Do you feel tightness, itching, your skin peels and seems uncomfortable all the time? Maybe your skin is “atopic”. Don't panic, even if this type of skin requires special attention and appropriate care, it is entirely possible to take care of it on a daily basis with the right actions and the right products.
How do I know if my skin is atopic?
Are you wondering if the tightness, redness and dryness of your skin could be linked to a form of atopy? To see things more clearly, we help you better understand atopy and recognize its signs.
What does having atopic skin mean?
Having atopic skin means that the outer layer of your skin, called the stratum corneum, presents alterations which prevent it from normally playing its role of protective barrier in the face of external aggression.
Unlike healthy skin, it lack of lipids, hydrophobic molecules essential in maintaining hydration and protecting against bacteria and fungi.
This lipid deficiency leads to skin dryness more or less important and increased vulnerability to pollutants and allergens.
What are the signs of atopic skin?
There are several fairly characteristic signs of atopy that can alert you:
- dry to very dry skin ;
- rough skin ;
- skin that flakes, peels, especially on the arms, legs and face;
- skin that feels tight and itchy ;
- lhas small red patches and crusts in the most severe cases.
Who is affected by atopic dermatitis?
Atopy can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender.
The atopic dermatitis, the main cutaneous manifestation of atopy, often develops fromthree months old. In infants, lesions generally appear on the face, the members, the scalp and the buttocks.
If the majority of children see their dermatitis improve or even disappear (in 50% of cases before the age of 5), approximately 10 to 15% of people continue to have atopic skin into adulthood.
Atopy is also more common in people with allergic terrain such as:
- eczema;
- asthma;
- allergic rhinitis;
- family history of atopy.
It can also appear in adulthood, sometimes in a more localized manner, and requires special attention to avoid attacks.
Why is my skin atopic?
First of all, don't feel guilty if your skin is atopic, it's in no way your fault!
This is a chronic condition whose main responsibility is genetics. In fact, if one of your parents suffers from atopy, you will have up to a 70% risk of suffering from it as well and this figure can go up to 80% if both of your parents are affected.
Other factors also come into play in the development of atopy, such as:
- a naturally fragile skin barrier ;
- regular exposure to external aggressions such as pollution, cold, excessively hard water, irritating products, stress;
-
reactions to certain allergens such as dust mites, animal hair, certain foods and pollen.
How can I take care of my atopic skin?
Taking care of atopic skin requires being vigilant in implementing a daily routine aimed at lastingly soothing skin discomfort.
Consult a healthcare professional to assess the severity of your atopy
Do you notice that your skin or that of a member of your family meets the criteria for atopic skin?
Make an appointment with a dermatologist to assess the severity of your atopy. Indeed, in certain cases, it can develop into eczema and require special care, available only on prescription from a health professional.
Take the right actions to limit your atopy
Regardless, your daily life and the attention you pay to your skin can make all the difference. Here are some simple reflexes to adopt:
- take lukewarm showers, not too hot, so as not to attack your skin;
- do not dry your skin by rubbing it, but rather by gently dabbing it with a soft towel;
- avoid allergens like perfumes, detergents that are too chemical or even foods to which you are sensitive;
- favor cotton clothing, breathable and soft to limit friction and irritation.
Use a cleansing product suitable for very dry skin
For your toilet, forget about classic soaps that strip! Opt for products specifically designed for atopic skin such as:
XerAD superfatted soap
Unlike certain classic soaps which attack the skin barrier, XerAD superfatted soap, cleanses without drying or irritating which makes it an ally of choice for atopic, sensitive or very dry skin.
Its natural origin formula is suitable fromage 3 years, and perfectly respects the fragile balance of the epidermis.
Its creamy mousse texture and perfect freshness are appreciated by the whole family.
HydraSECURE cleansing cream
Specially designed to meet the needs of atopic skin, the HydraSECURE cleansing cream is a soap-free alternative, with 98% ingredients of natural origin.
It contains:
- 10% vegetable glycerin which helps maintain water in the skin and cleanses without irritating;
- shea butter and sweet almond oil which repair and strengthen the skin barrier;
- Pentavitin® which ensures lasting hydration and protects from the drying effects of too frequent showers.
Thanks to its PH close to that of the skin, it respects skin balance and reduces feelings of tightness from the first use.
Moisturize your skin daily with an ultra-nourishing product
You understood it: the the key to atopy is hydration ! And not once in a while, but every day, morning and/or evening even if your skin seems fine.
To do this, you can use the XerAD lipid-replenishing balm from Soskin. Fragrance-free, allergen-free and rich in restorative active ingredients, it instantly soothes feelings of discomfort and helps space out peaks of dryness.
Thanks to its nourishing, but non-sticky texture, it leaves a light protective film which allows rapid dressing without feeling greasy.
The XerAD lipid-replenishing balm is based on:
- Inca Inchi extract, known to calm irritations and reduce itching;
- of Camelina butter combined with a complex of emollient oils to repair the skin barrier in depth and restore levels of essential fatty acids;
- purified extract of Japanese Lily of the Valley to rebalance the skin microbiome and slow down bacterial proliferation.
Result: your skin feels lasting comfort, itching is soothed and remission periods are prolonged.
In summary, atopic skin requires gentle actions, daily attention and appropriate care. With the right products and a regular routine, it is entirely possible to regain comfort, flexibility and serenity on a daily basis.
