Now firstly, hydration is always a good idea. Drinking the correct amount of water daily is an important part to self-care as well as to skincare. It’s also important to adjust your water intake accordingly in regards to your increase in exercise, time spent in the sun, etc. Another great skincare regime is moisturizing. Whether you have normal or dry skin, providing your skin (face and body) with an extra boost of nourishment and self care helps the skin stay fresh and supple.
But knowing what type of skin you have will help you decide on the best way of treatment, so let’s get down to finding out whether you have dehydrated skin, dry skin, or eczema.
If you, like me, suffer from short and infrequent spells of dry skin then you probably just have dehydrated skin. Meaning during this time you need to make an extra effort to use sunscreen before heading outdoors, make an effort to drink more water, and use a good moisturizer. TIP: After going for a swim at the pool, make sure to take a shower right after and moisturize (this tip is good for people with both dry and dehydrated skin)!
If dry skin is no news to you, than you aren’t fighting dehydrated skin but more likely, eczema. Now, a lot of people don’t think that they have eczema because the word 'eczema' has a connotation for "a very severe skin condition". When really, eczema is an ‘umbrella’ term for a lot of different skin conditions from mild to more severe. These skin symptoms include: dry, itchy, irritated, inflamed and red skin.
Eczema (or atopic dermatitis, which is the most common type of eczema) is a skin condition commonly found in children but can also occur at any age. Eczema ‘flare-ups’ can happen frequently or vast and few depending on the person and their external environment. If you’re experiencing an eczema flare up the best thing to do is to moisturize your skin (at least 2x a day), use warm (rather than hot) water in the shower, use a gentle cleanser and avoid potential triggers like dust, sweat and pollen. If your symptoms are so extreme and insufferable, it’s best to get prescription help from your doctor.
I’m writing this blog here today because TOPIC SKIN Face & Body Cream has been my answer. Every time I get hit by a spell of dehydrated skin, I apply the cream to my skin once once in the evenings to give my skin that boost back that it needs. My sister, who suffers from frequent eczema flare-ups uses both the TOPIC SKIN Face & Body cream and TOPIC SKIN Face & Body wash daily. This goes to show that whether for dry skin or dehydrated skin, you can use similar methods to combat them both.
"Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. Acne usually begins in puberty and affects many adolescents and young adults. Approximately 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 experience at least minor acne." -American Academy of Dermatology
You're not alone! Acne is far from being uncommon. We made this list below of different types of acne so you can make smart and informed decisions about acne treatment!
Comedo: These are clogged hair follicles in the skin and can be open (blackhead) or closed by skin (whitehead). They are clogged from oil and dead skin blocking the follicle. The best way to tackle this kind of acne is to use acne products that are oil-free and to take care not to over exfoliate. Over exfoliation can irritate the skin even more and make the condition worse.
Whiteheads: Clogged pores that remain below the skin and are not inflamed. They appear as either a small, flesh-colored bump on the skin or a raised bump with a white head. This is a type of comedo (same advice for skincare).
Blackheads: Blackheads are comedones that are open to the surface of the skin. They appear black or dark brown in color, which is caused by oil’s reaction to air. This is a type of comedo (same advice for skincare).
Papules: Appearing as small, red, purple or pink bumps on the skin, papules are whiteheads or blackheads that have become inflamed. Sometimes they hurt and are sensitive to the touch. They have no visible fluid. Picking or squeezing papules can make the inflammation worse and may lead to scarring and infection.
Pustules: Another version of an inflamed pimple, a pustule is a bulging patch of skin that’s full of a yellowish or whitish pus. Avoid “popping” pustules because this can make the acne worse and lead to scarring.
Nodules: Nodules are firm to the touch and can be skin colored or inflamed and not usually filled with pus. They develop deep within the skin and can take a much longer time to go away than the other forms of acne. Do not pop or squeeze them, as this can push bacteria further into the pores, perpetuating inflammation. Acne nodules can’t be treated with OTC products alone.\
Cysts: Cysts are large, pus-filled lesions that look similar to boils. Like nodules, cysts develop deep beneath the skin’s surface and can’t be treated with just OTC products. They are larger than other types of acne, and are sensitive to touch. People who have cysts and nodules are considered to have more severe acne.
Acne Conglobata: This is one of the more severe types of acne. It is caused by linking nodules and cysts under the skin’s surface. It can affect not only the face but also the body – chest, arms, neck, back, etc., often causing scarring. This type of acne isn’t very common and can be genetic.
