Characterized by its dryness and extreme sensitivity, atopic skin affects 1 in 3 babies and 1 in 5 adults. More than any other type of skin, it requires special attention. Discover our tips and recommended products to take care of it every day.
What is atopic skin?
Atopy is a genetic predisposition to develop allergies. These allergies can manifest as asthma, conjunctivitis, or pollen rhinitis. At the skin level, we speak of atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema . This gives rise to a deficit of superficial lipids, at the level of the stratum corneum, which no longer fulfills its function of protective barrier. The barrier function of the skin is impaired and it becomes permeable to external allergens.
By penetrating the skin, allergens will overstimulate the defense system and cause inflammation. Without suitable products, the vicious cycle is established: the alteration of the skin barrier aggravates dryness and inflammation of the skin, making the skin itch, feel as if it were scratched, allergens penetrate, amplifying inflammation and itching.
The clinical manifestations are: very dry skin , redness and itching associated with the appearance of small blisters (fluid-filled vesicles) that will burst naturally or under the effect of untimely scratching.
What are the origins of atopic skin?
Atopic dermatitis has different origins and is partly genetic . In fact, 50-70% of people with atopic skin have an affected relative. But environmental factors are also a determining factor, since today there are 2 to 3 times more cases than 40 years ago.
Atopic skin is the last stage of skin reactivity and this reactivity should be understood as a lowering of the skin’s tolerance threshold to stimuli that are normally well tolerated. Therefore, the subject with sensitive skin is predisposed to react to a lower threshold of irritability of the skin than that of normal skin. The phenomenon of skin sensitivity is likely due to several factors:
- too frequent washings,
- use of detergents and cleaners,
- atmospheric pollution,
- an increasingly sterile environment (vaccination coverage, diet, etc.).
What products to adapt your beauty routine to atopic skin?
- Stop excessive hygiene : wash only once a day, as lime dries the skin a lot.
- Avoid foaming products and use greasy cleansers like Bioderma Atoderm shower oil for yourself and your baby or child.
Atoderm shower oil, Bioderma (available at amazon.es)© Bioderma
Hydrate and protect the skin: Atopic skin dries out and lacks a hydrolipidic film, which prevents it from playing its natural defense role against external aggressions. Therefore, it must be intensely hydrated and rebuild its protective film. Every day and over the entire body, you have to apply a dedicated cream, fragrance-free, such as the Mixed Calming Balm from the Atopiance range. Validated by a team of dermato-allergists, this cream fights dry skin and itchiness.
Atopiance soothing balm, Mixa (available at amazon.es)© Mixa
Be careful with your cosmetics : they may contain chemicals or essential oils that can cause allergic reactions. Choose clinically proven products dedicated to dry and fragile skin.
Protect yourself when cleaning: Detergent products are very aggressive for the skin. Choose the most natural products, such as black soap, and do not forget to wear gloves.
Drinks a lot! The hydration of your skin also passes through your hydration. Especially in winter, when you are not necessarily thirsty, remember to drink at least 1.5 liters a day.
Consume Omega-3:Omega-3s are present in our skin and help protect it against external aggressions. They also have anti-inflammatory properties. Consume them in food supplements or in your diet (fatty fish, linseed oil, rapeseed oil or nuts).
