Nativis Skincare - Eczema And Breaking The Itch-Scratch Cycle
Stop The Itch-Scratch Cycle And You Stop Eczema! But How?
Eczema can strike at any time but particularly from a young age. It is unpredictable and can be debilitating causing pain, infection, loss of sleep, low self-esteem and even depression. For parents who see their young children suffering from eczema it can leave them feeling helpless, worried and despairing. So, what can we do:
· Look for advice/products online.
There are so many “miracle” products available with lifesaving
reviews but are they truthful and do you have time to go through the
try-fail cycle without any improvement?
· Visit your doctor.
An obvious path to follow but doctors are limited in what they can
offer. Steroid based products reduce the inflammation and itching
sensation that comes with Eczema, but they cannot be used long term,
so they are a quick fix “plaster over the problem” solution. Stop
using steroid based products and the Eczema returns.
· Dupilumab.
A biologic drug recently released for the treatment of eczema.
Expensive, not readily available and serious side effects (vision
impairment, worsening of eczema for example). Many reviewers have
detailed the problems experienced with this drug and have ditched it
because of the serious side effects experienced.
There are many things that we can do to try and limit and prevent eczema from taking over our life. For example:
Don’t Overheat!
· Avoid long periods of exposure to direct sunlight. Warming of the
skin can be a trigger for an eczema breakout.
· If you are out in the sun for long periods use an oil/chemical free
sun block. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV light and this
warms the skin. Heat build-up in the skin is not good news if you
are prone to eczema. Try a natural sun block which uses zinc oxide
to “reflect” UV rather than absorb it. Apply frequently and try to
break from the sun regularly so that you can better regulate skin
temperature.
· Take short showers (5 minutes or less) or baths (10-15 minutes) and
keep the temperature down. Soaking for long periods of time under a
hot shower or in a hot bath can be divine but also a trigger for
eczema. Dial down the temperature and keep the soak time to a
minimum. Dab dry with a clean natural fibre towel (cotton for
example). Don’t rub yourself dry. Rubbing dry can irritate the skin
and reduce the barrier function.
· Try using natural soaps/shampoos when bathing. Avoid products that
contain SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate), a synthetic foaming agent,
which strips natural oils and moisture from the skin leaving it dry
and open – the perfect conditions for eczema to develop. Avoid
fragrances as well as these are often irritants and eczema
triggers.
· Moisturise immediately after bathing (within 3-4 minutes after showering or bathing). Moisturising soon after bathing can prevent the skin from drying which can otherwise lead to irritation of the skin, itching and a potential breakout.
Dress to Supress (Eczema!)
· Wear loose clothing made from natural textiles such as cotton.
Rubbing of the skin and tight fitting clothing can be a trigger for
eczema.
· Sleep in nightwear that is made from natural fibres such as
cotton or silk and is loose fitting. Natural fibres let your skin
breath and prevent heat build-up.
· Use natural fabric bedding (sheets, duvet covers,
pillowcases). Don’t overheat in bed by using heavy or excessive
bedding. Tailor your bedding to the season. Tog down in the summer and
upwards in the winter.
Moisturise and Protect
When we start to get the itch to scratch, we have a problem and we know it! So, what can we do to reduce the risk? One activity that we should do regularly to minimise eczema breakout is to keep our skin hydrated and moisturised. So how do we do this?
· Drink plenty of water – it helps us to keep hydrated which in
turn helps to keep the skin in a healthy condition.
· Try to reduce/minimise alcohol/caffeine intake - alcohol and caffeine are dehydrating and anything that dries us out increases the risk of eczema developing.
· Apply moisturising cream regularly (morning and night) to those areas of the skin where we know we are vulnerable to eczema. It is as important to moisturise when we have no symptoms of eczema to maintain our skin in an optimum condition. Eczema is notorious for developing in areas where we flex and bend because it is in these areas where the skins natural barrier function can be compromised (opened) through our normal movement. This leads to allergens penetrating the skin and causing an immune response (inflammation and itchiness) and here we go again! Areas to be particularly mindful of include:
Manage Stress and Get Enough Sleep
Excessive stress can have far reaching consequences on our health. It often leads us into bad habits (drinking too much (coffee, tea, alcohol, sugary drinks) bad dietary habits, inactivity and lack of exercise and disturbed or reduced sleep. Together these contribute to a lowering of the effectiveness of our immune system. Take small steps to improve lifestyle – there’s loads of help out there to tackle these issues. Perhaps start by talking with your partner, a close friend, family or even your GP. Stress and lifestyle can often be a trigger for eczema so try to manage your life better and give yourself more “me time”. You are worth it!
