Hi everyone! I hope you are keeping warm in this icy cold weather! You might be experiencing some skin issues often associated with cold weather – skin can become dry, sensitive and flaky. In Part 1 & 2 I discussed how sugar and wheat could contribute to skin ageing and acne. Today in my final part on How what you eat affects your skin, I cover a common skin concern which also often flairs up during cold winter months:
ECZEMA
Dermatologist Dr. Satish Bhatia states that the consumption of excess sugar is bad for the skin. “Increased sugar levels can cause a build-up in the liver or colon giving rise to the majority of fungal infections and eczema.”
Livestrong.com states: There’s one food that all eczema sufferers should try to limit. Sugar, especially in its more refined form, may be the common culprit behind many inflammatory conditions. When we consume foods that are high in sugar, our body releases insulin. Harmful free radicals are released along with the insulin hormone and then have the potential to damage our cells. This damage promotes an inflammation response as our immune system attempts to fight the free radicals.
Many people who have eczema have food allergies, so eating a healthy diet may help reduce inflammation and allergic reactions. Eat fewer refined foods, and sugar. These foods contribute to inflammation in the body. Source: Eczema | University of Maryland Medical Center
Have a look at my previous blog for some tips on treating sensitive/eczema skin and how your mind and stress levels might be causing and/or aggravating this skin condition.
Another interesting read… US News – Health News: Healing your skin with your mind – The solution to your skin issues, from eczema to psoriasis, could be in your head.
Short term solution: Try and get to your dermatologist for a short term solution in the form of medication (internal or topical). STOP using any active cosmetics e.g. products containing VIT A/FRUIT ACIDS/High concentrations of anti-oxidants etc. Rather get yourself a cleanser and moisturiser for very sensitive skin conditions. I like Bioderma’s Sensibio range. Uriage also has products for sensitive and irritated skin.
I have tried these products…
Bioderma (Available at Dischem and online at Dermastore):
Soothing, Purifying Cleansing Gel R189.95
I like the fact that this cleansing gel foams up and gently and effectively removes all my make-up (including eye make-up). I can highly recommend it to anyone with sensitivity and combination to oily skin.
Water Cleanser R179.95
This is one of my ALL TIME FAVOURITES. The best eye make-up remover around and a great way to remove heavy make-up before your second cleanse. I can highly recommend this product to anyone!
Cream R189.95
This day/night cream has a light cream/gel consistency. I have an oily skin and still found it a bit too light for me. It felt as if my skin being so irritated and flaky needed something with more moisture. I will recommend this to anyone with sensitive and very oily skin or men who prefer a very light texture.
SkinMedica (available at Skin Renewal branches and other medical practises nationwide):
This is a product I thought I would personally never have to use. Well, in skincare emergencies like I’m having you will try anything. The cream has a rich texture and causes tingling upon application due to the active ingredients. Although it has a heavy texture, it didn’t make my oily skin more oily and I actually enjoyed the comfort of cream. This is a pricy product, but I can recommend this to anyone with red and sensitive skin conditions.
I wish you beautiful and healthy skin!
Chat soon
Helene x x x