Acne Rosacea: Acne rosacea is seen as a red rash and small red bumps that usually covers the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. It can be easily mistaken for rosy cheeks or easy flushing. It usually effects Caucasians with fair skin.
1. Consume a lot of H2O to flush impurities from your system. By eating more water-rich foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, you can help support your body’s natural mechanism for purifying and detoxification. Or you can go right to the source and increase how much water you drink! It’s recommended to drink about 8 cups a day. Stay hydrated!
2. Eat foods full of Vitamins A and C, Zinc and Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). Your skin can be more vulnerable to breakouts if you have vitamin deficiency, especially Zinc, Vitamin C and Essential Fatty Acids. Some examples of this are broccoli, spinach, almonds, eggs, dark chocolate, garlic…
3. Try not to stress. Stress can lead to acne and can make existing acne flare-ups worse. Take time for yourself each day and relax. What’s good for your mind is good for your body too. This goes hand in hand with sleep. People who sleep less tend to be more stressed and agitated, leading to breakouts. Avoid this by relaxing before bedtime and getting a full 8 hours of sleep!
4. Eat healthy. Unhealthy eating in general can contribute to unclear skin. Try to avoid foods that are high in grease and fat. You don’t need to completely cut them out of your diet (who can take a hard pass on pizza?? Not me!), just try to eat a balanced diet that focuses more on food that has great health benefits. (You can use tip #4 as a starter point!).
5. Before and after doing an activity that will get you sweaty, take a shower/wash your face and body. Exercise is a great way to help keep skin clear. Breaking a sweat helps to flush the body of toxins. But make sure to thoroughly wash any dirt or makeup off beforehand and to wash off the toxins from your sweat once you are done by taking a warm shower and using a gentle, exfoliating cleanser after you work out.
6. Use a clean pillowcase. Changing your pillowcase frequently can help reduce your skin’s exposure to acne-causing agents like bacteria, dust and makeup. So even though you might wash your face every evening before going to bed, you might also be putting your face in direct contact with all the germs that will lead to breakouts for 8 hours every night.
7. Clean your cellphone. Think of all the places your cellphone goes during the day – your purse, your desk, the counter at the store, and even the bathroom sink. It can carry a collection of bacteria that you don’t want to press up against your face. Keep antibacterial wipes handy to clean your phone before it touches your face.
The main cause for acne is the overproduction of oil; blocked hair follicles that don’t allow the oil to leave the pores, thus often resulting in a clogged pore. However, aside from overproduction of oil, hormones and genetics there are other factors for acne breakouts that you can control!
1. Foods
Spicy foods containing acidic lycopene can throw off your skin’s pH levels and trigger breakouts. Aside from spicy foods, there are also foods like bread, and dairy (i.e. chocolate!) that can cause breakouts (depending on your own personal make-up). The cure for a food induced breakout is to pay attention to what you’re eating and how your skin reacts. If you find a trend you can find the culprit and monitor your future intake.
2. Stress
Ahh, the vicious cycle of stress and acne. With stress comes acne and with acne comes more stress! Whenever you’re feeling under pressure, your skin produces stress hormones, including cortisol, which can stimulate your oil glands to make testosterone and then increases oil production and clogs the pores. Try working out more regularly, meditation and taking some time every day to focus on yourself.
3. Sweat
Started working out regularly to reduce stress and therefore, acne but still suffer from breakouts? The problem could stem from your pre and post workout wash (or lack of). It’s important to wipe off makeup before hitting your workout, or at the very least immediately afterwards. If you don’t wear makeup, it’s still a good idea to clean the skin of any dirt, dust and whatever else might be waiting to get soaked into your open and sweaty pores.
4. Over Exfoliation
Some seem to be under the false pretense that rigorous exfoliation is the answer to clearer skin. Although exfoliation is a great way to clear the skin of dead cells, it shouldn’t be a part of your daily routine. Over exfoliation can lead to scratching of the skins protective layer and also drying. The former leading the skin to become an easier target for clogged pores and the latter leading to an overproduction of your natural oils and thus breakouts. It’s best here to minimize the amount of exfoliation to once a week and to use products that are right for your skin type. Kamedis CLEAR for example is an oil-free product that treats the skin without drying it, but rather by hydrating it.
Do you have any other tips on how to stay clear of breakouts? Let us know!
1. Take a walk
Taking a walk can help you clear your head and put your body into a state of meditation, especially if you’re going for a walk in a park or near a river (anywhere in nature, basically). This will help boost your endorphins, which in turn, reduces your stress hormones.
