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Eyelid dermatitis is a common condition that causes the skin on or around the eyelid to become dry, itchy, and irritated.

The term may refer to eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis on the eyelids. When the cause is an allergen or irritant, the condition is called eyelid contact dermatitis.

This article discusses how to manage eyelid dermatitis, using treatments and home remedies. It also looks at the symptoms and causes of the condition.

For all kinds of eyelid dermatitis, people should keep the eye area clean and avoid touching it or scratching. This helps to prevent further irritation or infection.

Where possible, it is helpful to identify and avoid contact irritants and allergens that can cause flare-ups. These can include:

To treat eyelid dermatitis caused by atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis, and for immediate relief from symptoms, a person can:

People should use corticosteroid creams cautiously as they can lose some of their effectiveness if applied for too long. When used close to the eye, there is a risk of glaucoma if used for long periods of time.

These creams can also induce certain short-term side effect, such as acne, hair growth on the treated areas, and thinning of the skin.

Corticosteroid tablets are reserved for the most severe symptoms, as their side effects can be serious. Possible effects include high blood pressure, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

Dermatitis on the eyelids causes inflammation of the thin, sensitive skin around the eyes. The eyelids become irritated, swollen, dry, and reddened. It can affect one or both of the eyes.

If this condition persists, the eyelids can become thickened in a process called lichenification.

When caused by an irritant or allergen, symptoms typically occur within a few hours or days of contact with a trigger substance. Symptoms should subside when the trigger substance is removed.

Common forms of eyelid dermatitis include:

It is unclear what causes conditions such as atopic dermatitis, though there seems to be a genetic component, and it can run in families.

The following actions may help to prevent outbreaks of eyelid dermatitis:

The causes, types, and triggers of eyelid dermatitis vary. It may be necessary to try several of these actions before finding the most effective ones.

The skin around the eyes is thin and delicate, and so the eyes are especially sensitive to irritation.

While it is hard to predict who will develop eyelid dermatitis, certain factors may increase the likelihood of the condition developing. These include:

It is possible to self-diagnose eyelid dermatitis if the cause is obvious. Through trial and error, it is possible to identify and avoid triggers without the need for medical attention.

A doctor can often diagnose the form of dermatitis through a physical exam. They may ask about risk factors, such as hay fever.

When an allergic reaction is suspected as the cause, a doctor may recommend a patch test. Here, a common allergen is placed on the skin to test for an allergic reaction.

If an irritant is the suspected cause, a repeated open application test (ROAT) can be used. This involves exposing the skin to the irritant over several days to test for problematic skin reactions.

It can be more difficult to determine a specific irritant compared with an allergen.

Some complications that may occur with eyelid dermatitis include:

Eyelid dermatitis poses no serious health risks, though it can be uncomfortable and can interfere with daily life.

In most cases, the symptoms are easily managed with treatment and by avoiding triggers. It can, however, become a long-term and recurring condition.

When triggers cannot be identified or avoided, treatment will be used to manage symptoms as best as possible.

The effectiveness of treatments can depend on the extent of exposure to triggers, and the sensitivity of the skin.

Using strategies to prevent symptoms, such as avoiding itching or rubbing the eyes, will help to improve and reduce the severity or onset of symptoms. A doctor or skin specialist can recommend actions that are most suitable for each person.

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Eyelid dermatitis: Treatment, symptoms, and causes

Eczema is a group of skin disorders that cause inflammation, itching, and a rash-like appearance. While eczema is a chronic condition, it is treatable.

One of these treatments is steroid cream. Though not a cure, steroid cream can help relieve symptoms and ease inflammation and redness.

Learn more about how steroid cream is used to treat eczema.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition. It is characterized by patches of inflamed and itchy skin.

Its common in both children and adults. There are various types of eczema, but all types include symptoms like:

Eczema is not contagious and can occur anywhere on the body.

Read this for more information about eczema.

Topical steroid creams, also called topical corticosteroids, are one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for eczema. These creams help reduce inflammation and itching, allowing the skin to begin the healing process.

There are different types of steroid creams, classified from the most potent (Class 1) to least potent (Class 7). There are a variety of steroid types, concentrations, and dosages.

All steroid creams are used on the outside of the body only and should never be swallowed or placed inside the body. These creams are meant to be applied directly to an eczema rash.

