Dermatitis Demystified: How Skin Therapists Can Help You Heal and Glow

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Ah, dermatitis! The word alone might send shivers down the spine of anyone who’s ever dealt with it. It’s not just a skin condition; it’s an emotional rollercoaster, one where you’re caught between itching, redness, and the frustration of trying to find a solution. But fear not! As skin therapists, we’re here to guide you through understanding dermatitis, managing it, and ultimately finding that sweet spot where your skin can heal, glow, and feel comfortable again.

What is Dermatitis, Really?

Dermatitis is a broad term for inflammation of the skin, and it can present itself in several ways—rashes, redness, dryness, itching, or even blisters. It’s your skin’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s off!” And this something can range from allergens and irritants to stress, genetics, or even an underlying health condition.

Types of dermatitis include:

  1. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Often genetic, it’s a chronic condition that flares up due to allergens or irritants.
  2. Contact Dermatitis: Caused by direct contact with a substance that triggers an allergic reaction.
  3. Seborrheic Dermatitis: A common form that affects oily areas of the skin, like the scalp, face, and chest. It’s often linked to yeast overgrowth.
  4. Dyshidrotic Dermatitis: Characterised by small, itchy blisters on the hands and feet.

Each type has its unique triggers, but one thing they all share in common is the need for proper care and attention, which is where we come in.

How Skin Therapists Can Help

As skin therapists, we don’t just treat the symptoms of dermatitis; we dig deeper to understand the root cause. Our goal is to address both the short-term discomfort and long-term healing through a holistic approach that combines skincare, diet, lifestyle adjustments, and sometimes supplementation. Here’s how we can assist:

  1. Personalised Skin AssessmentEveryone’s skin is different, and no one-size-fits-all solution exists. We start with a thorough skin assessment to determine your skin type, triggers, and any underlying factors (like stress, environmental factors, or products you’re using). This helps us curate a skincare routine that is tailored specifically to your needs.
  2. Gentle, Calming TreatmentsFor active flare-ups, we offer soothing treatments that help calm inflammation and promote healing. These could include anti-inflammatory masks, cooling facials, or customised skin care routines designed to prevent further irritation. Using the right products and techniques can help to reduce redness and give your skin a chance to recover without further aggravation.
  3. Education & EmpowermentOne of the most crucial roles we play as therapists is to educate you on how to care for your skin at home. We help you understand which ingredients to avoid and which ones to embrace. For dermatitis, that means avoiding products that contain harsh chemicals, alcohol, or fragrances. We guide you towards products with calming, healing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, chamomile, and ceramides.

What to Do When You Get Dermatitis

The moment you feel that familiar itch or see redness creeping up, it’s time to take action. Here are a few steps to take when you first notice a flare-up:

  1. Don’t Scratch! I know, it’s tempting, but scratching can damage the skin further and even cause infections. Try using a cold compress to alleviate the urge.
  2. Gentle Cleansing Avoid harsh soaps. Opt for a fragrance-free, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Cleansing gently helps to maintain the skin’s barrier and keeps things from getting worse. Here is our recommendation cleanser
  3. Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise A good moisturiseris your best friend when it comes to dermatitis. Look for creams or ointments rather than lotions, as they are better at locking in moisture. Look for products with ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and fatty acids to strengthen the skin’s barrier
  4. Avoid Triggers This is where things can get tricky. You’ll want to identify any external factors that may be triggering the flare-up, such as certain fabrics, detergents, food, or environmental changes. Keeping a diary can help you track your flare-ups and their possible causes.

The Power of Supplements & Diet for Dermatitis

What you put inside your body is just as important as what you apply to your skin. Skin health starts from within, and when it comes to dermatitis, supporting your skin with the right nutrients can make a world of difference.

  1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, making them a great addition to your diet when dealing with dermatitis. Foods like salmon, flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts can help reduce inflammation, which is a key player in dermatitis flare-ups.
  2. Probiotics Probiotics support gut health, which in turn can help regulate immune system responses. Since inflammation often starts from within, having a healthy gut can reduce the likelihood of flare-ups. Yogurt, kimchi, and kombucha are great sources of probiotics. You can also consider a probiotic supplement.
  3. Vitamin D Vitamin D plays a crucial role in skin health and immune regulation. Deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Sun exposure is a natural way to get vitamin D, but it’s also found in foods like eggs, fortified dairy, and fatty fish.
  4. Antioxidants Antioxidants like vitamin C and E help fight oxidative stress, which can exacerbate inflammation. Incorporate plenty of colourful fruits and vegetables (think berries, leafy greens, bell peppers) into your diet to help support your skin’s healing process.
  5. Zinc Zinc is an essential mineral for skin repair and can help reduce inflammation associated with dermatitis. You’ll find it in foods like pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and lentils, or you can consider taking a zinc supplement after consulting with a healthcare professional.Recommended Skincare Routine for Dermatitis

The key to managing dermatitis is consistency. Stick to a simple yet effective skincare routine that prioritises hydration, repair, and protection. Here’s a guideline:

  1. Morning
    Gentle Cleanser: Use a soap-free, hydrating cleanser. Moisturiser: Apply an occlusive cream to seal in moisture. Choose one with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and/or glycerin.Sunscreen: Always finish with a broad-spectrum mineral SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. This protects your skin from UV damage, which can exacerbate dermatitis.
  2. Evening
    Cleanser: Use the same gentle cleanser to remove the day’s dirt and grime. Treatment (if needed): If you have a flare-up, you may benefit from a calming mask by Maryse with ingredients like niacinamide, chamomile, or algaeMoisturiser: Apply a moisturiser to hydrate overnight.
    When it comes to managing dermatitis, both Augustinus Bader and Medik8offer exceptional skincare products that focus on healing, restoring, and protecting the skin. Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream is a luxurious yet deeply nourishing moisturiser that can help restore the skin barrier and reduce inflammation, thanks to its proprietary TFC8® technology. This helps to regenerate and heal the skin, which is essential for those dealing with dermatitis flare-ups. On the other hand, Medik8 offers the Micellar Cleanser, perfect for sensitive skin prone to irritation. It’s packed with calming ingredients like ginger extract and aloe vera, which help to reduce redness and provide gentle hydration without stripping the skin’s natural oils. For a more targeted treatment, Medik8’s Calmwise Booster serum works wonders by reducing redness and inflammation, making it an excellent choice for soothing active flare-ups. Both brands prioritize high-quality ingredients that are gentle yet effective, helping restore balance and calm to skin affected by dermatitis.
    In clinic treatments LED light therapy in a clinical setting offers numerous benefits for treating dermatitis. By using specific wavelengths of light, LED therapy helps to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and improve skin barrier function. The light stimulates collagen production, accelerates tissue repair, and enhances blood circulation, which can lead to faster recovery and reduced redness and irritation. Additionally, LED light therapy is non-invasive, painless, and suitable for sensitive skin, making it an effective option for those struggling with dermatitis.
    Final Thoughts: Healing is a JourneyManaging dermatitis is not a quick fix, but with the right support, it’s absolutely possible to keep flare-ups in check and achieve glowing, calm skin. As skin therapists, we’re not just here for the treatments—we’re here to empower you with knowledge and support every step of the way. Remember, dermatitis is manageable, and with the right skincare routine, supplements, diet, and lifestyle changes, you can truly transform your skin and your life.
    So, let’s work together to heal your skin and let you shine like the radiant, confident person you are! JB X