Daily Archives: June 24, 2024

Are you finding yourself with itchy, irritated skin that you can't stop scratching? Or have you wondered why your child's eczema is suddenly worse and so hard to control? Mounting evidence suggests that wildfires, which are increasing in intensity and frequency, contribute to skin problems, including eczema flares.

Eczema is a common chronic skin condition that affects about one in 10 people in the US. Its hallmarks are inflamed and dry, itchy patches of skin.

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. It can run in families, often beginning in childhood. Typically, in the northern hemisphere, it grows worse during the winter season when the weather is cold and drying. Now some experts are seeing that pattern change. At Massachusetts General Hospital, for example, one dermatologist noted an unusual spike last summer in patients with flare-ups of eczema.

In 2023, Canada experienced more than 6,000 wildfires that burned over 16 million hectares of land an area larger than the entire state of Georgia. While far away from the devastation, the smoke reached across the US and more than 2,000 miles to Europe. Poor air quality from these distant wildfires caused eye and throat irritation and difficulty breathing.

In Boston, Dr. Arianne Shadi Kourosh, a dermatologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, also began to notice skin symptoms. Normally the dermatology clinics would see fewer than 20 people during a summer month for eczema, including atopic dermatitis. Suddenly that jumped to 160.

Looking back at summer month records from the last four years, her research showed that the number of visits for these skin complaints tracked with the severity of air pollution. These findings are consistent with other research noting an uptick in eczema flares and psoriasis flares associated with wildfire pollution. But why?

Researchers theorize that airborne pollutants might set off a cascade of effects within the body by activating an oxidative stress pathway. This damages the skin barrier and prompts an inflammatory response. This cascade also may play a role in the development of eczema.

Air pollutants in wildfire smoke may harm multiple organs not just your heart and lungs, but also our skin, it seems. So, when outdoor air quality is bad due to wildfires, limiting your exposure can help reduce health risks. While we can say the same for industrial air pollution, wildfire pollution is likely worse due to its additional toxic particles.

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One surprising effect of wildfires: itchy, irritated skin - Harvard Health

There's a simple reason gymnasts wear leotards to compete: they're formfitting, stretchy, and won't get in the way during a front layout. But while they may be functional, they also happen to put quite a bit of skin on display something Olympian Suni Lee struggled with when she first started dealing with eczema.

"It was something that I felt ashamed of, being in a leotard and competing for Team USA," she tells PS. "Our skin is very exposed, cameras are always on us, people are always taking pictures, and it's hard when you're kind of ashamed to be looking at your own body or your skin because you can see that it's rough or flaky."

Lee started experiencing itchy, red skin that was "always uncomfortable" when she was younger, and it wasn't until she'd tried "everything" she could get over the counter before she was officially diagnosed with eczema.

The inflammatory skin disease is characterized by dry, itchy skin. At its core, it's a chronic (but manageable) condition that's caused by an overactive immune system disrupting the skin barrier. Still, certain triggers like specific foods, alcohol, and environmental irritants can cause it to flare. According to the National Eczema Association, it affects over 31 million people in the US alone. Still, it can show up differently on everyone making it hard to treat and even more difficult to talk about.

"I used to have it really bad on my arms, legs, and behind my neck it was swollen and inflamed," Lee says. "It made me not want to be seen anywhere because I knew people were looking at it because it was so inflamed. It has definitely taken a hit to my security levels when I'm competing, because it feels like people are looking at me."

The gymnast has since gotten her eczema under control, which has been immensely helpful for her overall well-being. "My doctors, dermatologists, and I have a really good system we know what works," she says. Lee recently partnered with Eli Lilly and Company, a pharmaceutical company that makes eczema drugs and Team USA's health equity sponsor, to destigmatize the conversation around atopic dermatitis, aka eczema. "I've had my fair share of insecurities with eczema, but it's not something to be ashamed or embarrassed about. And now, I want to share my story to help inspire younger generations to be comfortable in their own skin."

