SKINCARE + ECZEMA: FINDING A SKINCARE ROUTINE THAT WORKS FOR YOU
- Grace Boyle
- May 7, 2024
- 3 min read
Finding a skincare routine that works for you can be difficult, but here are some top tips to help you along the way!
^ Image credit: Instagram @aveenous
Patch testing and non-fragranced products saved my skin. #readthisforclearskin
It has been difficult to find skincare products that I can use that help my skin when I have had eczema-prone skin all my life.
Since I was young, things like suncream, moisturisers and acne treatments have always been difficult due to allergic reactions and irritations. As I have gotten older and gotten into makeup and taking care of my skin, I have faced the difficulty of dealing with breakouts and rashes because of skin care products.
"The first thing that I did was seek medical advice"
Being allergic and susceptible to breakouts and rashes means skincare can be expensive and counter-productive, making my skin worse. It also means that quality products can be wasted, and being more self-conscious of my sensitive skin.
The first thing that I did to overcome my skin issues was seek medical advice. Starting on basic creams and ointments to control eczema helped me feel more confident in my own skin and feeling less itchy, which was an added bonus.
My staples are Aveeno’s oatmeal daily moisturising lotion and good old trusty cetraben. The latter is recommended by dermatologists and can be bought over the counter.
"Patch testing was recommended to me and has been SO helpful"
Patch testing was recommended to me and has been SO helpful. This is a suitable method for anyone who, like me, does not want to spend loads of money on skincare. You can try samples of products in pharmacies and shops and apply a little dot on your arm or neck. Leave it for a few hours and you can see how it suits your complexion.
Sometimes, the most expensive skin care is not the best skincare. I have tried high-end and low-end brands, and the products that I have liked most are the ones that are affordable and can be used more frequently.
My go-to brands are The Ordinary, Simple, The Inkey List, Thayers, and Superdrug’s own brand, Me+. These companies have good hypoallergenic products.
"Be kind and gentle to your skin - treating it well will give you good results"
However, what may work for me may not work for other people, as skin types, allergies and complexions individual. On the whole though, hypo-allergenic products are important to consider, with non-scented and non-fragrance products being less harsh on sensitive skin. I have found that with less chemicals soaking into your pores there are less scratching spot bumps.
Remember, if you use product staples for too long, your skin can become used to them and may not work as well, maintaining skin irritations and acne. It is good, every once in a while, to switch it up. You also don’t need to be applying the salicylic or niacinamide acid every night.
My current skincare routine works well, and I love it after spending YEARS trying to find things that work. It has allowed me to have clearer skin and a routine that I find de-stressing and relaxing after a long day.
Eczema and acne are very common, and nearly everyone struggles with skin issues at some point in their lives. Be kind and gentle to your skin - treating it well will give you good results.
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