2. Unplug
Studies show that late night screen use is associated with stress, it’s important to avoid looking at any type of screen for at least an hour before going to bed. During the day, uninterrupted use of screens (whether computer, phone or TV) has also been associated with stress, loss of sleep and depression. If your job requires extensive computer use, take frequent breaks throughout the day to let your eyes rest. Another way to help unplug is turning off your phone for some periods throughout the day (turning on silent would also suffice). This reduces the involuntary stress you have when receiving a message and feeling the need to immediately read and respond. Same goes for receiving a notification from social media.
3. Jam Out
Whenever feeling stressed out, put in the headphones and play some of your favorite music. You will flood your brain with the feel-good neurochemical dopamine which will help relax your anxiety. It’s also a fun way to start your morning and get through the morning traffic jams!
4. Gum
Gum isn’t necessarily just for warding off bad breath, it can also help relieve anxiety and reduce stress when multitasking. So whether you’re a fan of the original bubblegum flavor or wintermint, pop in a stick to help destress.
5. Socialize
Make plans to hang out with your friends. Socializing with people close to you can lower your production of cortisol! Whether going out or staying in, being around people you are comfortable with will help reduce your stress levels. It’s also good to be able to talk about your day with people that care about you and will comfort you after a tough day.
6. MeditationEven if you’ve never done it before, there’s lots of videos on Youtube, apps and sites that have free guided meditation. Give it a try! It might be the answer for you to destress. Meditation helps clear your head and lower your heart rate by focusing on relaxation and deep breathing. If you’re at work and needing a minute of meditation, you can try some breathing exercises. With the right breathing exercises, you’ll be giving yourself an extra boost of oxygen which will reduce tension, relieve stress and help you get through your work day more relaxed.
7. Exercise
Like taking a walk, exercise (physical activity of any kind), releases mood-boosting endorphins. Exercise lowers your blood pressure, strengthens your heart muscle and melts away stress. Whether you’re heading to the gym or swimming pool, find an active hobby that interests you so you’ll have fun while working out and destressing.
8. Stay positive!
Find out what makes you smile, chuckle and lighten up. Whether it’s looking at cat memes on the internet, taking a warm bath, dancing naked in your room or playing on the guitar, make sure to spend a little time every day on the things that make you happy! No matter what kind of stress, or anxiety you might be facing, it’s important you take care of your body and mind because you only live once so you should live it to its fullest!
]]>During spring cleaning it’s important to me that while my house looks and feels clean, my family and I feel the same way. Especially during this period when I’m running around using a lot of different cleaning products that are filled with harsh chemicals that flare up my daughter’s eczema without fail. While bleach, Windex and a vacuum help my house, Kamedis helps her. With winter and spring causing her the most inflammation and irritation – due to the dryness, allergens and harsh air from the cleaning chemicals of spring cleaning, it’s important that we always have a product on-hand that not only reduces the inflammation, but also keeps it gone. Until trying Kamedis, nothing had worked to subside the pain and irritation from all of the different causes for her flare-ups. After hearing about Kamedis and how it’s made with concentrated traditional Chinese botanicals, and made without any parabens, steroids, or dyes, I knew we had to give it a try.
Ever since the success my daughter had with the TOPIC SKIN Face & Body cream and wash, I’ve made sure our home is fully stocked with the SKIN RELIEF Calming Lotion. Ensuring that whether she’ll be faced with spring cleaning, a dry winter, or harsh allergens, my daughter is going to be protected from irritation, inflammation and itchiness.
Spring Blossoms
Known as the season for its colorful blooming flowers, this beauty comes at a price. That price is allergens. The increased level of allergens in the air can cause flare ups for those suffering from both psoriasis and eczema alike. When you do find yourself outdoors, try to avoid sitting on grass and also refrain from touching any shrubs or bushes –to reduce any chances of a flare up from an allergen source. Another helpful tip is to wear clothes that cover your sensitive skin but are loose fitting. This will help you refrain from itching and aggravating your skin while also giving those skin areas the room to breathe without irritation. For some, the UV light from the sun can actually help minimize breakouts by drying the skin. So spending a little time outdoors on the sunny spring days (while wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, of course) could be something for you to try out. Lastly, whether you are suffering from psoriasis or eczema, make sure to apply the right kind of moisturizer. It’s important you use a moisturizer that is free of both steroids and parabens to avoid any other symptoms from occurring, and also provides the nourishment and hydration necessary for dry/cold and dry/hot temperaments. So what are we going to do?
Sun’s Out, Breaking Out?
