We’re scratching the surface of dry, flaky skin conditions

With approximately 10-15 percent of the Australian population managing eczema, the adage that beauty is skin deep is playing out not figuratively, but literally, in thousands of bathrooms across the country as men and women seek remedies and solutions for problematic dry skin.

We have compiled this list for general information as many of our customers tell us they love our natural ingredients on their sensitive and problematic skin, but please seek expert advice from your GP or Dermatologist for more information about your own skin.

Dermatitis/Eczema

Dermatitis is a general term that describes an inflammation of the skin, usually involving swollen, reddened skin and an itchy rash, or blisters, oozing, crusty or flaking skin. While not contagious, it can flare up in the cooler winter months, and cause sufferers to feel self-conscious and uncomfortable, especially if the skin is exposed such as on the face, neck and arms.

One very common form of dermatitis is atopic dermatitis, or eczema.

People who have eczema have poor performing skin barriers and reduced ability to retain water and moisture which tends to dry it out quickly. Body parts most affected tend to be those areas that crease or bend such as elbows, wrists, knees and the neck.

General management advice given by authorities on eczema, such as the Australasian Society for Clinical Immunology and Allergy, suggest the single most important action to take is to keep skin hydrated and moisturised.

Psoriasis

There are about 1.6 million Australians who suffer from psoriasis and 60% of these sufferers say the skin condition affects their day-to-day living, so if you find yourself managing psoriasis, you are not alone.

There are five types of psoriasis – the most common being Plaque Psoriasis which presents as raised red lesions covered by silvery white dead skin cells. For children or young adults, small pink dots on the torso, arms, and legs can point to Guttate Psoriasis and for those with bright red lesions in the skin folds such as armpits, knees and between the thighs, this could be Inverse Psoriasis which can be aggravated due to the skin rubbing against itself. Pustular Psoriasis could be behind the white blisters of pus surround by red skin, often found on the hands and feet and for 3 percent of the population, Erythrodermic Psoriasis affects most of the body with widespread redness of the skin and shedding of dried flaky skin.

Psoriasis can be triggered through several aggravators including stress, dry winter weather, sunburn, hormones, infections and some medications.

Avoiding harsh chemicals and detergents

For gentle skin products on problem skin, our gentle natural Body Lotion formula with no parabens, mineral oils, synthetic fragrances or harsh chemicals could be a good solution for your skin, like it has been for many of our customers. The main ingredient we use is coffee which has been proven to boast strong anti-inflammatory properties and increase skin hydration up by to 59% in independent clinical studies.

To keep skin clean and free of impurities found in the air, try our natural foaming and conditioning Gentle Cleanser made up of natural Australian ingredients and gentle enough to use daily.

This is Part 1 in our Skin Condition series. We explore adult acne and more in Part 2.