Follow your doctors instructions or directions on the steroid cream packaging for how much to apply and how often to use steroid cream for eczema. Speak to a healthcare professional or your pharmacist if you have questions about using steroid creams.

There are many different types of steroid creams that can be used to treat your eczema. Before using any on your eczema even over-the-counter (OTC) creams talk with your doctor about which ones might be best for your situation. Not everyone will respond or react to steroid creams in the same way.

Children often use two types of steroid creams: for mild cases, you can use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. For more severe itching, a prescription cream like Synalar may be prescribed.

Different steroid creams used to treat eczema may include:

There are several OTC creams you can use to treat eczema. Topical hydrocortisones can be bought without a prescription. These are low strength and help to reduce irritation and inflammation. These creams are usually used one to four times a day, for up to 7 days.

Common creams include:

Prescription steroids can help reduce inflammation and lessen itching, allowing the skin to heal. They come in a variety of strengths and your doctor will choose the one they feel is most appropriate for your condition and the severity of your eczema. Prescription steroid creams can include:

As with any medical treatment, there may be side effects to using steroid creams. Side effects can be local, affecting a specific spot on the body, or systemic, affecting the entire body. Side effects will depend on the strength of the steroid and where its used.

Systemic reactions are rare because the skin doesnt usually absorb enough medication to cause a significant reaction; however, they can happen. If side effects do occur, they are often related to topical steroid use over a longer period of time and on areas of the body where the skin is thinner, such as on the face. Skin also thins as you get older.

Local side effects of steroid cream may include:

Less common side effects can include:

When systemic side effects occur, they may include:

Even over-the-counter steroids (hydrocortisone creams) can have side effects. Common ones include:

Topical steroid creams are among the most commonly used eczema treatments. These creams are available both over the counter in low dosages, and as prescription-only creams, which tend to be stronger.

When using steroid creams, follow either the instructions on the package or your doctors instructions. Do not use the creams for longer than recommended. If you have side effects, call your doctor.

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Steroid Cream for Eczema: What You Need to Know - Healthline

Growing up, when it came to skin issues, I was relatively lucky. With the exception of dandruff, the skin on my body stayed in good condition as long as I kept it moisturized, of course. But for a few of my siblings, eczema was a major issue. My older sister and brother dealt with intensely dry skin. Inevitably, the skin on their back and around their faces began to show up in severely discolored patches, different shades of brown.

I didnt ask many questions about it or think much of their eczema issues until I became a mom and saw the way my sons skin was affected by the condition (and noticed my own skin mildly starting to change colors and get patches). He started with a deep brown complexion, but after his skin went through a period of severe inflammation, it went from patches of different dull browns to a light brown. These days, hes about three different shades of brown all over (darkest on his legs and the sides of his arms), but with the right products, weve been able to significantly lessen the irritation, restore the softness of his skin, and even out the skin on his face.

More and more brands have rolled out products to provide support to people of all ages who suffer with eczema. Aveeno has even gone as far as to launch a campaign, #Skinvisibility, to bring specific attention to skin health inequities for Black women, men and children. The aim is to help 100,000 eczema sufferers, including many who may not realize they have the skin condition, find some comfort over the next six months. This will be done by providing access to Aveenos educational tools, resources and more through their Eczema in Skin of Color digital hub.

This campaign was brought to life this month because October is Eczema Awareness Month. If youre part of the 31 million Americans who have the condition, ESSENCE has rounded up a short list of products from brands like Aveeno that provide relief for the whole family.

Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Soothing Bath Treatment

A beloved eczema treatment, it comes with eight single packets to pour in the bath with your baby. Made with 100 percent natural colloidal oatmeal and free from fragrance, the resulting milky bath stops the irritation associated with eczema, as well as insect bites, poison ivy and more.

Beurre Shea Butter Body Cream

The brands body cream is full of anti-inflammatories, from calendula to chamomile and comfrey alongside favorite skin moisturizers like shea butter and grapeseed oil. It works wonders not only on eczema, but also psoriasis.

Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion

This lotion has been awarded the National Eczema Seal of Acceptance, so you know it means business. It locks in moisture with help from Vaseline Jelly microdroplets, helping to heal dry skin.

Alaffia Africas Secret Multi-Use Balm

Made with a blend of fair trade unrefined shea butter, coconut oil, propolis, African wild honey and more, this head-to-toe balm helps to provide relief for the itchy, dry skin related to eczema.

