PROPER CARE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

The skin is the largest and most important organ of the body. It provides protection against the elements and keeps check on the body's fluid balance. By taking care of your skin, it can take care of you. If you choose to care for your skin using mild products you can prevent your eczema or allergy from getting worse.

In order to maintain or recapture your skin's natural moisture balance you should apply a rich and nourishing moisturizing cream every day. If you do not care for your skin on a daily basis, the epidermis wears down and becomes rough and dry. When the epidermis wears down, the skin has difficulty repairing even small fissures. And if your skin does not get any help closing the small fissures, bacteria will enter and in the worst case develop into eczema.

During the coldest months of the year it is even more important to be vigilant about skin care as the air humidity is low indoors as well as outdoors at this time of the year. And if you do not drink enough fluids during the summer your skin can almost lose its moisture due to evaporation. So no matter what the time of year: Keep an eye on your skin and make sure it gets plenty of moisture.

If you suffer from contact eczema you have very sensitive and dry skin. Contact eczema often develops when the outer layer of skin breaks down, e.g. from excessive use of water and soap. When the outermost layer of the skin breaks down, substances like nickel, perfume and preservatives have free access to the body – and the resulting symptoms include reddening, itching, bumping, etc. of the skin.

Click here to read more about contact eczema

5 GOLDEN SKIN CARE RULES

1 Make sure you rinse off all soap when you take a bath or wash your hands. Always moisturize your skin when you have taken a bath or washed your hands. If you have come into contact with cleaning agents, solvents or any other chemicals, it is a good idea to remoisturize your skin with an unscented moisturizer.

2 Wear gloves when you do the dishes. If you use rubber gloves for an extended period of time, we recommend that you wear a pair of cotton gloves underneath.

3 Use products without perfume or coloring whenever possible.

4 Avoid excessive sunbathing and always wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15.

5 Drink plenty of water.

Visit the website of the Danish Asthma and Allergy Association for more information