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Summertime and the living is not always easier for eczema sufferers …
Warm, humid weather is not always good news for dry skin conditions, says Selene Daly, Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Dermatology
People with dry skin conditions like eczema usually get a break when the sun shines. Warm weather, humidity and loose clothing all serve to alleviate a condition which can return with a vengeance once cold winds bite and the central heating and layers of clothing go back on.
But, for some sufferers, the combination of sweating and sunscreen can trigger the itch-scratch-itch cycle typical of a flare-up of eczema. So what’s the best way to cope with sensitive skin and avoid an attack? Well, it’s all about how you treat sensitive skin, morning and evening.
Firstly, when you get up in the morning, prime your skin with a lukewarm shower using Elave Shower Gel or Elave Body Wash. Both of these derma-approved formulations are infused with vitamin E to recondition the skin barrier and gently cleanse without drying out the dermis.
After showering, pat your skin dry and apply a good moisturiser like Elave Sensitive Body Lotion using long downward strokes. This clinically proven, emollient rich moisturising lotion is quickly absorbed to promote healthy, soft skin while camomile extract soothes and hydrates.
You should use a sunscreen on your face all year round – Elave Daily Skin Defence SPF45 is ideal – and on exposed parts of your body between the months of March and September, and particularly in the summer months of June, July and August.
Elave Sun is a gentle, broad spectrum, high SPF sunscreen specially created for eczema-prone and dry, sensitive skin. Elave Sun SPF30 and Elave Sun SPF 50+ offer protection for up to 98% of harmful UV rays in a non-greasy formulation which is infused with vitamins and bioextracts to hydrate and protect.
When you are outdoors, be mindful of the SunSmart programme key messages: always use a sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and loose clothing. Cumulative damage from UVA and UVB rays causes skin ageing, including fine lines and sunspots, as well as vastly increasing your risk of developing skin cancer in the long term.
In the evening, shower off again to rid your skin of sweat, pollen, stale sunscreen and environmental pollutants, and then apply an emollient like Elave Sensitive Intensive Cream. Dry skin loves this rich, soft formulation containing white soft paraffin and fractionated coconut oil to rehydrate, repair and protect the skin barrier.
If you have got a touch too much sun, why not try Elave Botanical Aftersun with vitamin E, botanical extracts and soothing aloe vera? This hypo-allergenic formula is free from harsh chemicals and is clinically proven to be kind to skin. A touch of menthol calms down any overheated areas, so try keeping it in the fridge for maximum benefit!
Elave Skincare and Ovelle ranges of dermatologically-approved free-from natural products are available at gardinerfamilyapothecary.com, Boots, Dunnes Beauty and local pharmacies.
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