So What Causes Eczema ?
Atopic dermatitis (AD) and contact dermatitis (CD) are commonly referred to as eczema although they are different in their origins.
Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is now widely thought to be caused by a faulty gene
(polyfilaggrin gene) which compromises the natural skin barrier
function. It often starts early in life and continues through to
the teenage years and beyond. Up to 1 in 5 infants (2-5 years)
will suffer from AD and 1 in 10 adults are thought to have
symptoms of AD throughout their life. There is, to date, no known
cure for this type of eczema.
Contact Dermatitis (CD) is caused by our skin coming into contact with something that causes irritation. Repeated contact leads to sensitisation such that whenever contact is made with the irritant, inflammation and itchiness results which often develops rapidly. It is important to identify the irritant so that future contact can be minimised or avoided altogether. Irritants typically include cleaning materials such as detergents and solvents, chemicals such as dyes (for example used for hair colouring), personal products (certain types of soaps, shampoo’s, moisturising creams for example), synthetic fabrics and certain PPE products (rubber gloves, face masks for example). Allergen testing can often identify which irritant causes a reaction which is important to establish so that avoidance can be practiced.
Atopic dermatitis starts when the natural barrier function of the skin is compromised. Poly-filaggrin is a natural material that is produced at the boundary between the dermis and the epidermis and breaks down into smaller units, combining with skin cells to produce an impermeable layer at the surface of our skin (commonly referred to as the stratum corneum).
When the natural breakdown of polyfilaggrin is irregular (caused
by loss of function of the polyfilaggrin genotype) this leads to
the skin becoming dry, forming openings in the skin barrier which
allows irritants to penetrate and cause an immune response.
The immune response is initiated by white blood cells (known as type II cells or Interleukins). These cells produce small chemicals called cytokines (small proteins) in response to the irritants. Cytokines are produced in significant quantities by the interleukins in the area where an irritant attack has been detected. Cytokines are thought to be a means of raising the alarm of a barrier function compromise and to initiate the production of keratinocytes (new skin cells) as a means of countering the irritant invasion. However, the production of cytokines causes what is now known as type 2 inflammation of the skin (reddening of the skin, increased sensitivity and a rapidly developing itch sensation).
Cytokines are also thought to be responsible for the itch sensation commonly felt with an immune response of this type. The cytokines initiate the itch sensation via the central nervous system.
Once the inflammation and itch sensation are triggered, the condition is often difficult to control, leading to discomfort, sleep loss, further opening and worsening of the skin barrier function, soreness, bleeding and a general rapid snowballing of these symptoms.
One solution to the inflammation and itch scenario is to use topical corticosteroid creams (steroid based) on the affected skin area. These can either be bought over the counter (up to a certain strength) or prescribed (if higher strengths are required to calm the breakout).
There is a problem with using these types of products though. Extended or long term use causes the thickness of the skin to reduce, making areas where AD/CD are prevalent even more sensitive to future breakouts.
Nativis have developed a natural skin care range of products which have
been carefully designed to bring the symptoms of AD and CD under
control rapidly so that the skin barrier function can be repaired
by the body naturally. They can be used for extended periods
of time (daily or regularly) because there are no long term
detrimental effects on the skin.
Incorporated into all Nativis skincare products is a natural active ingredient that rapidly (within minutes of application) supresses the type 2 inflammation and itching sensation caused by a breakout. This is key in allowing the skin to naturally repair itself. We call this natural active “Silk Hydra-Fix". It is derived from sericin which is the binding agent that holds together the silk fibres in silkworm cocoons and consists of a complex mixture of amino acids in the form of free molecules, peptides and polypeptides. The free molecules readily penetrate the skin (the skin welcomes them) and take with them water (they are hydrophilic or “water-loving” in nature) to hydrate beneath the skin surface. The smaller peptides (groups of amino acids) also penetrate the skin to further this hydrating action. Th®®®®®®e larger polypeptides attach to the outer surface of the skin and act as moisturising agents, preventing water loss from beneath the surface of the skin.
Hydration of the lower layers of the epidermis is key to the repair of the natural barrier function. It allows the bio-repair mechanisms to be activated (production of keratinocytes (new skin cells) and fibroblasts (skin cells that repair damaged skin through the production of collagen) and supports the breakdown of polyfilaggrin into the components that make up the natural barrier function (these are often called ceramides).
In short, hydration of the skin beneath the surface is key to facilitating the reversal of an eczema breakout. Nativis provide a range of skincare products to help facilitate this and these are detailed below.