Baby Dove Eczema Care Soothing Care

With colloidal oatmeal at the forefront of its ingredients, this soothing cream prides itself on providing instant relief for the skin little ones are in.

TOPICS: baby products eczema health and wellness

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5 Products To Treat Eczema For The Whole Family - Essence

Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema, a chronic skin condition that causes your skin to get itchy and inflamed. You can recognize it by the hallmark red, scaly rash.

If youre a parent, youve likely seen or heard of kids with atopic dermatitis. Thats because its very common in children. In fact, in a 2017 research review, experts estimated that it affects 15 to 20 percent of children living in industrialized nations.

Those same experts estimate that the rate of atopic dermatitis in kids living in the United States hovers around 10.7 percent. Others, like the National Eczema Association (NEA), put the number a little higher, around 13 percent.

Atopic dermatitis can develop at any age. But it overwhelmingly starts early in a childs life.

About 90 percent of cases develop before a child turns 5 years old, according to the 2017 review. About 60 percent of cases will develop within the first year of a childs life and many of those cases show up when a baby is somewhere between 3 and 6 months old.

The worst symptom of atopic dermatitis is the itch. The experts call it pruritus, but we all know it more simply as severe itching.

Other common symptoms of atopic dermatitis in kids are:

Sometimes, the symptoms will start out as dry skin that eventually reddens and develops a rash.

The rash might appear in the creases of elbows or knees, and your child might get some scaly patches within the rash. You might also spot some redness behind their ears, on their scalp, or even on their hands and feet.

Sometimes the rash will go on to develop open, weepy sores or bubbles that ooze liquid.

Because atopic dermatitis tends to itch a lot, you may notice your baby or small child scratching the itchy skin. Unfortunately, they can accidentally tear open the skin, which can lead to infection. So, especially with young children, you may want to keep an eye on it.

The itching can also keep them awake at night. And over time, the itching can lead to a thickening of the skin, called lichenification.

Also, you may notice that your childs symptoms dont always remain constant. They can get worse from time to time. This is known as a flare-up.

Many children who develop atopic dermatitis have a family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever. But its likely caused by a combination of external factors and genes, according to the NEA.

If you spot a red, scaly rash on your child that wasnt there before and it doesnt have a cause that you can think of keep an eye on it. And if you notice some scratching, take note of that, too. It may be time to visit the pediatrician.

Theres not one single definitive test that your childs doctor can run to determine whether atopic dermatitis is the culprit. However, the doctor might want to check your childs blood for a type of antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE).

Kids with allergies and atopic dermatitis tend to have higher levels of IgE because their immune systems tend to overreact to certain allergens or triggers and pump out more of this antibody. A skin (or patch) test might also be useful.

Regardless of whether any bloodwork or patch testing is done, your childs doctor will likely do an in-depth examination of your childs skin and ask you questions about it. If you know about a family history of eczema, food allergies, or allergic rhinitis, be sure to let the doctor know, since those are sometimes linked.

If youre like most parents, youre probably less concerned about why your itchy, cranky child has atopic dermatitis and more concerned about how to treat it and hopefully improve their skin and their mood (and maybe their ability to sleep at night).

Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to improve your childs quality of life and minimize or eliminate any infections or complications. Research from 2015 suggests that your approach should incorporate three key factors:

What that means in practical terms is that youll want to apply moisturizing cream or lotion to the affected areas of skin on a regular basis. (Your childs doctor can give you guidance on the specific number of times per day.)

You might also need to apply a topical treatment to the affected areas to reduce inflammation. Usually, you can do this after bathing your child and gently drying their skin.

Topical corticosteroids can help reduce swelling and itching during a flare-up. Another type of topical treatment is a calcineurin inhibitor cream. It can also improve those types of symptoms by blocking the immune system from producing a type of chemical that causes a flare.

In some cases, your pediatrician might suggest trying phototherapy.

In phototherapy, a healthcare professional exposes your childs skin to controlled doses of light. Its used more as second-line treatment for moderate to severe cases of atopic dermatitis than a first-line treatment, according to 2016 research. So, if your child doesnt respond to other treatments first, this could be an option.

Doctors will sometimes prescribe other medications to treat more severe cases of atopic dermatitis, including immunosuppressants and biologic drugs. These target very specific parts of the immune system.

For example, children over 6 years old with moderate to severe cases could be candidates for injections of a biologic drug called Dupixent (dupilumab), if theyve already tried topical treatments without adequate responses.

