If you’re someone who suffers from common skin concerns – like eczema, dermatitis or dry patches – hunting down the best skincare products to soothe your frazzled complexion can feel harder than nailing winged eyeliner after a third coffee (PSA: caffeine can aggravate certain skin conditions like rosacea, so it’s best to limit your intake if you’re a sufferer).
While there’s no miracle elixir to eliminate these pesky skin concerns entirely (but we’re praying to the skincare goddesses that there might be one day), there are some simple steps you can take and, ahem, Issada products you can apply, to combat irritation and inflammation.
Ahead, we share the best skincare products to soothe common skin concerns like rosacea, eczema and dermatitis.
But first, here’s the skinny on what causes your skin to freak out in the first place.
What causes common skin concerns?
Skin conditions like acne, dermatitis and other subcutaneous diseases are pretty common – almost 900 million people are impacted worldwide at any given time.
Most people who deal with skin upsets notice inflammation, rashes, blemishes and other irritations semi-regularly. Frustratingly, it’s often completely unexplained, while for some sufferers it comes about due to allergies, environmental factors, an autoimmune disease or other health issues.
If you’re a member of the itchy, red or dry skin club, finding ways to avoid potential triggers and soothe the irritation is key.
Let’s take a look at the 5 most common concerns and the best skincare products you can use to treat your uncomfortable symptoms.
1. Dry skin
If your skin is dry, it’s likely not producing enough oil – which is needed to ensure dead skin cells can shed effectively. Fairer complexions are more likely to develop dry skin, but all skin tones can be affected. Long, hot showers (which many of us are guilty of during the colder months) are a prime cause of dry skin, as is cool, dry weather. Harsh soaps can also strip oil from your skin, damaging its barrier and leaving you with an itchy complexion. If you notice your skin feels excessively dry (or if you have the visible telltale signs like cracking, flaking and even bleeding in extreme cases), your first port of call is to moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!We always recommend applying a cream or ointment with soothing ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter or vitamin E.
Our Overnight Hydrating Mask, which contains all three of these, is the ultimate nightly treatment to hydrate and repair. One consumer praised this product for, "Really quench[ing] the thirst of my dry skin", while another commented, "My skin hasn’t felt this nourished in a long time".
You should also look for products with glycolic acid, which is excellent for hydrating and nourishing. Our 14% Glycolic Polishing Scrub gently removes dead skin cells improving skin texture and tone. You can use this 2 - 3 times per week, or daily if your skin can tolerate it.
The Calming Probiotic Moisturiser is another cult product for dry skin sufferers. Formulated with probiotics to nurture and protect, it helps to strengthen and support your skin's microbiome.
If you’re looking for a little coverage, there are dry skin-friendly foundations out there. Promise! The trick is to find a moisturising formula that hydrates while evening out textured skin, like our CC8 Cream.
2. Eczema
Ah, eczema. Many think it’s just children who experience the joys (read: hell) of this skin condition but adults suffer, too. And oh boy, can it drive you up the wall.
Eczema usually appears as patches of red, scaly skin – commonly in the creases of your ears or eyebrows. But it can turn up anywhere from your forehead to your chin, and on your whole body for that matter!
The jury is still out in regards to what causes eczema but it often runs in families and can be aggravated by heat, stress, chemicals or viral infections.
There’s no cure-all either, but ensuring your skin is hydrated can keep flare-ups at bay.
If you notice the signs of eczema, it’s always best to speak to a dermatologist but there are certain products on the market that can help soothe any irritation, like our Calming Probiotic Moisturiser, which supports and strengthens skin barrier function.
To combat redness, try our multitasking Niacinamide + B5 Complex, which is bursting with powerful antioxidant properties to brighten and improve skin tone.
While if you’re seeking out a cleanser, one of the best skincare products for eczema is our Daily Gentle Cleansing Gel. It’s packed with natural, soothing and ultra-hydrating ingredients like glycerin and coconut oil.
You can also try our Pure Hyaluronic Serum, which replenishes moisture levels – in fact, one of our valued customers exclaimed, “This is the juiciest hydration I’ve tried for my skin!”
Enough said.
3. Acne
Some people don’t suffer from acne past the age of 16, but for others, it continues well into their twenties, thirties, forties and beyond. Acne occurs when your hair follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells – it’s actually the most common skin condition, affecting 85% of Australians aged 15 - 24.
Acne can be noninflammatory (what you might call a blackhead or whitehead) or inflammatory (those pus-filled, painful cysts that have a habit of popping up the day before a special event).
Even A-listers like Margot Robbie and Miley Cyrus have spoken about their spotty skin – so don’t ever feel ashamed if you notice a whitehead, blackhead or cyst from time to time.
Still, acne can be rough, which is why we made our Breakout Control Gel. It’s a powerful gel formula that swiftly treats unwelcome spots, reduces inflammation and dissolves dead skin cells. One reviewer actually called it the “Perfect pimple product”!
The Issada team also loves the Salicylic Purifying Cleanser, (it’s redness-reducing and super gentle on inflamed skin) and the 0.5% Retinol + HA serum. Retinol is a skincare superhero that helps to unclog pores, exfoliate and increase collagen production, giving your skin a smooth, texture-free appearance. Our 0.5% formula is gentle enough to be used regularly on acne-prone skin, which is a huge plus. Just be sure to start gradually before working up to daily use.
