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Welcome back beautiful!

The majority of people who read my blog probably do so because they have some sort of skin condition, or they know someone who has. There are actually a staggering number of people across the world with skin conditions, and these could be lifelong issues or temporary ones.

With the number of people reporting experiencing skin conditions in one form or another increasing, I thought I would take a look at what causes them.

Genetics

For some people, their skin condition is genetic. It will have been passed down through the family until it has reached you. Sometimes, it can skip a generation, and the severity can vary from person to person, but the condition is still there. Unfortunately, it means there is not much that you can do to stop it, but you can still manage it when it surfaces.

If you know that a skin condition runs in the family, you can keep any eye out for some of the signs. It can be the case that getting the appropriate treatment as early as possible can help to minimise its effects.

Environmental factors

You might find that your skin condition has been brought about by what is known as environmental factors. These are things on the outside that cause our bodies to react. It can include things that we are allergic to, or that we develop an intolerance to over time. It could come from your washing powder, your make-up or even the sun.

You can start to work out the cause by gradually changing one thing at a time to see if it affects how you feel. Eventually, you will be able to isolate the reason, and it may be the case that by removing it from your life, your skin can recover. If it is not something that you can totally escape, then you will know what it is, and be able to prepare yourself for it and look after your skin quicker and more effectively after exposure.

Health

Your health is a big factor when it comes to your skin. Mental health plays a huge part, and even as teenagers we are told that stress can cause breakouts. It should therefore be no surprise that it can also be responsible for other types of skin conditions. Your mental health should always be of paramount importance for so many different reasons, so make sure you do all you can to support it.

You can do this by making sure that you have good sleep routines. Giving your brain chance to fully shut down and process everything can be very important and waking up the next day refreshed gives you then energy to face whatever is in front of you.

Positive affirmations can also be beneficial. Saying something positive to yourself each day helps to change your mindset and give you a different outlook on life.

Diet

We are what we eat, and a good diet can make a big difference to your skin. I have even put together my own cookbook packed full of recipes that are not only healthy but have ingredients which are known for having a great effect on your skin. Start putting the right things into your body and it can show on the outside.

There are many, many reasons for skin conditions, and these are just a handful of the most common ones. Whatever skin condition you might have, we can offer you love, support and advice, so head over to our Instagram. to be part of a welcoming community.

Lots of love and positive vibes, Camille xx

Hi beautiful,

How are you at the moment?

As you know, my beautiful skincare range, The Beauty of Eczema™, is aimed at people who have sensitive skin. However, this is quite a wide-ranging term, and it can cover an awful lot of things. You might even be wondering whether you have sensitive skin at all. I thought it would be useful to take a look at what the different types of skin sensitivities are to help you understand them better. 

Eczema

Eczema is the condition that I personally suffer from, and it is this that started me on my journey to write my books and create the skincare line. It is actually an inflammatory skin condition, and it can show in all sorts of different ways. You might find that your skin becomes itchy and dry, or you might notice rashes, scaly skin or blisters, which can all be very uncomfortable and sometimes painful. It can begin at any time of life, even in new-born babies, which is why I made sure that my skincare was safe for even the youngest skin. There are actually seven different types of eczema[1] so if you think this might be what you have, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

There are lots of reasons why you might suffer from eczema, including genetic causes or things relating to your environment such as substances or temperatures that you are exposed to and the things that you put into your body. You will often find that the severity of your eczema comes and goes, with flare ups occurring from time to time, particularly if you are exposed to triggers or are subject to emotional stress.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis often shows as flaky patches of skin which then start to look like pink, red or silvery scales. They can appear anywhere on the body but are more commonly found on areas such as your elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. Whilst psoriasis can start at any age, it typically develops in those between 20 and 30 or between 50 and 60.

It is caused by an increased production of skin cells which happens much faster than normal. This build up of skin creates the patches that we are used to seeing. It is a condition that is still not fully understood, but it is believed to be linked to the immune systems and can run in families.[2]

Rosacea

Rosacea is most commonly seen on the face and often shows as redness that could be mistaken for blushing. It can have a stinging sensation, particularly when using water or harsher skincare products. It can also lead to dry skin and swelling and is subject to triggers from your diet and exercise.[3]

Other types of sensitive skin

Many people find that their skin is still sensitive, despite not having any of these specific conditions. You might find that your skin suffers from types of inflammation or that you have reactions, such as rashes or itching, to particular things. It can take some time to identify what it is that causes your problems and keeping a diary of what you do and eat can help you with this.

Treatment

If you feel that you have any of these skin sensitivities, then it is important to see a doctor. They can help you to work out what it is and what the causes might be, as well as looking for particular types of treatment. However, there are things that you can do at home to support your skin and general wellbeing. This can help you to live more comfortably with your condition and support your medical treatment. The first thing is to think about what you put into your body, as many skin conditions are triggered by things that we eat and drink. I have put together The Beauty of Eating Well™ cookbook to help you find ways to take care of your body on the inside. 