Even if your child needs medical treatment, you can still take other steps to help them live more comfortably with atopic dermatitis and its effects. Here are a few strategies to try:

Occasionally, a flare-up might warrant the short-term application of a cold compress on the skin.

Another home remedy that some parents swear by is wet-wrap therapy. Its just what it sounds like: You apply clean wet dressings to your childs inflamed skin to soothe the itch and inflammation. Typically, you apply a dry dressing to cover the wet dressing so your child can benefit from the moisture for a couple of hours or even overnight, which might reduce some middle-of-the-night scratching.

Finally, if youre game for trying a bleach bath, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that a short soak in a bathtub filled with water mixed with a small amount of 6 percent bleach and followed by a layer of moisturizer might be helpful.

But definitely talk with your childs doctor about whether this is a good option for your little one or not.

If you think your childs skin is showing signs of infection, give their pediatrician a call. For example, if you notice that your childs skin has gotten increasingly swollen and red and feels warmer to the touch, an infection might be brewing.

Hopefully, you wont have to deal with any skin infections. But if an infection does develop, your child might need a round of oral antibiotics.

Additionally, if you notice any new symptoms, let your childs doctor know. It may be time to discuss changing treatment strategies.

Atopic dermatitis can be tough but as a parent, you can definitely make your child a lot more comfortable.

And heres some good news: While theres no cure for atopic dermatitis, many kids do eventually outgrow the worst of it. They may still have a tendency toward dry skin, but it can be much easier for them to manage when theyre older.

Read more from the original source:
Atopic Dermatitis in Children: Treatment and Remedies - Healthline

Many conditions can cause peeling, flaking, and itching in and around the vaginal area. These include conditions that affect skin, as well as those specific to the reproductive organs.

Read on to learn about the most common causes of vaginal peeling and how to treat this symptom.

People with female genitalia often think of their entire down there region as a vagina, but in actuality, the vagina is only one part of the vulva.

The vulva contains multiple layers designed to cover and protect the sexual organs and urinary opening. These parts are:

If any part of the vulva becomes irritated or inflamed, peeling, flaking skin can result. Dry skin, in and around the vagina, can also cause itching and flaking.

Vaginal skin peeling may be accompanied by other symptoms. The symptoms you have will be determined by the root cause of your condition.

Other symptoms include:

There are many potential causes of vaginal peeling. They include:

There are seven different types of eczema. According to the National Eczema Society, the types most likely to affect the genitals are:

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that may affect many areas of the body and face. Eczema causes the skin to take on a red, rash-like appearance and can be itchy. It can also cause cracks in the skin, as well as flaking and peeling.

Eczema can affect the outer layers of the vulva and the vaginal vestibule. If you scratch, this can worsen the condition and lead to skin thickening, swelling, and increased amounts of vaginal skin peeling.

Eczema is sometimes triggered by exposure to an allergen. The vulva may become irritated or inflamed if you are allergic or sensitive to products that come in contact with this area of your body. These include:

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune condition that involves a rapid buildup of skin cells that may cause raised plaques and scales to form on the skin. Up to 63 percent of adults with psoriasis have psoriatic lesions in their genital area.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, the two types of psoriasis most likely to affect the genitals are:

When psoriasis affects the skin of the vulva, pink or red patches and skin cracks are common symptoms.

Vaginal yeast infections are common. Theyre caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a naturally occurring yeast that lives in the vagina.

A thick, odorous discharge that looks like cottage cheese is a common symptom of candidiasis. Your skin may be intensely itchy and swollen. It may also peel or scrape off, especially if you scratch.

Lichen sclerosis is an inflammatory skin condition most likely to affect postmenopausal women. Young girls who have not entered puberty or menstruated yet may also be affected.

Common symptoms include white patches of crinkly, shiny skin around the genitals and anus, plus intense itching. Skin affected by lichen sclerosis becomes thinner than it should be. For this reason, peeling, bruising, and blistering can also occur.

Lichen planus is a skin rash triggered by an overactive immune system. It can affect the skin inside the vagina, as well as the outer layers of the vulva. It also affects other areas of the body, including the inside of the mouth.

Lichen planus is sometimes mistaken for vaginal atrophy. It causes raw, burning skin that feels sore inside and outside the vagina. The skin may crack or look red. It may also be streaked with white, or have a lacey pattern.

When it affects the inside of the vagina, symptoms may include a thick yellow discharge.

