It is very common for people with fair skin to also have sensitive skin. Myself, I have fair skin and reddish blonde (or strawberry blonde) hair, and I have had eczema my whole life. In the past year, it has gotten progressively worse, especially on my hands and now my feet and calves as well. I have now managed to keep it under control. When it first started getting worse, it got really bad on my hands; so much so, that I had to go on Prednisone for a period of time. I now know that I do have some skin allergies. This led to having to throw out or give away many items, like shampoo and lotions.
Skin Allergens I tested positive for:
Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone
- Methylisothiazolinone or MIT or MI, sometimes erroneously called methylisothiazoline, is a powerful biocide and preservative within the group of isothiazolinones, used in personal care products. Wikipedia
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone, also referred to as MCI, is a preservative with antibacterial and antifungal effects within the group of isothiazolinones. It is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Wikipedia
Formaldehyde - Formaldehyde is an organic compound with the formula CH2O or HCHO. It is the simplest aldehyde, hence its systematic name methanal. The common name of the substance comes from its similarity and relation to formic acid. Wikipedia
Balsam of Peru or Myroxylon - Myroxylon is a genus of two species of Central American and South American trees in the Fabaceae. The tree is well known in the western world as the source for Peru balsam and Tolu balsam. The tree is often called Quina or Balsamo. Wikipedia
- My dermatologist informed me that myroxylon can be found on orange peel or many other types of citrus peel. He also said that to avoid it, it is best to buy products that are fragrance free.
After going through all of my lotions, shampoos, hand creams, etc., I had a small box full of stuff that I gave away to my mom. There were many other items I simply threw away because I thought they were likely old or were nearly empty. The shampoo I had to give away was a little frustrating because it was an expensive shampoo and it called itself 'pure'. But, I was allergic to it, so it had to go.
I now find that I am a perpetual ingredient reader of all skin products. It takes a little more time and I can't find everything at the local big box store, but with online shopping and Google, I have been able to find many great new natural products. I am always on the lookout for new products as well. I try to go for products that are natural, organic, and Canadian or North American. I like the idea of buying products that are local.
I have also made some changes in my diet. I have been making an effort to eat a low carb diet, and if I am going to eat carbs, I try to go for gluten free items. I don't have a gluten allergy, but I do find I am sensitive to it. Mostly, I notice that I feel really full and bloated if I eat too many carbs. I am still finding this a challenge, but I have noticed that I don't feel as puffy.
Cod liver oil has become a staple in my diet. I resisted it for a long time, but I finally started taking it. I was taking it in supplement form, but the liquid form is far superior due to its absorbancy. My dad has been taking cod liver oil for years, and always recommended it to me, but I didn't want to try it because it tastes gross! It smells gross too. But, I needed my skin to improve and I was ready to try things I was unwilling to try before. Now that I have been taking it for a few months, I notice that my nails have really improved. They used to be very brittle and would break before they ever got the chance to grow. Now, I actually have to trim them because they are getting too long! Cod liver oil is definitely something you should continue taking for life, especially if you live in cold winter climates like I do. I take a teaspoon a day and I make sure to immediately drink water to get rid of the taste.
I have always made an effort to look after my skin, but after using all of those trendy lotions, body washes, and scrubs, I was probably doing more harm than good. All the products I use now come from some type of health food store, organic market, or an online health website. Price wise, I haven't noticed a huge difference, although the heavy hand cream I use is quite pricey. I've been trying to find a replacement for that.
Some things are better simple and easy. When I'm not wearing make up, which is often, I use unscented, alcohol free, witch hazel toner to cleanse my face. For the winter months, I have been using simply rosehip oil as a moisturizer. Next will be to look for a sunscreen that I'm not allergic to, is natural, but hopefully not incredibly expensive.
I will continue to research and educate myself on this topic...
