We asked Salcura for some tips in soothing common skin complaints such as acne, blackheads and eczema, and they list some of their products that will help. No chemical nasties here!
Acne
Acne is caused by a hormonal change that causes the sebaceous glands to produce an excessive amount of oil (called sebum). This builds up and combines with dead skin cells forming the perfect breeding ground for bacterial growth, attracting white blood cells and causing inflammation within the skin – ie spots!
How to manage acne
Prevent, stop or slow the build up of bacteria in the first place. How?
- Remove the sebum within the pores using a product that doesn’t reduce the moisture within them too much.
- Try a gentle (preferably) natural cleanser in the mornings and evenings to remove the build up of grime, sebum and dead skin cells, and perhaps try using a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week.
Which products are best?
- While showering try using a natural cleansing product like the Salcura Antiac Daily Face Wash – it contains Sea Buckthorn, a powerful ingredient that aids in natural skin rejuvenation and nourishment, Aloe Vera which soothes skin, and Coconut Oil that’s packed with antioxidants to soften skin.
- When you’re on the go, Salcura Antiac Daily Face Wipes are perfect for removing grime from pores.
- When acne flares up try Antiac ACTIV Liquid Spray. Because it’s natural, you can apply it liberally without worrying about prolonged usage damaging the skin. The spray contains natural powerhouse ingredients including Sea Buckthorn and Rosemary, as well as Lavender for it’s anti-bacterial properties.
Targeting specific areas
Sometimes acne doesn’t appear in large clumps, but as individual whiteheads, blackheads and spots. Try a product that’s specifically designed to target individual areas like Salcura Antiac ACTIV Gel Serum. It targets unwanted spots using powerful natural ingredients that take effect quickly, removing grime, reducing inflammation, and repairing damaged skin.
Acne scars
Acne scars can be caused by inflammation deep in the oil glands – this can disrupt the scaffolding of your skin (collagen and elastin) and cause scaring. Scratching and picking at flared-up areas can also cause scaring.
Many factors can influence whether or not your acne scars will repair themselves:
- The older a person is, the more likely they are to be left with scars as older skin is far thinner
- Genetic factors can determine your skins ability to heal itself - some people will see no scaring while others will see plenty.
How can you reduce acne scars?
Use products with anti-inflammatory ingredients – they may help to prevent the scaring in the first place. Try Salcura Antiac Daily Face Wipes which contain Eucalyptus for its anti-inflammatory properties, and Antiac ACTIV Gel Serum which contains Tea Tree Oil (again, for its anti-inflammatory properties.)
Blackheads
Blackheads are caused by an overproduction of sebum, much the same as other forms of acne.
How to get rid of blackheads:
- Commit to a regular, consistent and long-term skincare routine
- As with acne - use a gentle (preferably) natural cleanser in the mornings and evenings to remove the build up of grime, sebum and dead skin cells, and perhaps try using a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week.
- Steam to open your pores before cleansing to speed up blackhead removal (be cautious when using steam – don’t burn yourself, and remember steam can dry the skin out).
- Go Natural. Using skincare products that contain harsh chemicals over prolonged periods may dry out your skin, prompting a natural response to produce more sebum in an attempt to lubricate the area. This extra production of sebum will once again lead to further pore blockages, causing the issue to continue (so go natural!)
- Salcura Antiac Daily Face Wash is an effective natural cleanser that removes sebum from the skin without drying out the pores. It contains with Sea Buckthorn for skin rejuvenation and nourishment, Aloe Vera for cooling and soothing, and Coconut Oil for its antioxidant and skin softening properties.
Adult eczema
1 in 12 adults in the UK are thought to suffer from some form of eczema. Eczema, - also known as Atopic Eczema or Dermatitis - is a non-contagious dry skin condition. Symptoms can vary and sufferers can experience anything from dry patches and itching to scaling, sores, bleeding or even crusting.
Tips on treating or avoiding eczema
- Avoid allergens - the most common type of allergens that trigger atopic eczema include pollen, pet fur (dogs or cats) and house dust mites. However, it can also be caused by food allergens like wheat, eggs, cow's milk and nuts. Record your skins reaction to these and alert your GP if you feel you may be allergic to any of them.
- Avoid itchy, scratchy rough material when choosing clothing. Some synthetic materials can be tough on the skin, causing damage and moisture loss, worsening eczema symptoms. Washing detergents can also linger on clothing, causing the skin to lose hydration. When choosing clothing, try to go for soft cotton like material, and wash them with natural detergents.
- Look after your skin when you travel. Flying is a great way to get around, but the dry air on-board aircraft can strip moisture away from skin, causing irritation. Moving into hot and cold environments, stress and perspiration can have a similar effect. Try popping a moisturiser into your travel bag for dry skin emergencies.
- Avoid synthetic chemicals – they can damage the skin, especially after prolonged use, and while steroids can work effectively in the short term, side effects like steroid atrophy (a thinning of the skin) can make matters worse.
Products that can help
- Try using Salcura Bioskin Zeoderm Repair Moisturiser. It offers protection from dry air, building a tough essential oil skin barrier that holds in moisture and repels outside forces. Zeolite (a key ingredient) filters out unwanted particles, whilst lavender oil removes bacteria. One of its most effective ingredients is Urea, which binds water into the skin and helps reduce dry and cracked outer layers of the epidermis.
- Salcura Bioskin DermaSpray can be used daily - it keeps dry skin at bay and can help to prevent eczema symptoms. There is no need for it to be rubbed into the skin either, its fine spray penetrates the skin, and soothes the lower layers.
Childhood eczema
According to the NHS 1 in 5 children suffer from eczema in the UK - that’s around 550,000 children. Eczema is generally more common in children and has more aggressive symptoms.
What can you do?
Record your children’s reactions to edible allergens.
- Children can be fussy when it comes to food, but believe it or not, their skin can be even fussier. Certain foods can cause allergic reactions that may exacerbate symptoms and cause outbreaks. Food allergens such as wheat, eggs, cow's milk and nuts may be worth avoiding – try keeping a record of breakouts and foods eaten.
Try alternatives
If you think your little one is allergic to a particular food, try some of these alternatives:
- Instead of eggs try chia seeds or bananas.
- If dairy is a problem, try coconut and rice milk based products
- If wheat is causing skin issues go gluten free
Other factors
- Is your child allergic to animals? Speak to your GP before you purchase a family pet.
- Clothes matter. Avoid itchy and scratchy materials; perhaps try natural fabrics like cotton instead of synthetic rough materials. School uniforms can be uncomfortable; check what they are made from and whether your child’s skin is affected.
Products that can help
- Salcura Bioskin Junior Outbreak Rescue Cream builds a barrier around the skin to protect it from outside forces. This barrier retains moisture and allows the creams many powerful ingredients to repair the top layer of skin (epidermis). Ingredients such as Zeolite work to remove unwanted particles, whilst olive fruit oil removes free radicals adding to the barrier and protecting the skin. Jojoba oil helps to induce natural repair mechanisms whilst urea binds water into the skin helping to reduce dry and cracked outer layers of the epidermis.
- Maintain healthy skin with Bioskin Junior Daily Nourishing Spray – the natural ingredients are blended together into child-friendly formulations, designed to reduce the symptoms of skin issues like eczema. The fine, gentle spray penetrates the top layer of skin, reaching deep to repair and rejuvenate lower layers, without the need for rubbing or patting.