An STI may be another cause of peeling skin on or around the vagina.

STIs that may cause sores or dry skin that may lead to vaginal peeling include:

herpes simplex virus (HSV)genital wartssyphilisHIV/AIDS

The conditions which cause vaginal peeling have different treatments. In order to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, see a gynecologist if you have vaginal peeling. To make a diagnose, your doctor will visually assess your genital area.

They will ask about health issues you may have, such as autoimmune diseases and inflammatory skin conditions. They will also ask about medications and supplements you currently take. They will ask about your sexual history and may do tests for STIs.

If lichen planus or lichen sclerosis is suspected, they may perform a skin biopsy.

If you have vaginal peeling, stop using products which might irritate your skin. If eczema is causing your symptoms, this may be enough to eliminate symptoms.

Soothing treatments, such as soaking in a warm colloidal oatmeal bath, may also help.

Wear only breathable fabrics such as cotton, and loose undergarments that dont bind.

Yeast infections are one of the most common causes of vaginal symptoms such as skin peeling. This condition can be treated with over-the-counter medications designed for this purpose, such as antifungal creams. If you dont have a yeast infection, these treatments may make vaginal peeling and itching worse. For that reason, see your doctor first, especially if you havent had these symptoms before.

Your doctor may prescribe high potency corticosteroid creams or oral corticosteroids. In some instances, estrogen cream may also be prescribed.

If you have psoriasis or eczema, you may be more likely to have vaginal peeling and other uncomfortable genital symptoms. Having psoriasis also increases your risk of lichen sclerosis.

If you swim or work out regularly, change out of damp or sweaty clothing quickly. Any activity that puts pressure on the genitals, such as cycling, can also increase risk.

Wearing nylon and other nonbreathable fabrics, or using products containing fragrance or chemicals, may irritate vaginal skin and increase risk.

No matter what the cause, vaginal peeling usually responds well to treatment. Let your doctor know if you have a recurrence of symptoms. In some instances, a different topical or oral medication may be prescribed.

Vaginal peeling can be caused by several underlying conditions. This symptom is often accompanied by itching, burning, or swelling.

If you have vaginal peeling, your doctor will often be able to make a diagnosis by doing a visual assessment. This condition typically responds well to treatment.

See the article here:
Vaginal Skin Peeling: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and More - Healthline

Having melanin-rich skin myself, I've often wondered if the products I'm using are truly the right match for my tone, texture, and general skincare challenges. Truth be told, there's no shortage of amazing products out there that are effective and loved by many, but when I try them for myself, the results just don't quite come through.

Many serums, lotions, and other potions say they're designed for all skin types, and that may be true, there's just another layer to Black and Brown skin that sometimes gets overlooked. Melanin-rich tones are more susceptible to things like dark spots (relatable) and uneven tone. This just means we need a little extra TLC from time to time and, of course, the right skincare routine. That's why I decided to ask Black skin experts (they get it) for what they use to keep everything from acne to hyperpigmentation at bay. Read on below for the tried and true products they swear by that help them overcome their biggest skincare challenges.

SkinCeuticals Eye Balm ($82)

Co-founder and CPO of Common Heir, Angela Ubias, uses this eye balm daily to help with eye eczema. "Ive struggled with eye eczema since I was a teenager," she says. "I never quite knew what the flare-ups were until recently, and over the years, Ive found a couple of amazing products [including this one] that soothe the irritation and inflammation caused by them."

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Soothing Eczema Cream ($15)

Another staple she uses for more serious flare-ups is this soothing cream from La Roche-Posay. She uses a small dab of it along with Kiramoon's Moon Globes ($42) to further cool and soothe any irritation.

Common Heir 10% Vitamin C Serum ($88)

If you struggle with dull skin, boy, has Ubias got a product for you. "Although I consider myself blessed by the genetic gods when it comes to even skin tone and texture (thanks Mom and Grandma!)I do combat dull skin. Because I have very yellow undertones, I find my complexion can look quite dull and flat without consistent use of a great brightening serum. That's why this vitamin C serum is my holy grail when it comes to my skincare routine."

Story continues

Eminence Organics Stone Crop Cleansing Oil ($52)

To combat winter dryness, Ubias loves this cleansing oil. "I love using a gentle cleanser like this one, as opposed to a gel cleanser, because it prevents over-drying and doesnt strip my skin the way that some gel-cleansers can."

Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Mask ($120)

For a deeper hydration treatment, Ubais reaches for Dr. Barbara Sturm's mask once a week for an instant moisture boost.

Clean Circle Bamboo Charcoal Makeup Remover Pads ($24)

Niambi Cacchioli, founder of Pholk Beauty, is willing to reveal a common struggle that's rarely talked about. "Lets talk facial hair. Oh yes, Im going there! I went natural in my twenties and love the styling versatility of having thick, coily hair. That same texture grows out of my pores and for years I struggled with a cycle of hair removal and ingrown hairs. Ingrowns occur when the hair curls back into the skin and continues to grow in the wrong direction.

When inflamed, they can be painful and almost always leave a dark mark on my skin. To help, I trim hairs with facial scissors to space out hair removal times and I use these bamboo charcoal pads for absolutely everything! Once a week, I gently massage my chin area with a pad while Im in the shower as a gentle manual exfoliation."

Pholk Beauty Aloe Lemon Balm Mist ($20)

Cacchioli dowses her makeup pads in this soothing mist to press into her chin and jawline. "It gets rid of dirt and bacteria that build up around hairs, hydrates my textured skin, and leaves it soft and smooth."

Hyper Skin Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum ($58)

CEO and founder of Hyper Skin, Desiree Verdejo, has struggled with acne since she was a teen. "It has both calmed down and exploded at different times in my life," she shares. "It got really bad when I became a new mom, and the scarring that followed is something that Ive always found to be my biggest skincare challenge. Ive tried all different types of products, and some of my favorite products that have really worked for me include vitamin C. Hyper Skin's serum really targets hyperpigmentation without causing any skin irritation."

Obagi Medical Retinol 1.0 ($74)

Verdejo's go-to retinol cream would have to be Obagi's because it's gentle, yet extremely effective.

Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion ($16)

Verdejo (like most other experts) also can't stress the importance of sunscreen enough. "This is so key to help avoid further development of hyperpigmentation. Finding a good SPF can be a challenge, but I use this one from Black Girl Sunscreen."

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 ($34)

Verdejo also considers Supergoop! sunscreen another great option for melanin-rich skin. "It's been one of my go-to's for years!"

Anov Beauty AHA + Aloe Cleansing Gel ($45)

Evonna Kuehner, founder of Anov Beauty, has always struggled with extremely dry skin. "Especially during my first pregnancy," she adds. "To overcome the issue, I use Anov's AHA + Aloe Cleansing Gel to clean my skin without exacerbating the existing dryness."

Anov Beauty Immortal Rose Hydrating Toner ($48)

The next step in Kuehner's routine is this luxe Immortal Rose Hydrating Toner. It's beautifully scented and rich in plant-based ingredients like witch hazel extract.

The Inky List Salicylic Acid Acne + Pore Cleanser ($10)

Board-certified dermatologist and beauty chemist, Alexis Stephens, loves using this cleanser for acne. "I recently started experiencing hormonal acne. To combat this I cycle my skincare and make sure to exfoliate a week prior to my period with mandelic acid to clear pores and nourish my skin barrier," she explains. "During this time of the month, the increase in progesterone stimulates oil glands to rev up on sebum productionwhich blocks the pores and creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth. This product always keep bacteria, excess oil and inflammation in check."

Another tip she has? Schedule a hydrafacial. "I also make sure to schedule them around this time as this phase is all about detecting and defending skin issues."

Differin Daily Deep Cleanser ($11)

If you're like me and struggle with cystic breakouts from time to time, try adding a face wash with benzoyl peroxide to your routine. I personally love this face wash because it contains 5% benzoyl peroxide, but is gentle enough for sensitive skin. It's dermatologist-developed and releases a gentle moisturizer throughout the day so it's not as drying as normal washes containing benzoyl peroxide.

Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum ($68)

Lately, I've been using Eadem's Milk Marvel Dark Spot corrector and it is an absolute dream. Having melanin-rich skin means you're more prone to dark spots, ugh. This serum helps correct that issue in record time. Additionally, it also helps with uneven texture and acne.

Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Mask ($56)

For a serious hydration and antioxidant boost, I turn to Farmacy's Honey Potion. It truly never lets me down. It's especially great to use once a week if you use a retinol serum in your routine or other drying acne medication.

BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector ($65)

This vitamin C-based eye cream is something I always reach for. I tend to get pretty bad dark circles if I don't get my full eight hours (color me delicate) and this instantly helps lift and brighten that area so I don't look like a (complete) zombie.

