Healthy skin has a high water content and is flexible and elastic. The outermost layer of skin, called epidermis provides a waterproof barrier and creates our skin tone.
In common skin conditions e.g. eczema, the normal barrier function of the skin is disturbed. That means water loss via evaporation from the surface of the skin is more rapid. This leads to the cells in the epidermis to dry out easily. When they dry out, they start to shrink. Eventually, cracks start to form between the cells. Those cracks on the skin surface will then allow allergens, irritants and micro-organisms to penetrate more easily.
That is why unequivocally, regular application of moisturiser is the mainstay in maintaining a healthy skin and can help preventing flare-ups of eczema.
How often should I use moisturiser?
It is important that you apply moisturiser liberally and regularly (at least twice a day) to prevent the skin from drying out. Most people who suffer from eczema do not use enough moisturiser on regular basis.
Remember…
Not only can soaps be irritants themselves, but having a long hot shower with soap can easily strip off the layer of natural oils on our skin surface. Generally, we advise cold or warm water with soap-free wash during the shower for no more than 10 minutes. Pat dry the skin and then apply your preferred moisturiser straight after.
Very often, sweat and chlorine in swimming pools can irritate eczema. Therefore, it is important to rinse off the irritants with a shower immediately after exercise or swimming and then apply moisturiser to soothe the skin.
Our compounded FCP Emollient Cream
We believe that an ideal moisturiser for daily wear should be safe, effective, inexpensive and free of potentially sensitizing additives. With these in mind, we have formulated our own FCP Emollient Cream with added Palmitoylethanolamide (P.E.A.) and Niacinamide (B3). This compounded cream is also fragrance-free and colour free.
Reference
Del Rosso JQ. Use of a Palmitoylethanolamide-Containing Nonsteroidal Cream for Treating Atopic Dermatitis: Impact on the Duration of Response and Time Between Flares. Cosmet Dermatol. 2007;20:208-211.
Further reading on emollients
Disclaimer: Generic information only. For more information on eczema or other common skin conditions, please consult your medical practitioner or pharmacist.