HOW TO AVOID THE PLAGUE OF ECZEMA AND PSORIASIS THIS WINTER PERIOD

As winter approaches, the battle for healthy skin begins. But you can minimize the toll the next few months will take on your skin by preparing now.

Facing the enemy

As temperatures drop, heaters clank on, and the wind whips up, the battle for healthy skin begins. Dry air takes away the thin layer of oil that traps moisture in the skin, flaring itchy and painful conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and severe dry skin.

"If we stop producing moisture or if heating sucks it out of the skin, and it's not being replaced, that will tend to cause little cracks that affect the barrier of the skin. Any trauma to the skin, such as cracking, causes an inflammatory response, which can make skin more susceptible to flare-ups of psoriasis and eczema.

But you can minimize the toll the next few months will take on your skin by preparing now. Here's our action plan to keep you comfortable and flare-free.

Bathe briefly

When it's cold outside, some of us prolong our hot showers and baths, which is a recipe for dry, irritated skin, instead i recommend you:

1. Keep the shower as brief as possible and use lukewarm, not hot, water.
2. Switch to less aggressive, moisture-rich soaps made for sensitive skin, such as those made by Dove and Aveeno.
3. Gently pat yourself dry to avoid traumatizing or overdrying the skin.
4. Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp.

Therapeutic baths, such as oatmeal baths or sea salt baths, may help some patients, but they tend to take time, and some salt treatments can be drying, so it’s important to moisturize afterward.

Moisturize, moisturize

Whether you have eczema, psoriasis, or severe dry skin (known as xerosis), you need to replace any moisture the dry air steals away. "As soon as the weather gets dry, I tell my patients to start a regular regime of moisturizing. The best time to do it is right after they bathe.

I understands that not everyone, especially men, will take time to do so. "I tell patients that I don't care how they moisturize, just do it regularly in a way that you like." I recommend targeting problem areas first.

"There are so many good over-the-counter products out there. Eucerin is one, and Cetaphil. They're inexpensive and work well.

Get comfortable

Dress for less irritation
If your skin does flare up, choose soft, breathable fabrics, like cotton, instead of itchy woolens or polyester. Loose-fitting clothing will also help to keep your skin from chafing and becoming irritated by perspiration.

Change the air around you, use a humidifier to increase moisture levels in the home. Experts recommend keeping the humidity level between 30% and 50% (which you can measure with a hygrometer).
O
Stay healthy

Because psoriasis and eczema involve immune system responses, experts believe that many bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can make them worse.

I recommends getting a flu shot, if your primary care physician agrees that it’s appropriate. "Ask your primary doctor, and then get it and any other vaccinations that might help you fight infection." And follow basic steps to keep yourself healthy, like washing your hands frequently, getting good sleep, and exercising.

FOUNDATION POWDER APPLICATION ON SPECIAL SKIN CONDITION.

Some faces need more than the basic application of foundation to look fresh and flawless. Others do best with the thinnest layer of expertly blended foundation. In special cases, you will need a skillful hand and specific application techniques. The best makeup artist recognize skin conditions, treat them appropriately and use the perfect combination of product and technique to make its skin look its best. These product suggestions and techniques for various skin conditions are basic guidelines. The trick is knowing when the makeup is working and when it needs to be changed. Experimentation is usually needed to achieve the perfect result.

ROSACEA.

A sheer tinted moisturizer will diffuse redness. Too dense a product can make the face look masklike. Correct with a bronzer.

COMBINATION SKIN.

Use moisturizer on areas of dry skin and an oil absorbing lotion on T-zone.  Use an oil free foundation all over the face during the summer, consider a more moisturizing formula for the winter. Either formulation can be used on specific areas of the fa

ce as needed.

EXTREMELY DRY SKIN.

Use rich moisturizer followed by a creamy moisturizing foundation. Don't use powder. Balm or oil can be applier lightly on top of foundation.

BLEMISHES.
Using a concealed brush, apply oil free cover stick or foundation to the blemish. Try to match the skin tone exactly. Concealers which are a shade or two lighter than the face should not be used on blemishes. Pat the area lightly. Don't rub. Blend into a small around the blemish. Powder to lock the products in place. Continue with foundation.

HYPERPIGMENTATION (in general).
Apply a foundation tone or spot concealer a shade lighter than the skin to the affected area with a small brush. A bronzing gel can be blended into the skin starting with the cheek area, working around the face. This will help blend the more pigmented skin. Layer foundation that matches your skin tone over the concealer or gel for a flawless finish. Experiment, as concealer alone is often too light and highlight the spit rather than cover effectively. Set foundation with powder.

BIRTHMARKS AND PORT-WINE STAINS.
Several layers of concealers are needed to cover areas with dark very pigmentation. First apply a pale yellow toned foundation or concealer that is three to five shades lighter than the skin tone. Then apply one that is slightly lighter than the overall skin tone. Finally apply a full coverage that matches the skin tone. Set with powder. Again, experiment to find the right tone and formulations to effectively cover very dark spot.

SCARS AND TATTOOS.

It may not be possible to cover TATTOOS and scars completely. If stick foundation or cover stick does not cover them, try using covermark, a heavy duty concealer designed for tattoos and scars. Apply foundation that matches skin tone to the whole face and set with a powder that matches the skin tone.

UNEVEN SKIN.
Skin is sometimes darker through the fore head or through the area of the lower mouth. Two different tones of foundation can be used to match each of the skin tones. Blend well to create an even transition between tones. Bronzer can be used over foundation to even out skin tone.  A gel bronzer  applied to moisturized skin prior to foundation even the skin as well. Foundation can then be applied where needed.

FRECKLES.

Rather than using a heavy foundation to cover freckles, let them show through. Use a tinted moisturizer that evens out the skin tone and consider bronzer to finish.

ACNE.
Start with the right skin care regimen and use oil free moisturizers. Apply blemish cover stick with a small, clean brush or spot conceal with an opaque foundation only in those areas where needed. Use a tinted moisturizer or lightweight liquid foundation to even out the skin tone. The trick is to blend away the  discolouration without applying heavy coverage.

WRINKLES.
Hydarting is the key to creating a smooth looking skin. Exfoliate regularly with a gentle scrub or an alpha hydroxyl acid cream. Use water infused hydrating ultrarich moisturizers and creamy makeup formula. For lines around the lip, use a lip balm. Use a creamy lipstick and matching pencil to prevent feathering.