VITAMIN C: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen Vitamin C Ascorbic acid (what exists in nature; sodium ascorbate and calcium ascorbate are more stable synthetic salts) does not appear on published lists on common contact allergens. This is reinforced by the fact that very few allergies have been reported (see de Groot in references below), despite vitamin C being found in so many products (from foods to cosmetics […]
ALCOHOL: Allergen or Not An Allergen?
Not An Allergen. This is a little tricky but let’s break it down: the most common alcohol (isopropyl, ethyl) used for disinfection is an irritant — and it is certainly drying —but it is not a common contact allergen. For more on the difference between irritant and allergic reactions, see It’s Complicated: Allergic Versus Irritant Reaction. Complicating things […]
Don’t Touch Your Face
Paws Off That Fab Face. You use your hands to touch everything…your phone, keyboard, handrails, others people’s hands, desktops and kitchen counters…everything. Transferring all those microbes to your face increases your risk of sickness and acne, and could trigger a contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis (eczema) or allergic flare-up if you happen to have touched allergens that you’re sensitive to. […]
A Skincare Regimen Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
You spend time choosing your food and clothing, why not your skincare? Like working out, it helps to know what your goals are, what you like/don’t like, and what may work best for you. Basic skincare is fairly, well, basic: Cleanser, Toner (not if your skin is already dry), Moisturizer, Sunscreen. But even a basic regimen improves significantly when you […]
What Does “Suitable For Children” or “For Eczema” Mean In Skincare?
Marcie Mom from EczemaBlues.com interviews Laura, CEO of VMV Hypoallergenics, to find out more about product claims and why they’re important when choosing your skin care…particularly if you or your child has eczema. Understanding Baby Skin and Eczema Q: “Suitable for Children with Eczema.” These are the most important words for a parent looking for products for their child with eczema. When a product […]
How To Choose The Right Moisturizer
a) What are your skin concerns? b) Choose your moisturizer. Why moisturize? Moisturizer locks in water to keep your skin’s barrier layer strong and soft. Moisturizing creams can also be great vehicles for more active treatments. How to Choose: Simplest Selection: By Skin Type… The easiest way to choose a moisturizer is to go by […]
Less Is More In Skincare, Too!
SIMPLIFY. “Less is more” is a healthy philosophy for pretty much everything in life. In food, less processed means more nutrients and less junk. Studies show that mindfulness — clearing the mind of clutter and focusing on the now — has significant health benefits for the brain and aging. In skincare, simple formulations with as […]
Your Skin Needs You To Stop Stressing
Make stress management a priority. Like, now. Set an alarm to meditate for 10-20 minutes a day. And schedule a facial to zone out for an hour. And keep a gratitude journal. And do yoga. And turn your phone off on the weekend. That’s “and,” not “or,” by the way. Your skin, body, and mind […]
Top Recommendations for Patients With Eczema
Eczema is characterized by inflammation, barrier defect, blistering, itching, and very dry skin. Eczematous skin can get so dry that it cracks…and then microbial infection can become an additional problem. What to do to keep skin with eczema smooth, happy, and healthy…and steroid free? Let’s start with what not to do. What To Avoid: Harsh soaps; Hot water; Frequent […]