My skincare range has also been devised to work with all types of skin sensitivities. It is gentle, caring, and soothing and is made from naturally derived ingredients so that it can be used on any skin type. We recommend using our products when you are not in flare up mode as at this time you may need a medical product and may need to visit your doctor. They are perfectly fine to use between flare ups though and will not trigger a flare up. 

Good luck on your skin journey. Let us know how you are getting on.

Lots of love and positive vibes, Camille xx

Welcome beautiful ones!

Are you glowing in all this lovely weather?

You may have noticed that I have been talking a lot about positivity lately, and that is because I believe that how you think about your skin condition (and anything else for that matter) can change how you feel, and eventually how your skin looks. Framing things in a more positive way can have physical and mental effects, so it is an important thing to learn.

Talking about your skin

Many people tell me they have a positive mindset until I ask them about their skin. They often look to the floor, pull their sleeves down over their arms and start to use very negative language. This shows that you need to bring the way you talk about your skin in line with the way you think about it in order to feel the full benefit.

The first bit of advice I would give is to be honest. There is no point in saying that things are fine when they are not - talking positively about your skin does not mean lying about it. If you are struggling then there is nothing wrong in asking for help, it can be the first and biggest step in improving things.

Think about the words that you use to describe your skin condition. I know I have often had lighter spots of skin where my eczema has been, and I used to feel very self-conscious about them. Now, I call them my “leopard patches” because they are beautiful, they make me unique, and they show the journey that I have been on.

You should also look at how you describe your skin condition. It is likely to have a medical name, but many people also talk about it as a “problem” or even an “illness”. Take a look at other ways to describe what you have, such as a “uniqueness”, a “pattern” or talk about your “skin needs”.

It can sometimes be tempting to zoom in on a small aspect of ourselves and focus heavily on that, so when talking about your skin, have a wider view of it. Don’t talk just about the new patch of psoriasis that you have noticed, or the eczema flare up on your arm, look at your skin as a whole. Talk about the beautiful tan that you have, the pretty freckles or the glowing complexion.

How others talk about your skin condition

Learning how to frame your skin in a more positive way is one thing, but it is important to teach the other people in your life too. If your parents, partner or children can understand how to address it in a more positive way, it can have a big impact on you, as well as other people that they may meet in similar circumstances.

If they can pick up on the positive language that you use, they can help to reinforce how you feel. You should also make them aware of anything they might say or do that can act as trigger for you mentally or physically. For example, scratching at a mosquito bite can remind someone of the sensitivity itch that they have spent all day trying to ignore. Teaching your loved ones a few subtleties can help them to understand ways in which they can help you.

Always remember that you are beautiful. I have walked in your shoes, and you might find reading my book, The Beauty of Eczema, helpful in starting and navigating your own journey.

If you want to join a supportive private community to talk about your skin then we’d love to see you in our Sensitive Skin Angel Facebook group.

Lots of love and positive vibes, Camille xx

Hello there, skin lovers!

How are you all? It seems ages since I heard from many of you, so please pop over to our Instagram page and let us know what you are up to.

This summer I have been taking some time for myself. I think it is good for everyone to exercise a little self love as it can benefit both the body and the mind.

However, self love can be a tricky thing to describe and not everyone knows where to start with it, so I thought I would explain what it really means and share a few tips on how best to achieve it.

Self love

Sometimes phrases such as self love, me-time or self care can sound selfish, and so we put them off and prioritise other things, but I do not believe self care is selfish. When you listen to the safety briefing on a plane, they always tell you to apply your own oxygen mask before attending to anyone else. The reason for this is because if you are not safe and healthy, then you are no use to anyone around you.

Self love works in much the same way. By taking care of yourself from time to time, you are in a better position to offer love, help and support to your friends and family.

It can be hard to give self love a definition because it will take different forms for different people. Essentially, it is a state of appreciation for yourself, and that is achieved in physical and spiritual ways. It can be hard to love and appreciate yourself if there are things about you that affect your mood, and I learnt all about this on my own skincare journey. As mental health can directly impact our bodies, it is important to find a way to love the skin that you are in if you want to help improve it.

How to achieve self love

The best person to tell you what you need is you, but I have put together a few ideas to give you a starting point. The first thing to do is to look at yourself objectively and see all the things that people love about you. Then think about what you view as faults, and see if there is a way that that you can turn them around, for example, scars show battles that you have fought and won, stretch marks might be signs of the new lives you have brought into the world, or different skin tones where you skin condition has been shows that you are unique and brave.

In our busy lives, we all need to take time to stop, so put yourself first with a little pampering once in a while. Run a relaxing bath, lock the door, put some music on and lie back in my Pamper Me Bathing Oil to let the stresses and strains of the day melt away whilst giving your skin a boost at the same time.

Learning to meditate can also be a great way to switch off from the outside world and reset our minds. It is a time to remind ourselves of all the things we can be thankful for and filter out some of the noise that clutters our heads.

Occasionally we might need a little reminder of what to feel good about, so positive affirmations can be really useful. Saying something positive and bright each morning helps to work towards a better, happier mindset. Not sure what to say? My Positive Vibes Self Care Affirmation Cards give you some great places to start.

There is no time like the present, so why not go and practice a little self love right now! DM or email me what you choose!

