Skin Problems: Knowledge is Power

It never ceases to amaze me, from the questions I receive at Etsy shop how little my customers know about their own skin condition, and moreover, what they’re willing to invest in taking control of them, internally or externally. 

An alarming number have either self-diagnosed them, or under/over treated it with astonishingly little self education.

After seeing my sister drop nearly $600 on products in 30 minutes at Sephora, and my brother-in-law go through cream after cream for his psoriasis, I noticed a correlation. Both were desperate, and vulnerable to the latest products that might solve their dilemma.

 The only difference between the two is that my sister wanted to stave off being 50 by the spin men of Madison Avenue, and my brother-in-law, his modern day plague by the wizards of the OTC and pharmaceutical industry. These products aren’t all necessarily snake oil; but it’s the mindset that goes into buying them that is targeted.

 Too often, in our ADD world, we’ll only read the front of the product's box before buying the bright, shiny thing with big red word promises like, “CURE!”, “MONEY BACK GUARANTEE!”, “30 DAY OR LESS!”, “INSTANT RESULTS!” It’s only after filling the shopping basket one too many times do some of us start to wise up, turn the box around, and read the ingredients.  

My brother-in-law’s psoriasis was of more concern to me then my sister’s falling face. Not knowing much about this modern day plague, and being a layman, I had to go off what he told me, what he used to treat it. Within months, I’d researched every site, abstract on the topic, treatments, remedies and found promising ingredients. There was one problem. I couldn't find a single product that had the elements I sought.

 Having had the privilege spending a few years studying the art of botanicals and their medicinal uses at Santa Maria in Novella in Florence, Italy, I put it to good use. I ordered the ingredients myself and came up with a formula. But, it ended up being an ongoing process, and because I’m as stubborn as his psoriasis, one product metamorphosed into another, using more and more cutting-edge ingredients.

 Now, 3 years later, I’m still doing it, and broadened to include acne, dandruff, eczema, rosacea,  dry skin and yup, even anti-aging (many anti-inflammatorys are also anti-aging ingredients). The rest, as they say, is history.

But, I digress. I don’t want to go into too much of a self-promotion tangent here, so I’ll get back to the point. If I, who didn't even have a skin condition, did the research, why didn't others who do? I think it’s partly due to the fact because too often, sufferers are just quite rightfully, wary, due to products that fell short of their promises. On the other hand, it has been my experience they simply didn't take the time to educate themselves. If that may be you, then here are some of my tips to help take control of your condition.

1. SEE A DERMATOLOGIST. If you haven’t done so, make an appointment. The internet is wonderful to gain more insight into your condition, but guessing can be exasperating, expensive, and even dangerous and can even make it worse.

2. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. After seeing the dermatologist, they may prescribe a myriad of products. Depending on the diagnosis, you don’t necessarily have to get them. Besides the fact that some dermatologists earn incentives for prescribing certain medications, there are viable alternatives, especially with the advent of cosmeceuticals. Take the time to learn about it, knowing it’s an ongoing process. New products are coming out, too, all the time.

3. INVEST IN A GOOD REGIMEN. Don’t go buy the cheapest set of products, go for the best. In the not-so-long run, it will save you the most. If you’ve done your homework, you’ll already know what ingredients to look for in the products you want. Then, follow the regimen.

 And, there is no “one” miracle product. I had a customer buy my very successful Acne Serum, from my Acne DermaDefense Kit, and thirty days later wrote, “it didn’t work”, and wanted their money back.  When I asked what their daily routine was, and where they fit the serum into that routine, I never received an answer.  Case closed.  It doesn’t work if you don’t.

 4.  WHAT GOES IN, MUST GO OUT.  Though we’ve come very far with good skin and scalp care products for skin problems, you also may need to change some things. You can have the best skin cream, anti-dandruff shampoo, eczema soap, but if you consume large amounts of alcohol, drugs, eat a lot of sugar, fast food, you might as well throw or give them away.

 Many of the botanicals that I use topically in my products (albeit through advanced expeller processes) are also internal healers. Turmeric, MSM, and Mangosteen are both powerful natural anti-inflammatorys and purifiers. Turmeric is also taken orally for many remedies particularly after trauma and pain. 

 5. CHILL OUT. Stress plays a HUGE role in skin conditions. Finding ways to manage your stress can sometimes be the best medicine.

 6.  DON’T GO TO EXTREMES. I can’t believe I’m writing this, but I’m seeing this more and more. You don’t need to go overboard. There are really good products out there now, and you don’t need to freak if you see an ingredient that may look ominous. Don’t assume. Look it up, or ask.

 I had a customer ask if I could make my Pore Minimizing Moisturizer without hydrolyzed wheat protein, but then, asked if anyone had had any reactions to products containing it. 

Knowing this was coming anyway, I asked her why. Did she have a life threatening gluten illness (which is removed in hydrolyzed wheat protein) that would need such a drastic measure? No, she was just on a gluten-free diet. I told her I could not think of many instances where people with wheat allergies are allergic to hydrolyzed wheat protein. Based on the research I’ve seen, the gluten molecule is too big to pass transdermally. It may be absorbed through mucous membranes (inside the mouth, nose, etc) but not through skin. Turns out she’d been missing out on years of really great shampoos and conditioners based on her own misconceptions.

7. WATER: LIFE’S ELIXIR. Even without sweating, the body is losing water through the skin. Therefore, there is really a need to replace the moisture that is being lost. When hydration is not done, skin cells are dry, they crack, peel and change color. In effect, the skin would be itchy, painful and unsightly. Although lotions and creams can aid with these concerns, they may give temporary solutions. Healing comes from within, and that can be done by drinking plenty of water.

If you take the time to take care of your skin and skin problem – the easier it will be and less costly, to remedy.

Krista Cintron is the formulator and owner of Etesian Plantaceuticals™, online skincare for those suffering from eczema, psoriasis, acne, dermatitis, hormonal changes, and dry skin. Her products can be found locally at Klein’s Pharmacy in Pelham, New York. questions can be sent to:info@etesianplantaceuticals.com