Suffering from hyperreactive skin?
I am. For several years now, I've been suffering from unrelenting redness and scaly patches around the center of my face. It's a skin condition that appears together with dermatitis, and as I've grown tired of steroids to calm my flareups, as well as the occasional green concealer to hide the flushed face, I sought other options to help me manage my skin condition. Ergo, I've been on the lookout for solutions that are safer and maybe healthier. The things I have found to be very important are the following:- Proper Diet & Exercise This is the poor man's solution to every health issue, and I am quite sure it's one of the most effective. Just drinking more than two liters of water, eating a good combination of protein and carbohydrates, and jogging daily can make a difference to the appearance of anyone's skin. (Right now I'm just too busy to include this in my daily schedule.)
- Proper Skin Care Routine Sensitive skin, or at least those that tend to flush require a skin care routine that is gentle enough to minimize flareups. For instance I have found that, with my combination skin, I need to avoid very creamy and oily products. Whilst my skin needs cleansing twice a day, I use moisturizers for normal to combination skin instead.
- Mineral Makeup Mineral powders are not exactly the most convenient products to use, but a jar from a local brand like Ellana has yet to run out since my first purchase last year. And of course mineral makeup contains inorganic and natural ingredients. If all else fails, I turn to Plan B, which involves green concealer for countering redness.
- Hypoallergenic Skin Care Products Cetaphil is a great, hypoallergenic face cleanser, but right now I'm loving Mukti Botanicals' mild and non-abrasive cleanser. I usually just blot my face dry with my microfiber bath towel. By a dermatologist's advice, we also need to protect my skin from sun damage--so I have chosen to use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher as much as I can.
Love the recycled packaging!
VMV Hypoallergenics' Care Package for Rosacea (Php 2,200) includes three full size products.
Of course, as I have yet to see a dermatologist to check my face for a possibility of rosacea, I picked this care package to try because it is reportedly ideal for irritations, inflammations, redness, bites, itching, rashes + microbial infections from allergic/irritant reactions; seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, eczema, atopic/contact dermatitis + some other medically-managed conditions. Since I have been diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis two years ago, I have relied on a combination of hydrocortisone and three different anti-dandruff shampoos to control my skin condition. Through the years I have found that the condition worsens depending on hormones and stress, some anti-dandruff shampoos only work well in a few months, and certain creams cause unwanted flareups.
Just five minutes after very first application, redness on my face (especially around my nose) subsides by around 60%.
2. RED BETTER SPOT CORRECTOR | 8g This non-drying and soothing balm contains salicylic acid to beat acne on sensitive skin.Normally the 8g tube can set you back Php400. A little bit can go a long way, as well, as shown in the photos below. It goes on clear, remains moisturizing for almost an hour (though it does dry after) and promises to help remove blemishes overnight. I say promises because I have yet to try it on a pimple. The spot corrector does smell of salicylic acid, though, so I think it has the ability to get the job done.
Smells mildly of coconuts, which I love!
Overall, the care package I bought from VMV Hypoallergenics have given me great results. I have used them to alleviate redness and lesions on my face and chest, and I am very happy with all the products. My next challenge in the coming months is to modify my diet and sleeping habits to reduce the likelihood of another flareup coming within the month.
What's your skin care protocol during flareups? Kindly share your opinion in the comments!