Ask the Expert - Skin Issues

Q.Do I need to moisturise my skin if I suffer with Psoriasis?

A. Yes yes yes! Moisturisers make the skin feel much more comfortable by decreasing the dryness, scaling, soreness and itching. A moisturising lotion can be cooling to itchy and sore skin, and is absorbed very quickly so is ideal for use in the day time. A moisturising cream or ointment is generally a better moisturiser, but can take longer to absorb into the skin. Rubbing a cream into your skin is not the only way to replace lost moisture, try using an emollient or soap substitute to wash, shower and shave.

Q.  A friend recommended you as she orders cream for her daughters eczema. I have suffered from eczema (mainly face, neck and arms) and also sensitive skin for many years. Having looked at your website I am not sure what to try, can you recommend a cleanser and moisturiser. I have tried all the eczema creams from the Doctor and all the latest ones in Boots and they all bring me out in rashes. Do you have any samples that I can try first?
thank you - Sally UK

A. Sally, we understand your problem as Lisa the co-founder of Pure and Gentle had a similar problem and had a cupboard full of products that affected her face and giving her a reaction. We will send you a selection of  sample moisturisers for you try but as you may realize we cannot recommend one particular product as what is right for one persons skin might not be for somebody else. We can tell you that every product that is on the website has been tested by a team of testers all with different skin problems and sensitivities and if 50% of the team react to the product them it does not appear on the site. Try products which are fairly chemically free, parabens free and sls free this will be a good place to start and always batch test for 24 hours when trying a new product.

Q. Is sunscreen all I need to protect my self from the sun? Amanda UK

A.  No, sunscreen and sun block are only filters and do not give 100% protection and must be used along with other forms such as clothing and shade.

Q. Do we need lots of sun to get enough vitamin D? Joanne UK

A.  No, vitamin D is used to build and maintain strong bones. Our bodies need some sunshine to make this vitamin but fair skinned people do not have to spend alot of time in the sun to make anough vitamin D.

Q. I was in the Dutch store and the salesman said they had been told by the Dutch agent that the Salcura Sun N Tan sorts out the melamine in your skin and you will bronze, without any other protection. But I am not sure. I consider it not very good if people are sunbathing with the idea that they are fully protected and that they are maybe not. So for the moment I leave the bottles closed. Anyway bad weather in Holland for the moment, not a good time to get a tan.  I will appreciate your take on this product. Sandra Netherlands

A.  Sun ‘n’ Tan boosts the skin's own defences against UV-ray sun damage and also increases protection against prickly heat, sunburn and skin peeling. This product does not have an SPF rating because SPF ratings are reserved for chemically based sun products. Therefore, you should use a sun protection cream or lotion alongside Sun 'n' Tan.
Sun ‘n’ Tan is particularly good at dealing with prickly heat. For best results, spray Sun ‘n’ Tan on at least 30 minutes before going into the sun. After 30 minutes apply an SPF sun cream or lotion. If applying in the evening to calm prickly heat, always apply after showering.

Q. I have severe facial eczema on my face, worsened by recent weather and stress. It’s incredibly upsetting, humiliating and self-confidence knocking. My face will either be red, blotchy and hideous or scaly, and so course and dry that my face feels sandpapery and horrible. I have tried so many, hundreds and hundreds of creams. Some straight away cause irritation, some make it worse and other work fantastically for a few days and then my skin will become sensitised to it and either become irated by it or just stop working. It would be fantastic if you could send me some samples or even just recommendations of what could help. To make matters worse I have allergies to nuts and some fruits. Thankyou, Anna UK

A.  I know what it is like  I suffer from Rosacea and have always had sensitive skin on my face. I have over the years spent a fortune on different creams and moisturisers using them once then they sit in my bathroom cupboard. We have a number of face creams on the site but unfortunately a lot I can’t get samples of but I do have a couple I can send you if you can email me your address then I will sort this out for you. I cannot recommend a particular product as what is right for one persons skin may not be right for another but all the products have been tested by our panel of testers who have a number of different sensitivities and if a high percentage of them react they do not get on our site.

DermaSalve Face Cream has been specially formulated to help prevent clogging of the skin pores which can be a particular problem for facial skin. Essential oils like jojoba are used to ensure rapid skin penetration of the cream. DermaSalve is the first ever moisturising cream range that is free of all known common irritants.
Green People Organic Base No Scent 24 Hour Cream. This natural skin care product is made using organic Evening Primrose and Avocado. It is a fragrance-free day and night moisturiser suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. No Scent 24 Hour Cream keeps skin soft and nourished around the clock.
Lavera Faces Protection Cream with Aloe Vera Protection Cream Aloe Vera for sensitive and delicate skin has a relaxing, regulating and protective effect on your skin.
We always list all ingredients so have a look at the site and if I can be of further assistance then please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Q. I have never paid much attention to my skin, but I'm getting married in a few  months and I'd like to look radiant rather than tired and overworked. I'm in my mid-thirties and rarely get spots, but my skin looks dull and lifeless. What can I use to make it glow, without spending a fortune - Joy UK

A.  The best nutrients for the skin are zinc, beta carotene (for vitamin A), vitamin C and essential fats ­ so eat plenty of fish and shellfish, seeds, eggs, yellow and orange fruit and vegetables, dark green leaves, nuts, avocados, extra-virgin olive and rapeseed oils, and oily fish. Drink lots of water and cut down on alcohol, caffeine, fast food and sugar, which all dull the skin. I swear by nutrient-rich watercress in salads, soups and juices for glowing skin. Jacqui Nutritionist

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided in this sheet is accurate the contents should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. Pure and Gentle SkinCare is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this sheet or its advisers. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health as he or she will be able to advise in greater detail.