as the socks but you can still use your hands, i use them every night after slathering cream on. Ive had eczema all my life and you are doing the right things with the washing powder etc
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, E45 is an absolute gem!
ReplyDeleteAnika | www.anikamay.co.uk
I totally understand your pain. I've had eczema ever since I was born, it's a pain aha! I find all Lush products are really good, especially the Ceridwen's Cauldron bath melt! The Palmer's range is also really great for sensitive skin, especially for the face - I swear by this range! Mine is worst when I am stressed as well. I also find the sun really helps, but when you live in the UK like me the sun is rarely there to help.
ReplyDeleteMegan x / http://megaanalicec.blogspot.co.uk
As a child, I had patches of eczema on the insides of my elbows and backs of my knees but as I grew up it mostly disappeared, just coming back in random places every now and then when I'm particularly stressed. I find the body shop shea body butter works quite well for me. I feel so sorry for people who suffer with it severely, it must be a nightmare! Em x
ReplyDeletehttp://themusingsofem.blogspot.co.uk/
My eczema comes and goes as it pleases but it was particularly bad in 2012. It took me over a year and multiple creams to discover that it was caused by dairy and all I had to do was cut down on the amount of cheese sandwiches I was eating. Aveeno really helped too, I've been prescribed it ever since my first eczema flare up as a kid. It's not 100% effective but it definitely calms my skin that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteRaise The Waves
I have had eczema for several years and I am still yet to find anything that is really helpful, I am a big fan of Lush's Dream Cream for when it is sore and irritated. My skin really didn't work well with E45, but I am intrigued about sudocrem.
ReplyDeleteBeth x
www.hellobeth.co.uk
Great! Thanks for sharing this. I read over the article and I really love all the things. By the way, could we get a chance to cooperate on SNS/Blog? We’ll pay USD. tonylau86china@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteSuch a great article, I am sure so many people can relate to what you're going through. Eczema is so frustrating to deal with, and I have a few friends are constantly battling their eczema.
ReplyDeleteBree || The Urban Umbrella
I manage my eczema by avoiding fragrance, menthol, alcohol, fragrant plant oils, too hot water, etc. I use quality skincare that helps to repair the skin's barrier and protect it from further damage, I swear by brands like paula's choice and cerave etc :)
ReplyDeleteBeauty Wanderer
My eczema only emerged after i was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and although on a Gluten-Free diet, stress brings it out AND skin products with Gluten present!!!! Even Aveeno causes it for me - even though Oats are supposed to be GF - that's not always the case due to cross contamination!!! Hpe this opens some eye for those still fighting with the reasons for flare ups.
ReplyDeleteI have or had Eczema too, I discover an amazing product Powerstrips. They have been listed with the FDA as a class 1 medical device. They are intented to be used for the temporary relief of pain and skin disorders. Powerstrips are 100% natural and save to use. Wherever you stick this poverstrip it wil begin working immediately. I try it for my Eczema and after 3 days it was almost gone, it helps also for psoriasis and acne. If you want more explanation contact me on FB or send mpe a mail to rita.ronny@outlook.be (sorry but my website is under construction)
ReplyDeleteSudocrem is an absolutely lifesaver for me and I always go to Aveeno when I want to simplify my skincare regime <3
ReplyDeletehttp://www.abigailalicex.com/
I know the feeling I've suffered with eczema all my life and have tried lots of different things but one thing I stay away from E45. It's high in water so sometimes actually makes eczema worse ☺️ Xx
ReplyDeleteAh I have a random bout of eczema from stress it seems and after weeks of not getting better I suddenly remembered Dream Cream so went out and bought it. It didn't get rid of it but it's nice knowing I'm nourishing my skin. I'll try Aveeno next because I've heard wonders about it.
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better.
Having gloves on when you sleep is my savour. I scratch really bad and my hand and wrists end up in an awful state. So slathering cream on and putting cotton gloves on at night is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI have a pretty mild case of eczema as well which is evident especially on my arms and legs with the scars to prove it :/ Regardless of how serious, it is just not fun at all! I also found that cooler showers help a lot too since water water tends to dry out my skin. I've heard a lot of good things about Aveeno and want to try it!
ReplyDeletethesixthdisneyprincess.blogspot.com