Epara Skincare Hydrating Mist ($56)

Having a good hydrating mist around is absolutely key during the winter. This mist from Epara Skincare hydrates and smooths all while reducing hyperpigmentation.

Hanahana Beauty Black + Brown Exfoliating Cleanser ($22)

This powerful cleanser and exfoliator features black soap, a natural cleanser that helps clear out pores. It's great for those days you're feeling a little extra congested. It also contains brown sugar and rose water to tone and nourish.

Up Next: Pores Can't ShrinkSorryBut These 20 Products Still Perform Some Major Wizardry

This article originally appeared on Who What Wear

Read More from Who What Wear

Originally posted here:
20 Products Black Skin Experts Use to Overcome Their Biggest Skincare Challenges - Yahoo Lifestyle

Arianes skin continues to flare up, but is much better since withdrawal treatment (Picture: Jam Press/@oko.adele)

Ariane Sajous, 26, from Angoulme, France, was first given topical steroid cream by a dermatologist as a young teenager to treat a flare-up of eczema on her face.

For the next decade, shed use the cream whenever she had a flare-up and the rashes and itching would go away. That is until her body stopped responding to treatment.

In 2017, art student Arianes skin continued to get worse despite slathering on the prescribed cream, and she says by this point she was having a very severe skin crisis that happened around three times a year that she felt wasnt eczema.

My face would swell and Id have yellow crusts on my face, it was very debilitating and terrifying when you dont know whats happening to you, said Ariane.

Eventually I began to do my own research into the cause of these violent skin outbreaks and found the TSW profiles on Instagram.

TSW, or Topical Steroid Withdrawal, is a condition that can come about as a side effect of long-term steroid use (or overuse). Its not something thats well understood among doctors, partly because it doesnt affect everyone who uses the creams.

Topical steroids are one of the most common treatments for skin conditions like eczema, and theres no diagnostic criteria for the right amount to use. This can lead to patients not being correctly told how often to reapply, as was the case with Ariane.

She claims she was only told about some of the possible effects of the cream she was prescribed, and advised to avoid putting the cream on her eyelids. She also said that only one doctor told her not to put the treatment on her face at all.

When the flare-ups continued getting worse, Ariane decided to look into what might be happening, and came across people talking about TSW on Instagram. In November last year, she then stopped using the creams.

The decision to stop using the creams came about because Ariane wanted to break her dependence on them, but things got worse before they got better. She developed incredibly sore wounds and scabs across her face, neck, and ear, and became too afraid to leave the house.

Describing the effects of the withdrawal, Ariane said: It is a perpetual rollercoaster between self-love and self-hate.

I spent more than a month locked in my room because I didnt want anyone to see me. It was hard not to feel ugly and disgusting and I feel I have to tell people Ive just met that this is not contagious. Im afraid of disgusting my friends and my boyfriend, because I disgust myself.

I learned how to detach myself from controlling my appearance and my need for perfection and then you learn to love yourself, to understand that your skin is just trying to heal and that you are lucky that you found the solution despite the lack of medical awareness.

Alongside quitting steroids, Ariane embarked on an experimental non-moisturising treatment (NMT) which involved eating only dry food.

NMT, developed by Dr Kenji Sato in Japan, is supposed to speed up withdrawa by training the skin to produce cortisol (which Dr Sato claims it stops being able to do after relying on steroids for many years).

It requires limiting water intake, using no moisturiser, and only showering to clean infection. There are also rigorous rules around sleeping and exercising, making for a brutal albeit shorter withdrawal period.

Ariane who had quit her part-time waitressing job because of her sore skin said: I used to eat only the driest food I could find, rusks, butter, nuts, bananas, dehydrated fruits, and meat protein to heal the skin, and I wasnt eating a lot because I was in a very poor state physically and morally.

I didnt eat dinner to let the body focus on healing the skin at night instead of digestion. I was drinking one litre of water max per day, including the water the food contained.

After three months of following this difficult routine, Ariane began to see vast improvements in the condition of her skin. Shes now able to eat what she wants, and has been making art about her journey.

Although she still experiences the occasional flare-up, things are looking up for Ariane.

My skin is still healing, she said. I still have obvious wounds on my face, legs and arms but I can do things.

Im always afraid Ill go back to my worst of course, but we dont know and cant know how it will evolve so I just try to deal with it.

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