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