Hey, Glow-getters! It’s Trina Renea, your go-to esthetician, and co-host of Facially Conscious, back with a new blog post. In this week’s podcast, we had such a fun and informative discussion about one of the most important skincare topics—how to care for sensitive skin, eczema, and psoriasis. These conditions can be tricky to navigate, especially when your skin is reactive, itchy, or inflamed. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a deep dive into everything we talked about, with tips and tricks to help soothe your skin and keep it healthy.
Sensitive Skin: The Basics
Sensitive skin can feel like a never-ending battle. You think you’ve found the perfect skincare routine, and then BAM!—a new product or even the weather turns your skin red, itchy, or irritated. Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. Dr. Vicki explained that sensitive skin is often a milder form of atopic dermatitis (eczema), meaning the skin’s barrier isn’t functioning at its best. This makes it more reactive to environmental triggers, weather changes, or harsh ingredients in products.
In my practice, I often see clients coming in complaining that their usual skincare products are suddenly too harsh. One of the first things I tell them is to back off from exfoliants like glycolic acid, retinol, or scrubs. When your skin is sensitized, you don’t want to strip it any further. Instead, focus on gentle cleansers and make sure to moisturize like your skin depends on it—because it does! Keeping that barrier hydrated and intact is key.
Eczema: Not Just Dry Skin
Eczema is so much more than just dry skin. It’s a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects millions of people. And trust me, if you’ve ever dealt with eczema, you know how incredibly itchy it can be. Dr. Vicki sees tons of patients with eczema flare-ups, especially during the colder months. She said one of the biggest surprises in her practice is how many people with eczema aren’t moisturizing properly—or at all!
Moisturizing might seem like an obvious solution, but not just any moisturizer will do. Thick, occlusive products like Aquaphor, Vaseline, or Eucerin’s eczema-specific body creams are excellent for locking in moisture and soothing irritation. Pro tip: after you shower or bathe, don’t fully towel off—leave a little water on your skin and seal it in with a thick layer of moisturizer. This helps keep the skin hydrated for longer, especially if you’re dealing with eczema.
I loved how Dr. Vicki reminded us that eczema can start as early as infancy and can present in many forms. Sometimes it’s an obvious rash, but other times it can be smaller, less noticeable patches of dry, scaly skin. Either way, if it’s itchy, it’s time to start moisturizing—don’t wait until the itch becomes unbearable. And if over-the-counter creams aren’t doing the trick, she suggested seeing a dermatologist for prescription-strength topical steroids or even non-steroidal options.
Psoriasis: The Silvery Plaques
Psoriasis, while often confused with eczema, is a completely different beast. It’s a chronic condition characterized by silvery, scaly plaques that can appear anywhere on the body. Unlike eczema, psoriasis tends to be less itchy, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating for those who have it. Dr. Vicki explained that psoriasis is a genetic inflammatory condition, but it’s not autoimmune like many people think. While it can be treated with topical medications similar to eczema, there are also newer biologics available that can dramatically improve symptoms for people with severe cases.
One thing I found fascinating—and a little heartbreaking—is that people with psoriasis often don’t seek treatment because their symptoms don’t bother them enough to warrant a trip to the doctor. But here’s the deal: psoriasis might not always itch, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Treatment can significantly improve your quality of life, whether you’re dealing with a single stubborn patch or more widespread plaques.
My Go-To Tips for Sensitive Skin, Eczema, and Psoriasis
I always recommend that my clients with sensitive skin take a few extra steps to protect their skin, especially when it’s feeling reactive. One of the biggest mistakes people make is over-washing or over-exfoliating. This can strip the skin’s natural oils, further compromising its barrier. Instead, cleanse only once a day with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, and avoid hot water, which can exacerbate irritation.
If you’re battling eczema or psoriasis, moisturizing isn’t just an afterthought—it’s essential. I tell my clients to get into the habit of moisturizing every single day, even when their skin seems fine. Trust me, consistency is key! And if your skin feels extra sensitive, go for ointments over creams. They might be greasier, but they’re more effective at sealing in moisture and protecting the skin.
One thing I do myself—and recommend to everyone—is “slugging.” It’s become a popular skincare trend, but really, it’s just a fancy word for covering your skin with an occlusive agent like Vaseline or Aquaphor to lock in moisture. If you’re dealing with eczema, this can be a game-changer.
What to Avoid
When your skin is sensitive or you’re experiencing a flare-up, it’s important to avoid certain ingredients that can aggravate your skin. For sensitive skin, steer clear of ascorbic acid (the common form of vitamin C) and opt for gentler forms like tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. It’s much less likely to irritate and still delivers antioxidant benefits. Similarly, watch out for preservatives like phenoxyethanol and methylisothiazolinone—these can trigger reactions in sensitive or eczematous skin.
For those prone to eczema, avoid scented products and harsh exfoliants. Your skin needs love, not scrubbing!
Steroids and Non-Steroidal Treatments
For more severe cases of eczema or psoriasis, don’t be afraid to visit a dermatologist. While over-the-counter treatments can help mild cases, prescription treatments like topical steroids work wonders for calming flare-ups. But if you’re hesitant about steroids, Dr. Vicki reassured us that there are now steroid-sparing agents and biologics that can safely manage symptoms without long-term steroid use.
In Summary: Consistency is Key
If there’s one thing to take away from our discussion, it’s that consistent care is critical for managing sensitive skin, eczema, and psoriasis. Whether you’re moisturizing daily, avoiding triggers, or using doctor-recommended treatments, it’s all about keeping your skin healthy and balanced.
Sensitive skin might always be a bit tricky, but with the right tips and products, you can manage it without too much fuss. And remember, if your skin is giving you trouble, don’t hesitate to consult a dermatologist. Sometimes, professional advice is the fastest route to relief.
Thanks for tuning in, Glow-getters! If you have any questions or want personalized skincare recommendations, feel free to reach out to me or the team. And don’t forget to moisturize! Your skin will thank you for it.
See you next time!
Trina Renea
