Question to expert: How to care for skin with atopic dermatitis
Text: Anastasia Andreeva
RESPONSES TO THE MAJORITY OF US QUESTIONS we used to search online. In the new series of materials we ask such questions: burning, unexpected or widespread - to professionals in various fields.
Peeling spots on the folds of the arms and inflammations on the cheeks - these would seem to be ghosts from childhood. But in adults, atopic dermatitis may also manifest to some extent. The disease can cause a lot of inconvenience: unpleasant itching and peeling, to eliminate the hot spots of which is not so easy.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, non-contagious inflammatory lesion of the skin. The exact causes of its occurrence are unknown, but it is believed that the basis is a hereditary factor, that is, genetics. In general, atopy is something like the body's readiness to produce an allergic reaction (another example of atopic disease is bronchial asthma). Perhaps the modern lifestyle and living in big cities also increase the risk; according to different hypotheses, this may be due to an “excess” of hygiene in comparison with the past or with an increased level of stress. Of course, when a skin reaction has already occurred, the external influence on it will also affect the skin condition.
We asked the cosmetologist about the causes of the development of dermatitis and whether it was possible to mask it with concealer. And also figured out how to properly care for atopic skin and what procedures and cosmetic ingredients should be avoided.
Anastasia Stepko
cosmetologist and head of beauty shop SOVA
Cosmetic procedures for patients with atopic dermatitis on the face, in addition to the care issues, also solve the problems of preventing the recurrence of dermatosis and increasing the effectiveness of treatment. The means used should be focused on atopic skin, have softening, moisturizing, protective properties. Regular use of emollients, which include lipids, urea, glycerin and other biological active compounds, is necessary. The task of such ingredients is to provide long-lasting hydration of the skin, to restore the lipid film, to maintain the water balance. Cosmetics should not contain alcohol and fragrances.
In atopy, proper cleansing is very important. It is necessary to select products with an acidic pH, and to use them not only for the face, but also for the hands - to prevent dermatitis on the hands. It is better to choose special series for hypersensitive or atopic skin. For purification it is absolutely impossible to use products with a neutral or alkaline pH level, since they destroy the hydro-lipid mantle of the skin with dermatitis, aggravate its dryness and, therefore, can provoke an exacerbation of the disease. Procedures associated with damage to the stratum corneum of the skin, such as median chemical peels or dermabrasion, should also be excluded from the care program.
In periods of no exacerbations, physiotherapeutic procedures can be performed: laser therapy, treatment with light, ultraviolet rays, magnetic therapy. As for injections, it is better to choose drugs with hyaluronic acid and remember that atopic skin is prone to hematomas and has a low threshold of sensitivity. For chemical surface peels, gel form of glycolic or lactic acid is recommended. The time spent peeling on the skin should be minimal, and the procedure should not be repeated more than once every ten days. People with atopic skin do not have injections with collagen, peptides and protein components. Remember that any cosmetic procedures for dermatitis can be carried out only in the period of prolonged absence of exacerbations and relapses.
5 funds that can be useful
Nourishing Cleansing Gel Avène Trixera Nutritio
Atopic skin needs the most gentle cleansing possible. As for the skin of the face, it is better to use water at a minimum. However, if you really wash with water, then only a special tool. Avène Gel is designed specifically for very dry skin with atopic dermatitis and helps restore its protective barrier. If the price bites, you can pay attention to the La Roche-Posay products from the special Lipikar series, you can also find a suitable shower gel there.
Cleansing gel Uriage Bariéderm Cica-Gel Nettoyant au Cu-Zn
Another remedy for cleansing, which is more appropriate for periods of exacerbation. There is zinc, often part of the composition of therapeutic ointments, which are prescribed for atopic dermatitis. The tool can be used for both face and body. To even out skin tone, citric acid is also included.
Lipid Repair Cream Uriage Xémose Crème Relipidante Anti-Irritations
In another specialized line of Uriage, you can find lipid-repairing cream for the face and body, which intensively nourishes the skin and helps relieve irritation and itching. In the bank 400 milliliters - enough for a long time. In this case, the tool is absorbed quickly enough, which allows using it without any problems in the morning before leaving the house.
Balsam Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume
Bioderma has its own line for atopic skin. Special attention is the cream with zinc, which is well suited to the skin during periods of exacerbation. Also balm will help to prolong remission.
Concentrated cream Embryolisse Lait-Сrème Сoncentré
Embryolisse milk is suitable for very dry and atopic skin as an anhydrous cleansing option. It can also be used as a night cream or to soothe sensitive skin after shaving.
Photo:aimy27feb - stock.adobe.com, Damir - stock.adobe.com, Piluli, Perfectoria (1, 2), Pharmacosmetica, Embryolisse