Research published by The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has shown that those who have eczema are at a higher risk for depression and anxiety, and according to a recent survey conducted by the National Eczema Association, 30 percent of people with atopic dermatitis deal with one or both of these mental health concerns. But ironically, mental and emotional stress is one of the top triggers for eczema flare-ups, which Lee has experienced firsthand. "I get the worst stress eczema flare-ups," she says. "At the 2021 Olympics, I was having a flare-up on my neck that I thankfully got handled right before the competition. But it happens a lot when I'm stressed and I can't sleep. I get really bad flare-ups. So then I'm constantly itching and uncomfortable."

"I was scared to talk about [mental health] for a long time, but when Simone and other athletes started talking about it, it made me feel more comfortable."

It's one of the many reasons Lee prioritizes her mental health. In addition to therapy, two practices that help manage her stress are journaling and visualization. "I'm a very private person and I keep a lot of things, so I don't really share how I totally feel all the time, so I write it all down," she says. "I write down my 'whys,' my goals, my keywords, and I visualize a lot during my routines because it's important to remember them when you're out there and nervous and trying to block everything out."

While navigating her own mental health journey, Lee has been grateful to see fellow athletes open up about theirs ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she's competing for Team USA next month. "The attitude now is just so much more positive, and it's more focused on the mental health of the athletes because if we're not in the right headspace, you can't expect us to compete the best routines in the way that we're expected to," she says. "Our needs are very important because they're things that are going to help us when we're out there competing."

In the last few years, athletes like Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, and Naomi Osaka have spoken out about their own mental health experiences, which has helped Lee feel comfortable sharing her story. "I talk to and listen to a bunch of other athletes, and I'm constantly trying to hear and understand how some people do the things they do," she says. "And it's been so helpful because I was scared to talk about it for a long time, but when Simone and other athletes started talking about it, it made me feel more comfortable."

Zo Weiner is a freelance beauty and wellness writer. Her work has appeared in Bustle, Byrdie, Cosmopolitan, PS, GQ, Glamour, Marie Claire, Allure, Self, Brides, and Teen Vogue, among others, and she was the senior beauty editor at Well+Good.

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Olympic Gymnast Suni Lee Shares Her Eczema and Mental Health Journey - POPSUGAR

Itchy, bumpy eczema patches have always crept their way onto the crooks of my elbows, between my fingers, and even behind my knees throughout my adolescence and adulthood thus far. It wasnt until I reached my twenties that I also began experiencing flares on some areas of my face, particularly on my cheeks and along my jawline. This feat has made me particularly cautious when it comes to choosing makeup products for my eczema-prone skin, and it has completely altered what I look for when shopping for new foundations, blushes, powders, you name it.

According to Dr. Hope Mitchell M.D, a board-certified dermatologist based in Ohio, Im not alone. Choosing makeup products when you have eczema can feel daunting, but a few thoughtful tips can make a big difference, she says. Its true, opting for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic formulas made with sensitive skin in mind has calmed my flares and kept my skin looking smoother, patch- and itch-free. But it took some time to get there. Here, I spoke with multiple experts to define eczema, share tips on how to choose the right makeup products for the skin condition, and application tips. Let this be your eczema-friendly makeup guide, one that Ive yearned for since my very first flare-up.

Lets start with the basics. According to Dr. Dendy Engelman M.D., a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City, eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that manifests as patches of dry, itchy, red, and irritated skin. For those with eczema, choosing cosmetics with nourishing, non-irritating ingredients is crucial for preventing flare-ups and minimizing irritation, she says. While eczema can be triggered by general seasonal allergies, rhinitis, or genetics, it can also flare up if your skin is sensitive to particular skin care or cosmetic ingredients.

According to the experts, its possible for makeup to cause eczema. Look out for increased redness, itching, or a burning sensation in areas where you apply your makeup, says Mitchell. You may also see small bumps, swelling, or dry, flaky patches developing shortly after application.

While this wasnt the case for me personally, the experts recommend to immediately stop using the product you might suspect is causing your eczema flare-up. Engelman also recommends patch-testing the product on another area of your body, like the inner forearm, and waiting 24 to 48 hours to determine if its causing an adverse reaction. If so, soothe the affected area with a calming moisturizer or emollient designed for sensitive skin, or apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone.