Now that winter is over, we can start to expect to see some sunny days (finally)!! With that sunshine though comes its icky partner, sweat! It’s already quite well-known how sweat contributes to acne breakouts on the face and body. That’s why it’s important as we head into spring and get ready for summer, we need to adjust our skin care routine to fit the changing climate. Oil-free cleansers and moisturizers are the way to go when your sweat glands start pumping. Even if you tend to have dry skin, there are products like our AC-CLEAR face cleanser, face cream, and spot treatment that don’t use any oils but also don’t dry out your skin. Our products use special botanical herbs that reduce inflammation and keeps your skin hydrated and resilient. Our last tip for keeping breakouts at bay this spring is to drink a lot of water, whether it’s a rainy day or a sunny day, water is the best way to flush out toxins, hydrate your skin and give you a nice healthy glow. So what’s the take away here?
“Though it’s just a skin condition, I don’t think people really know how challenging it is to be fine one day and then wake up covered with rashes the next,” remarks Felicia Yang, a student with eczema, “It can really ruin your day, especially your confidence.” As a current high school junior, Felicia has dealt with eczema for nearly ten years now, first experiencing symptoms when she was in preschool. Initially, her parents treated it as an allergic reaction, but soon, they realized it was something more chronic. Sometimes the scabbing worsened to the point where she could not bend her knees or elbows - let alone, approach a group of people without receiving a look of disdain. “I wasn’t teased upfront.” she recounts, “but I knew what people were staring at and what was going through their minds. I had friends, but my appearance was still a huge obstacle.”
By middle school, her symptoms quelled, but they were still unpredictable. Doctor prescribed medications seemed to work, but every once in a while, a product would result in a bad reaction. “The thing about my skin is it’s extremely sensitive. I tend to lean away from extremely ‘artificial’ medications since I’m not a huge fan of them. In fact, sometimes Aloe Vera from my backyard is the best treatment for me.” To this day, Felicia still struggles with accepting her eczema, but her increasing use of natural treatments has definitely stabilized the symptoms. Before a rash fully appears, she applies a homemade cream, and most of the time, it works. “Ultimately, what I look for in any treatment is that it’s natural. Since eighth grade, I’ve always liked being familiar with what I’m exactly using, so - in short - the simpler the better.” Additionally, she claims credibility also matters too: “Whether it’s reading blog posts, reading forums, or even asking my cousin with eczema, just having trust and research makes me so much more comfortable and relieved.”
Felicia was eager to try our TOPIC SKIN Face & Body Cream. Not only are the reviews positive, but she’s excited by the ingredients as well, including rhubarb extract, shea butter, and other botanicals. “The best part about this cream is, I think, the rhubarb. I’ve tried this in a homemade cream before, and it actually relieves. It’s natural, and the research agrees - if you don't trust me. So, in my book, this is a win-win for sure.”
After trying the product
For the past two months, Felicia, an eczema patient, used our TOPIC SKIN Face & Body Cream. Periodically in order to relieve her condition’s symptoms. Here is an update on her progress, and below, she has described each aspect of the product’s quality and her personal experiences with it:
First Impression: “Initially, the texture of the cream felt thicker than usual but I quickly got used to it. The scent is amazing as well as the cream’s color. The cream definitely felt high quality, and even my mom, a skincare fanatic, was impressed with the quality. I really like the packaging too”.
First Week of Use: “I think during my first week of use my skin was relatively calm. I didn’t really have any symptoms at all, probably because I stayed indoor more and I wasn’t stress because it was summer break. But I remember - maybe Thursday or Friday - I felt a rash coming up, and I quickly applied the cream. The next few nights my skin felt more moisturized, and thankfully the rash never came because I had a wedding next week.”
First Month of Use: “The cream relieved or maybe even prevented - I would say - at least 80% of my sudden outbreaks. Like during the first week, whenever I felt it in my gut, I would just constantly apply the cream and other homemade medications to try to prevent the rash. Like any other cream, some days were just bad days, but I’m honestly impressed with this cream’s effectiveness. It’s not that costly, and above all, it’s natural. When we had wildfires nearby, the air pollutants probably irritated my skin a lot, but this cream soothed the rashes and did not inflame my extremely sensitive skin at all.”
The Future: “In my anti-eczema arsenal, this weapon will definitely be staying. It fits all my criterion - affordable, natural, and effective. If Kamedis has any other similar products, I’ll definitely purchase them. I like the transparency with each product. I like to research before I use, and so does my mom. If this product can get my mom’s stamp of approval, then it is definitely worth it.”
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