Atopic skin care: Characterized by extreme dryness and sensitivity, atopic skin affects 1 in 3 babies and 1 in 5 adults.
Atopy is a genetic predisposition to developing allergies. These allergies can manifest themselves as asthma, conjunctivitis or pollen rhinitis. On the skin, we speak of atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema. This results in a deficiency of surface lipids in the stratum corneum, which no longer acts as a protective barrier. The skin's barrier function is impaired, and it becomes permeable to external allergens. By penetrating the skin, allergens stimulate the defense system excessively, triggering inflammation. Without appropriate care, a vicious circle sets in: alteration of the cutaneous barrier aggravates dryness and inflammation of the skin, making it itchy, making you want to scratch, and allowing allergens to penetrate, amplifying inflammation and itching.
The clinical symptoms are: very dry skin, redness and itching associated with the appearance of small blisters (fluid-filled vesicles) which burst naturally or as a result of inopportune scratching.
Much more common than you might think, atopic skin can sometimes be very uncomfortable and difficult to live with on a daily basis. What are the specific characteristics of this type of skin?
Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition. The condition can develop from an infant's earliest months, and generally improves before puberty. It is most often due to a genetic predisposition inherited from one of the parents.
Atopic eczema manifests itself as red patches, oozing and itching, sometimes very intense. People with atopic dermatitis have dry, sensitive skin, often aggravated by eczema flare-ups triggered by cold, stress or microbes. This is due to the skin's impaired barrier function, which makes it easier for allergens to penetrate and trigger inflammatory reactions.
Dermatitis alternates between flare-ups triggered by contact with allergens and periods of remission.
Atopic skin is marked by an alteration in its protective barrier, due to a deficiency in essential epidermal lipids (ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids). This deficiency reduces the skin's ability to retain water and protect itself from external aggressors, resulting in :
What's more, atopic skin is often associated with an excessive immune response, triggering chronic inflammation. Inflammatory flare-ups, characteristic of atopic dermatitis, evolve in cycles, alternating with phases of remission.
In addition to genetic predisposition, a number of external and internal factors can aggravate the condition of atopic skin:
Skin care products for atopic skin must contain targeted active ingredients to effectively moisturize, replenish and soothe the skin:
Cleansing should be carried out with specific products, such as soap-free cleansing oils or gels with a physiological pH. These products remove impurities while preserving the skin's hydrolipidic film. The water used should be lukewarm, as hot water accentuates dehydration and irritation.
Applying an emollient cream or balm is essential after each cleansing and at least twice a day. These care products nourish the skin, reduce water loss and create a protective barrier. Rich balms are recommended for very dry areas, while light creams are suitable for warmer climates or less affected areas.
In the event of an acute flare-up, targeted skin care products containing anti-inflammatory active ingredients should be used to rapidly calm symptoms. If necessary, dermocorticoids or calcineurin inhibitors, prescribed by a dermatologist, can be applied to reduce inflammation and prevent lesions aggravated by scratching.
Protecting the skin from triggers is crucial. This includes:
Soin-et-Nature offers a wide range of dermocosmetic products to meet the specific needs of all skin types. Here are the categories available:
These dermocosmetic products available on Soin-et-Nature are specially designed to care for your skin in a targeted, natural and effective way.
