There is nothing worse than having to deal with a flare up! Other than it looking sore, it itches and feels uncomfortable. Skin flare ups can happen due to a myriad of reasons, those of us with skin conditions feel like we get the worst of it as it doubles up on our already affected skin.
This diary entry highlights some of the triggers for flare ups for us to be mindful of, whilst offering some tried and tested skin management routines.
Identify Triggers
It is important that you pay attention to factors that may trigger your skin flare-ups, such as certain foods, skincare products, environmental allergens, stress, or hormonal changes. Sometimes it can be a combination of factors which is making your skin flare up, so you need to go through an elimination process to be able to pinpoint potential triggers and take steps to avoid them in the future. Key thing to note, your body is a sensitive organ - maybe you have been eating dairy for most of your life then one day you get a flare up and you have no idea what on earth could be causing it because 'nothing has changed'....something has changed my love, something has indeed changed - your body is done with diary and is screaming out in retaliation. Our point - don't over look anything.
Gentle Cleansing
During a flare-up, opt for gentle skincare products specifically formulated for sensitive or reactive skin. Avoid harsh cleansers and exfoliants that can further irritate the skin. Instead, choose mild, fragrance-free cleansers that cleanse without stripping the skin's natural oils.
Moisturize Regularly
Keep your skin hydrated with a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer like cold-pressed jojoba oil which is light and absorbs quickly into the skin or unrefined shea butter which does wonders to rejuvenate the skins cells - repairing the skins barrier, whilst soothing the inflammation.
Avoid Irritants
Steer clear of skincare products and cosmetics that contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, or known irritants. Opt for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic formulas that are less likely to cause further irritation or flare-ups. Keep it simple sweet heart.
Cool Compresses
Apply cool compresses or ice packs to areas of inflammation to help soothe redness, swelling, and discomfort. Wrap the ice pack in a soft cloth and apply it to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time.
Protect from Sun Exposure
We get it, your skin flares up, maybe some Vitamin D can make it go away - unfortunately not - sun exposure can exacerbate skin flare-ups and prolong healing time. Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by wearing sunscreen with a high SPF, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors.
Manage Stress
People will be surprised how their body can react to stress without their mind realising it. Stress can trigger or worsen skin flare-ups, so it's essential to find healthy ways to manage stress and relax. Have you ever been stressed and within the hour you see a spot pop up on your face? Or your eczema patch begins to tingle tempting you to scratch? That's stress right there.
Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, light stretches, going for a slow walk or mindfulness to reduce stress levels and promote overall well-being.
Be Patient
Healing takes time, so be patient and gentle with your skin during flare-ups. Avoid the temptation to over-treat or pick at affected areas, as this can exacerbate inflammation and prolong recovery time. Stay consistent with your skincare routine - sometimes we are in a rush to change products because we want quick results, however skin healing takes time.
Although it is hard, try not to focus too much on your flare up, accept it for what it is and manage it. Whilst you are managing it, continue to live your best and beautiful life and do not be afraid to be a brand ambassador for your skin condition. After all it can happen to anyone!
By taking proactive steps to identify triggers, practicing gentle skincare, and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can effectively manage and minimize the impact of skin flare-ups on your overall skin health and well-being.
You're beautiful, feel good in your skin!