No matter the root cause of your eczema, Mitchell warns to avoid scratching the area to prevent further damage and infection. If a flare doesnt improve or gets worse, consult with a dermatologist who can help you identify which ingredients to avoid in the future, she says

Choosing makeup for eczema-prone skin all comes down to the right ingredients. Look for ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid because they help hydrate and protect the skin barrier, says Mitchell. Foundations or skin tints that are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and made for sensitive skin also get the green light from the experts especially anything thats approved by the National Eczema Association, like the Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted SPF 30.

Consistency and format are also important when it comes to choosing makeup for eczema-prone skin. Avoid gel-based products with alcohol, as they can strip your skin of moisture and worsen dryness and itchiness. Opt for liquid, cream, or mousse foundations as well, since powders can highlight texture issues and dryness, says Mitchell.

There are also a handful of makeup ingredients to avoid when you have eczema-prone skin. Steer clear of synthetic preservatives like methylparaben and butylparaben, which are commonly used in cosmetics as these can exacerbate eczema-prone skin, says Engelman. She also shares that chemical colorants, which are often labeled as FD&C or D&C followed by a color and number, can be irritating as well. Because fragrance can exacerbate flare-ups, its important to always opt for fragrance-free makeup whenever possible.

Mitchell also recommends staying away from sulfates, formaldehyde releasers, and lanolin, all of which may cause adverse reactions in sensitive skin. Lastly, be cautious with essential oils and botanical extracts, as they can sometimes lead to irritation, she adds.

Once youve determined what products to use, there are also a few things to be mindful of during application, according to Brielle Pollara, a New Jersey-based makeup artist. The best approach is to start by hydrating the skin really well before applying any makeup, she says. The dermatologists echo this sentiment and share that you should always begin your makeup routine with a rich, hydrating moisturizer like the Embryolisse Crme Concentrate or the Dieux Skin Instant Angel Lipid-Rich Barrier Repair Cream with Ceramides.

Next, apply an eczema-friendly skin tint, like the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Skincare Foundation or the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Sheer Tint, which is one of Dr. Mitchells favorites. If you have eczema bumps or patches, Pollara recommends applying your makeup with a brush. Gently pat over the areas with a dense brush to help avoid texture [from showing] underneath the makeup, she says. For blush or bronzer, opt for formulas that are talc and silicone-free, like the Kosas Blush is Life Baked Talc-Free Dimensional + Brightening Blush and the Saie Dew Bronze Soft-Focus Effortless Liquid Bronzer.

To set your makeup, choose a hypoallergenic setting powder to reduce shine without heavy layers, says Mitchell. Personally, I love the Ami Col Skin Melt Talc-Free Loose Setting Powder, and Engelman also recommends the Glo Skin Beauty Pressed Base Powder for a weightless finish.

All in all, applying makeup to eczema-prone skin is possible with the right formulas and techniques. Reading labels carefully, patch-testing, and opting for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products are the methods that have tamed my eczemas madness. With the right makeup regimen, you too, can kiss those itchy, bumpy patches goodbye albeit, temporarily.

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The Best Makeup For Eczema & How To Apply It - The Zoe Report

For people with eczema, learning about the many possible ingredients that can trigger a flare and how to avoid these ingredients when buying moisturizer, shampoo and other everyday products can feel daunting. In an effort to simplify the process, the National Eczema Association (NEA) created the Seal of Acceptance program.

You might recognize that little blue symbol the Seal on some of your favorite skincare and/or household products, but what exactly does it mean? What makes a product qualified to receive the Seal? Here, well give you a deeper look at what it means to obtain the Seal, including who reviews the products and how companies maintain the Seal standards to help you ensure youre using quality products for your life with eczema.

So what exactly is the Seal of Acceptance? Started in 2008, the Seal was created as a way to help consumers find eczema-friendly products. The Seal is a branded label displayed on personal care and household products that have been vetted by NEA. NEA awards the Seal to products that are deemed suitable for people with eczema or sensitive skin, based on sensitivity, toxicity and formulation testing data.

Only products that have applied for and pass the review process are awarded the Seal. NEA does not solicit manufacturers to apply for the Seal.