Lastly, if you’re weary about moisturisers because you think they might clog pores or make your skin feel greasy, you should definitely try our Acne-Prone Moisturiser. It has been specifically formulated to reduce irritation and redness while absorbing excess oil on your face.
Oh, and one more tip – avoid products with Vitamin C. It can exacerbate your acne symptoms.
4. Contact Dermatitis
There are two common types of contact dermatitis: irritant and allergic.
Irritant contact dermatitis is a well-defined, itchy rash that pops up when your skin meets something it’s not so keen on, damaging its barrier. While not contagious, it can be very uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful (sufferers have been known to complain of stinging and burning).
Repeated exposure to soaps and detergents, hair dye and shampoos, as well as perfumes, cosmetics, plants and even rubber gloves, can all trigger irritant contact dermatitis.
If you can identify and avoid the culprit, the rash will usually clear up quickly. But to alleviate symptoms in the meantime, try our Calming Probiotic Moisturiser. It’s the best skincare product for anyone with a compromised skin barrier as it balances and hydrates.
Allergic contact dermatitis is not as common as irritant contact dermatitis and occurs after a single exposure. While it will trigger a similar itchy, red rash, it will be less defined and is unlikely to sting or burn in the same way. It is also slower to develop and resolve.
If you suspect you have a case of allergic contact dermatitis, the first step is to identify the cause and avoid further exposure. Common triggers include clothing, fragrances, nail polish, hair treatments and certain metals like nickel or chromium.
If you’re looking for a product to soothe your itchy skin, many Issada customers swear by our Replenishing Daily Moisturiser. It’s deeply hydrating and nourishing, and as one user pointed out, “It’s changed [my] skin dramatically within 1 week.”
5. Rosacea
Rosacea is a common – and commonly misunderstood – skin condition that causes blushing, flushing and visible red blood vessels to throw a party on your face.
The symptoms can flare up for weeks at a time, leaving you with an angry-looking complexion that can sting and burn.
Occasionally mistaken for acne or even “natural ruddiness”, the cause of rosacea is frustratingly unknown. But many skin specialists put it down to stress, an overactive immune system, temperature extremes, alcohol (red wine can be a major offender), hot drinks, spicy foods or even excessive exercise. For some sufferers, it could be a combination of these.
If you’re prone to rosacea, you’ll want to choose simple skincare products that won’t irritate your skin further. Our expert team suggests products with glycolic acids and avoiding ones with retinol, as they can be a little harsh.
Our team recommends the Niacinamide + B5 Complex for rosacea sufferers, which is formulated with powerful antioxidant properties to protect and repair.
Cleansing scrubs with active ingredients like our 14% Glycolic Polishing Scrub can also help to strengthen your skin barrier. But start slowly! Apply this product 2-3 times per week and see how you react before diving into daily use.
All in all, when it comes to rosacea, the best skincare products are ones that are simple and soothing. The Daily Gentle Cleansing Gel and the Calming Probiotic Moisturiser are good options too.
Simple skincare tips for healthy, happy skin
If you suffer from any of the skin conditions mentioned above, or you’re simply trying to achieve a healthier, calmer, more radiant complexion (honestly, who isn’t!?), there are a few things you can do.
1. Avoid excess washing and products with SLS and SLES
Yes, cleansing is important! Don’t drop this step – but overdoing it can strip natural oil levels from your skin, leaving it feeling dry and inflamed.
Wash your face twice a day (morning and night) with a gentle cleanser and try not to use products containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) as they are both irritants.
Products containing glycolic acid are safe (and encouraged by our expert team!), especially if your skin is very dry. It will help you shed dead skin cells and absorb nourishing moisturisers and serums more effectively.
2. Use credible skincare that’s got proven results
Educate yourself on the safety of your skincare products and choose items from reputable brands.
A few things to keep in mind when choosing the best skincare products for you include the ingredients list (synthetic fragrances and alcohol are a big no-no), any certifications the brand has, plus customer reviews.
And definitely seek advice from a skincare specialist if you’re not sure what product is safe for you.
3. Use serums
Face serums are designed to brighten and hydrate while managing concerns like dry skin, acne, fine lines and dullness.
Face serums should form part of your morning and evening routine – they’re always applied before you moisturise and after you’ve cleansed.
Our cosmeceutical serum collection has been formulated to effectively target and improve skin concerns from signs of ageing to pigmentation and redness.
4. Hydrate!
Whether you have normal, dry, oily or combination skin, hydration is key.
So moisturising is a super crucial step – especially during the cooler months when biting winds and dry, indoor heat can leave your skin feeling parched.
It helps prevent water loss through your skin’s outer layers and protects the barrier from irritation.
Choose a moisturiser that’s packed with natural, gentle ingredients like hyaluronic acids, glycerin, shea butter, vitamin E and aloe vera. You can browse our range of moisturisers over here.
7. Consider your gut health
Research suggests that when your digestion is a bit off, your skin can become irritated.
If you want to start glowing from the inside out, including prebiotic food in your diet along with a daily probiotic might help.
But it’s best to speak to a nutritionist to figure out the right approach for you.
Discover the best skincare products for your specific concerns
Whether you have acne, dry skin, rosacea or another concern entirely, we have developed a range of nourishing and simple skincare products to help you keep your skin healthy, supple and smooth.
Our entire range is formulated with highly nourishing, natural and clinically proven cosmeceutical ingredients that offer instant and long-term results.
Browse our full collection now or use our skincare finder tool to select the right product for your needs.
After more personalised assistance? Please get in touch any time via leanne@issada.com
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