Lots of love and positive vibes, Camille xx

How are you, beautiful?

The sun is shining, and it can make it much easier to feel positive about a lot of things in life, but I realise it isn’t always that easy.

I was thinking recently about all the things that I have achieved when it comes to learning to love my skin, putting together The Beauty of Eating Well™ cookbook, writing The Beauty of Eczema™ book and creating my amazing The Beauty of Eczema™ skincare range.

If you had told me 10 years ago that I would be where I am now, I might never have believed you. I still had a long journey to go on, and I wasn’t there… yet!

Overcoming obstacles

We all have to go on journeys in our life. They might be to learn to live with our skin conditions, lose weight, overcome emotional problems or start a new career, but much of the time we can be guilty of putting obstacles in the way that stop us from achieving things that really are within our grasp.

•       I can’t apply for that job because I don’t have the right experience.
•       I can’t improve my skin because I don’t have the right products.
•       I haven’t met the love of my life.
•       I haven’t found the right diet.

These are not excuses, but they are blockages which can often stop us from achieving what we deserve and living our best lives. However, there is a way to change that mindset and it just takes one simple word.

The Power of Yet

The word “yet” seems so simple, and maybe even feels as though it is a delaying tactic, but it is actually a huge tool when it comes to creating a sense of positivity. Think about it: the word yet means good things are coming for you, they just aren’t here yet. Look at the statements above again and see how they change when you add one word.

•       I can’t apply for that job because I don’t have the right experience YET!
•       I can’t improve my skin because I don’t have the right products YET!
•       I haven’t met the love of my life YET!
•       I haven’t found the right diet YET!

Whatever you are struggling with, you can add the word “yet” to it and completely change the mood of the sentence. When you think about your obstacles in these terms, they start to feel as though they can be overcome after all. So, let me know what you can change in your life by adding the word “yet”.

If you haven’t found the right skincare yet, then maybe today is the day that changes. Take a look at The Beauty of Eczema™ products and see how they can change your skin and your life. Buy it now: HERE

Lots of love and positive vibes, Camille xx

Hello there lovelies!

Are you glowing and happy?

I know I am, and one of the reasons for this is the fact that I recently got engaged to my beautiful and incredible partner. I shared the video of the amazing moment that he surprised me on my Instagram account and then, of course, I had to share some pictures of the stunning ring that he chose for me.

Whilst this was an incredible moment for me, posting that picture got me thinking about my hands. There was a time when my eczema would have held me back and might even have stopped me for posting that snap, and it made me realise exactly how much our hands are on show.

Skin conditions on hands

People with skin conditions are very aware of any patches that they may have and often go to great lengths in order to hide them, but this is difficult to do when it appears on your hands. It can take many different forms, appearing in patches on the backs of your hands, around your nails or on your joints. I have known people who fear that they look like they have been in fights, appear to have something contagious or simply look like they do not take care of themselves.

It can mean that they avoid shaking hands, don’t take pictures of their engagement rings or keep them in pockets, or wear long sleeves over their hands even in the height of summer. For some people, they can struggle to use their hands at all, even to do something as simple as holding a pen due to the pain that many people do not even realise comes hand in hand with skin conditions. I am here to tell you that now is the time to embrace your hands and learn to love them, no matter what!

Some handy tips

It is easy for someone to tell you to get over it when any part of your body is affected by a skin condition, but it can be a challenge for many of us. However, there are ways in which you can learn to love your hands and be proud to have them on display.

Firstly, you need to stop and think how much your hands do for you. Whether it is helping you to eat, caring for a loved one or showing off an engagement ring, they are the one part of our bodies that simply never stop moving. Many of you have incredible talents that your hands are instrumental in, such as music, art and sewing to name just a few. Instead of getting down about how the skin on your hands looks, try and focus on the amazing things your hands can do.

When you look at your skin, generally the first thing you see if your eczema or psoriasis, but this is rarely the first thing that other people see? When I posted my photograph, all anyone could focus on was the ring, my big beaming smile and how ridiculously happy I was. Not one person made any comment on my skin, and I doubt very much that they even looked at it.

Another way to love your hands is to show them the care and attention that they deserve. My Skin Wash is the perfect way to keep them clean and giving them a regular covering in the Calming Cream helps to soothe any irritations and leave them feeling soft and wonderful. Sometimes, if you show your hands a little love, they love you back.

I would love to see some pictures of your hands, so make sure that you post them on Instagram and tag The Beauty of Eczema in them.

Lots of love and positive vibes, Camille xx

Hello beautiful Angels!

I hope you are all enjoying the fabulous weather that we have been having!

There is a heatwave sweeping across the globe at the moment, so we are all feeling the heat. Personally, I love the sunshine, as it not only helps my skin but my mood too. Do you love summer?

Hello beautiful!

I hope the sun is shining for you today.

I have my Calming Cream at the ready whenever I am outdoors so that I can pop a little bit on whenever I feel the need.

I trust our products to work when I need them and to care for my skin because of the amazing journey that my team and I went on to create it. I have always wanted to create my own range of skincare to help people who were in the same situation, but I needed help from various experts along the way.