Brands or product manufacturers must fill out an application form for each product they wish to have evaluated, which includes:

Lets dig into each part of the application and review process to get a better understanding of what they are and how products obtain the Seal.

As you can imagine, evaluation of a products formulation is a big part of the Seal review process. NEA has identified 18 ingredients in its Ecz-clusion list that are known irritants and allergens that cannot be included in a product that applies for the Seal.

For a product to obtain the Seal, it cannot contain any of the following ingredients in any amount:

In addition, products must not include:

These guidelines were set by the Seal Scientific Oversight Committee. This is a panel of leading dermatologists, allergists and eczema experts. In addition to setting the ingredient guidelines, the committee established the criteria and framework for the overall Seal review process based on the most current scientific information.

For a product to obtain the Seal, it must meet the strict standards established by our Scientific Oversight Committee, including a review of ingredients and formulation data, said Christine Anderson, director of Seal of Acceptance and department operations at NEA.

Ingredients are considered in relation to sensitivity and irritation, said Anderson. The concentration levels and the purpose of the ingredient within the formula is taken into consideration as well.

To be considered for the Seal, manufacturers must have completed a clinical testing report for each individual product. Clinical testing is a way in which manufacturers make sure their products are suitable. NEA does not conduct this testing; rather, the testing is completed by an outside company who recruits people to test the formula in a controlled environment. Product manufacturers are solely responsible for identifying and working with companies to obtain this testing.

There are various types of clinical tests. NEA requires at least one of the following tests be completed by the manufacturer for each product formula:

During the testing, NEA requires that the clinical testing report include information regarding the skin tones of individuals involved in the testing process. This is reported using the Fitzpatrick Classification of Skin Types, which represents six skin types classified by pigment and ultraviolet light sensitivity.4 This requirement allows us to assess if a reasonable representation of skin types and tones are taken into consideration during testing.

The product samples are another part of the review process. NEA receives product samples from the manufacturers to ensure there is no fragrance present and to allow for reviewers to use the product as intended. The product samples, along with the clinical testing reports, are then sent to a panel of doctors who are part of the Seal reviewers selected by NEA.

This is the stage where experts weigh in on products. This includes the Seal Scientific Oversight Committee and Seal Review Panel. These doctors are selected by NEA for their expertise in dermatology, specifically eczema and sensitive skin care, and they hold MD, PhD and DO credentials.

The Seal Scientific Oversight Committee works independently of the Seal Review Panel. The Seal Scientific Oversight Committee sets the standards and criteria for the Seal Review Panel to use. The Seal Review Panel is the ultimate decision maker in whether or not a product is accepted to receive the Seal.

When selecting the Seal reviewers, NEA strives for diversity in geography, gender, specialty in medical fields (dermatologists and allergists) and race/ethnicity, while simultaneously prioritizing expertise.

The Seal Review Panel reviews all the materials holistically, including:

Products are reviewed and awarded the Seal on an ongoing basis. When a product is awarded the Seal, NEA enters into a one-year license agreement with the manufacturer allowing them to utilize the Seal logo on accepted products in the U.S. and Canada markets.

Product manufacturers are allowed to renew their license annually. However, to ensure a product still meets our high standards, a manufacturer must:

If there is a change in formula, even a minor one, the manufacturer must restart the application process with new clinical testing.

The Seal was created to help empower you to find products that are suitable for you and your family. The rigorous testing and review requirements help ensure that every product with the Seal has been vetted specifically for eczema and sensitive skin.

While the Seal can help eczema-friendly products be more easily identifiable, eczema is different for everyone and what works for one person might not work for another, said Anderson. Identifying a product with the Seal is an important first step, but it should be followed by trying the product to see how well it works for you.

The Seal of Acceptance Program is intended to provide broad guidance on personal care products suitable for individuals with eczema and/or sensitive skin when used as intended per the product label. Individuals with eczema and/or sensitive skin have the responsibility for identifying ingredients in any product that could potentially irritate their skin and/or trigger potential allergies. Healthcare-related questions should be referred to a physician or other healthcare provider, including questions regarding product ingredients, as well as whether use of the accepted product(s) is suitable.

References:

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Eczema-friendly Products in Seal of Acceptance - National Eczema Association