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Skin Problems & Cosmetics
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About atopic dermatitis
About atopic dermatitis
Causes of Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition characterized by an itchy rash, with symptoms that flare up and subside periodically.
It is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including a physical predisposition to allergies (atopy) and various external triggers.
Factors that cause or worsen atopic dermatitis symptoms can be divided into physical and environmental factors as follows:
Characteristics of Atopic Dermatitis Skin
The skin tends to become dry easily (reduced moisture-retention capacity). Repeated dryness weakens the skin's barrier function, making it more sensitive to the penetration of foreign substances and external irritants.
Allergens and bacteria that are normally blocked by the skin can invade and cause inflammation, making the skin more prone to itching. When the skin barrier is weakened, moisture evaporates more easily, which can lead to a worsening cycle of increased dryness, more severe inflammation, and more itching. To improve the skin's condition, proper skincare is essential alongside medical treatment.
Seasonal Changes in Symptoms
Itching can worsen depending on the season, such as from sweat in the summer or dry air in the winter. During flare-ups, even the gentle cosmetics you use regularly and that suit your skin may cause irritation. In such cases, we recommend stopping the use of cosmetics and washing your face with only lukewarm water. After washing, apply a moisturizer such as petroleum jelly.
How to Use Cosmetics if You Have Atopic Dermatitis
Treatment is the top priority, but once symptoms improve with medication, skincare becomes even more important.
Atopic dermatitis treatment guidelines state that daily skincare (cleansing and moisturizing) is a cornerstone of treatment, alongside medication and identifying the causes of the condition.
Step 1: Cleansing
Keeping the skin clean is the first step in preventing the condition from worsening. However, washing should be done gently to avoid skin irritation.
Gentle, Non-Irritating Facial Cleanser
1. Work the soap into a lather all over your palms.
The cleanser turns into a foam that helps envelop and remove dirt. If not enough foam is produced, the cleaning efficiency decreases. The foam also acts as a protective barrier for the skin.
2. Do not scrub too hard.
The basic method is to wash your face gently using the foam all over your palms. Many people tend to over-wash the cheek area, so be sure to wash gently.
3. Rinse with lukewarm water 20 times*
If not rinsed thoroughly, surfactants will remain, and the pH will temporarily shift to alkaline, causing irritation. Additionally, if you wash too much, the skin’s natural lipid film will be lost.
*The appropriate number of rinses for the facial cleanser (Acseine Reset Wash) is approximately 10 to 15 times.
For more information about ACSEINE Reset Wash, please click here.
Step 2: Moisturizing
Dry skin makes itching worse, so ensure you moisturize thoroughly in your daily skincare routine. Once inflammation has subsided, you can prevent itching by using a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.
Step 3: UV Protection
Skin with atopic dermatitis is particularly sensitive to ultraviolet rays. When symptoms are severe, avoid intense sunlight as much as possible. Even when symptoms have subsided, you should still be careful of UV rays. Use a gentle sunscreen and wear a hat to protect against direct UV radiation.
Step 4: Cosmetics
When you have symptoms, avoid wearing makeup if possible. However, in many cases, makeup is necessary for appearance and etiquette. Choose products that are low-irritant and do not dry out the skin, and only after receiving permission from a doctor.
QA: Living Well
with Atopic Dermatitis
If symptoms are severe, should I use cosmetics?
When you have redness, itching, or other inflammation, you are more prone to irritation from cosmetics. Therefore, you should generally stop using cosmetics. After receiving proper treatment from a dermatologist and once you feel better and have your doctor's permission, you can resume using skincare products. (For basic skincare, a doctor may recommend washing your face with lukewarm water and using a skin protectant like petroleum jelly.)
Can medication and cosmetics be used together?
Follow your dermatologist's instructions regarding medication. We recommend starting cosmetics after the inflammation has subsided while continuing to monitor your symptoms. Consult your doctor thoroughly about whether multiple products can be used together or if different products should be used on affected versus unaffected areas.
What should you be careful of when trying new cosmetics or resuming use?
Try each product one at a time while your skin is in good condition. If you try several products at once and a problem occurs, it will be difficult to identify which one is the cause. Therefore, you should try products one by one to find what works for your skin.
How can you avoid factors that worsen the situation in daily life?
[Be careful with things that touch the skin other than cosmetics]
Choose underwear and stockings that are gentle and smooth against the skin. Be careful not to wear wool sweaters, as they can cause itching and worsen atopic dermatitis symptoms. Some detergents can also cause irritation, so ensure they are rinsed out thoroughly.
[Prioritize nutritional balance]
If eating certain foods worsens your atopic dermatitis, you should avoid them.
However, the nutrients the body needs are also important for skin metabolism, so a lack of nutrients can worsen symptoms. The best approach is to pay attention to nutritional balance and avoid overly strict dietary restrictions.
[Keep the room clean]
Dust mites and house dust are environmental factors that worsen atopic dermatitis. Ventilate the room regularly, clean frequently, and avoid using fabric sofas or carpets on tatami mats, as these can easily harbor dust mites.
[Effectively eliminate stress]
Psychological stress is often a factor that worsens the condition, so try to avoid accumulating stress by getting proper exercise and sufficient rest.
