Pittwater Life April 2023 Issue

Hair & Beauty
with Sue Carroll
Resuscitating compromised
skin barrier with eczema
A
compromised barrier of
the skin may play out
in various ways from
dryness to aging, rosacea to
acne, and eczema to a super
reactive/sensitive skin. A
compromised barrier of the
skin and eczema are now more
prevalent than ever before.
With a combination of a harsh
environment, mask-wearing,
certain medications, poor gut
health, autoimmune diseases,
the COVID environment,
aggressive products and
treatments, the skin often does
not stand a chance on its own.
7 main types of eczema:
1. Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema
is a chronic inflammatory
condition that may occur on any
part of the body. There seems
to be a connection between
allergies, asthma and hay fever
and eczema. The symptoms
often appear in early childhood
and will range from dry patches,
redness, skin roughness and
possibly a rash that may exude
clear liquid when scratched.
2. Contact Dermatitis is an
acute response to either an
allergen or a chemical and may
appear with blisters, swelling,
flaking and burning or stinging.
3. Neurodermatitis is
characterised by extreme
itchiness and discomfort.
The skin may appear thick,
discoloured, scaly and
dehydrated. This condition is
known as a ‘sleep stealer’.
4. Dyshidrotic Eczema accounts
for half of hand dermatitis. The
skin appears cracked, scaling,
red and toughened with pain
and nail discolouration.
5. Nummular Eczema is more
prevalent in men and is often
triggered by medications, stress
and injuries to the skin. Lesions
can weep and will appear as
coin-shaped sores.
6. Seborrheic Dermatitis is
commonly referred to as
dandruff and may appear where
there is hair growth such as the
scalp, eyebrows, sides of the
nose, chest and behind the ears.
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When an appropriate shampoo,
conditioner or skincare is used
the condition will disappear. It
has been linked to stress and a
yeast known as Malassezia.
7. Stasis Dermatitis is a type of
eczema that causes fluid to leak
into the lower limbs of the body
and is often accompanied by
skin discolouration known as
‘cayenne spots’. Pain, heaviness
in the legs and shiny skin may
be symptoms. This condition
often appears in people over 50
with poor circulation, underlying
health issues, varicose veins and
lack of exercise.
Since the exact causes
of eczema are not well
understood, often a multipronged
approach is advisable
for the management of this skin
condition. This might mean a
combination of professionals,
such as a nutritionist, colon
therapist, medical professional,
naturopath, homeopath and
aesthetician.
Topically, when the skin
barrier is compromised it is
vital to support its repair as
it is our first line of defence,
protecting against bacteria,
infection, toxins, transepidermal
water loss and UV
damage. The goal when treating
the eczema-affected skin
topically is to heal, nourish and
hydrate. Ingredients with antiinflammatory
properties are
essential, as this will assist in
creating a healthy environment
where skin can heal.
Some of the ingredients to
look for in your products may
include Linoleic and oleic acids
(essential fatty acids which are
close to the skin’s own natural
lipids providing hydration
and soothing discomfort),
Witch Hazel (a rich antioxidant
protecting cells and soothing),
Hyaluronic acid (a water
regulating molecule which
will help to plump, hydrate,
lubricate and prevent transepidermal
water loss), Arnica
Montana (a powerful healer,
natural botanical and is antiinflammatory
speeding healing
and soothes chapped skin).
In the treatment room, active
correctives and treatments
should be avoided. Instead,
the focus should be on gentle
exfoliation with the JetPeel
system and then nourishing
topicals can be gently infused
into the skin to soothe, plump
and hydrate.
As with most skin conditions,
the treatment of eczema is
a multi-pronged approach.
The skin is mirroring the
inflammation on the inside, so
treat it internally and externally
for a positive outcome.
Sue Carroll is at the forefront
of the beauty, wellness
and para-medical profession
with 35 years’ experience on
Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
She leads a dedicated team
of professionals who are
passionate about results for
men and women.
info@skininspiration.com.au
www.skininspiration.com.au
APRIL 2023 55
Hair & Beauty