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Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Derm Lessons

About a month into moving to San Fran, I started having some skin issues.  My lips were cracking at the corners, and then later I developed some dry skin on my chin.  It was really awful! I tried using aquaphor and vaseline, but the dryness on my chin never went away.  My skin would become inflamed with too much sun or with certain products.  I've never had a problem like this before, so I finally went to see the dermatologist.

He pretty much diagnosed me with eczema.  I've never had eczema before, but he mentioned that it could be due to the products I'm using. He told me since most of my dry skin was on my chin, I should swtich my toothpaste also.

I'm a product junkie so I'm always trying new products once mine run out. I have a ton of different things that are in constant rotation so its pretty hard for me to tell if a certain product is causing the problem or not.

He prescribed me an ointment to use when the eczema flares up and an antibiotic for pimples and blemishes instead of using salicylic acid products you find over the counter.  I did get some good advice from the derm.  I actually think my toothpaste was causing the problem - it had some baking soda, which might have been irritating my skin. I d/c the toothpaste and pretty much since then, I haven't really had many flareups. He recommended me to switch my products to Cetaphil for cleanser and moisturizer with SPF. I actually really like the SPF moisturizer, I'm always looking for an SPF at least 30+,  and this one is very light and non greasy.

Lessons from the Derm:
1.  Condense your products, less is more!
2.  Use non-comedogenic hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products
3.  Salicylic acid can irritate skin so avoid products with this!
4.  Be aware of what products you are using for your skin
* If you do have a problem with your skin, document when it 
happens and what products you are using to narrow it down

11 comments:

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Ooh thanks for the info!!

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

Great tips~ I'm a firm believer 'less is more' when it comes to our skin~ I take omega3 as well, helps on skin & hair!

Cafe Fashionista said...

Great info! I find that I am only able to use a limited amount of products for my skin, as everything seems to dry it out, or cause irritation. :/

Logan said...

I am also a Cetaphil believer. Simple is better! Sometimes I wash with it and then spread a thin layer on after I dry.

Style, She Wrote said...

Great post. I appreciate the tips!

Audrey Allure said...

Great tips!

Allison said...

I went on Accutane a few years ago, and since then I've also developed eczema, I guess as a side effect since the Accutane would constantly dry my skin out. It was so frustrating, having this flaky skin where I looked and felt awful, but no matter what I did there was no help. (I wish I had this post to read when I was going through that intensely!). Thank God for my great derm, who helped me through it :)
Your tips are wonderful - and I'm also a Cetaphil fan (though I always think it looks really gross on my face!). :)
Great tips, and I'm glad that it's all working out for you! The Body Shop has this honey and oak scrub that I use twice a week - it's a very mild exfoliant, so when I do get some dry skin, it helps it without irritating it (though I wouldn't recommend it if you're having an eczema flare up!).
Have a great end of the week and weekend, dear!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I feel for ya lady. My poor little dude has baby eczema. : (

Unknown said...

amazing

Maria Ana said...

Oh:( that's bad... hope you can control it!

Maria Ana
www.thebeautylover.blogspot.com

Emma said...

I hope you're taking good care of your skin! Don't worry about the eczema thing, I'm sure with patience and care you'll make it go away.
Keep us updated!
XX
Emma
Young and in Style