Silk Hydra-Fix® sensitive soap bar 》
Ideal for body and face cleansing, it leaves the skin feeling squeaky clean and has a hydrating and moisturising action. All natural in composition with no synthetic foaming agents or fragrances, it forms a strong lather and is especially effective at cleansing eczema affected areas without further irritation. It contains our natural active ingredient, Silk Hydra-Fix® which has strong hydrating and moisturising action.
Silk Hydra-Fix® moisturising cream No.1 》
Silk Hydra-Fix®
Extracted from silkworm cocoons (cruelty free) using a proprietary process that we have developed in house at Nativis to maximise the hydrating and moisturising action on the skin. Extraction has been optimised to maintain the functionality of the amino acid blend which makes up the sericin structure. It is also known to have strong antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, protecting the skin from infection, especially when the barrier function is compromised as it is in atopic and contact dermatitis.
Organic Argan Oil
Contains linoleic acid and oleic acid (fatty acids) that are
known to encourage the production of ceramides in the skin,
thereby improving the skins natural barrier function. Argan oil is
also rich in vitamin E and other natural phenolic compounds that
are known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits to
the skin. It has also been found to reduce signs of skin ageing
and can increase skin elasticity and hydration.
Unrefined Organic Shea Butter
Unrefined shea butter is known to relieve dry skin via the fatty
acids present which have a lubricating effect and increase the
barrier function to reduce moisture loss. It also contains natural
anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds which ease swelling and
redness of the skin. There are antioxidants in unrefined Shea
Butter with the two main components being vitamin A and vitamin E.
These, in particular, prevent cell damage and encourage the
production of collagen which increases skin strength and
elasticity.
Organic Beeswax
Beeswax has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help to heal wounds. When applied to a wound, beeswax forms a protective barrier that helps to keep out dirt and bacteria. Beeswax can also help to speed up the healing process by promoting the growth of new skin cells.
Natural Preservative
Nativis use a natural preservative in all of our water based
products to give them long term stability. The preservative is
derived from fruit and has strong antimicrobial and
antibacterial properties which can maintain healthy skin and
help prevent infection when the skin barrier function is
compromised.
Silk Hydra-Fix Moisturising Gel 》
Silk Hydra-Fix®
Extracted from silkworm cocoons (cruelty free) using a proprietary process that we have developed in house at Nativis to maximise the hydrating and moisturising action on the skin. Extraction has been optimised to maintain the functionality of the amino acid blend which makes up the sericin structure. It is also known to have strong antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, protecting the skin from infection, especially when the barrier function is compromised as it is in atopic and contact dermatitis.
Water (aqua)
With a high water content, our moisturising gel facilitates
hydration of the skin and has a cooling, soothing affect
instantly when applied. We have found that it is an excellent
antidote to sunburn, rapidly eliminating the burning sensation
and discomfort associated with sunburn and preventing
subsequent itch and peel once the burn has subsided.
Guar Gum
Guar gum is a natural polysaccharide and we use it as a
thickener in our gel. It has the capacity to imitate the
natural carbohydrate fraction found in the skin’s top layer.
It helps the skin’s natural ability to hydrate and retain
water, key to allowing the skins natural bio repair mechanisms
to function. Guar gum is also important for skin regeneration
and healing. It has the ability to bond to the skin more
strongly and for a longer period of time than any other
moisturising ingredient.
Natural Preservative
The body mist developed by Nativis is ideal for hydrating and moisturising the skin after bathing or showering. It contains the natural active, Silk Hydra-Fix® which is readily absorbed into and onto the skin, hydrating and moisturising effectively. It has a cooling and soothing effect on the skin after bathing which will also prevent irritation caused by the heating effect of bathing. It can also be used readily in the day to hydrate and moisturise, especially after exercising (for example swimming, running and cycling). The following ingredients are found in our body mist:
Extracted from silkworm cocoons (cruelty free) using a proprietary process that we have developed in house at Nativis to maximise the hydrating and moisturising action on the skin. Extraction has been optimised to maintain the functionality of the amino acid blend which makes up the sericin structure. It is also known to have strong antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, protecting the skin from infection, especially when the barrier function is compromised as it is in atopic and contact dermatitis.
Water (Aqua)
With a high water content, our body mist facilitates
hydration of the skin and has a cooling, soothing affect
instantly when applied.
Guar Gum
Guar gum is a natural polysaccharide and we use it as a
stabiliser in our Gel. It has the capacity to imitate the
natural carbohydrate fraction found in the skin’s top layer.
It helps the skin’s natural ability to hydrate and retain
water, key to allowing the skins natural bio repair
mechanisms to function. Guar gum is also important for skin
regeneration and healing. It has the ability to bond
to the skin more strongly and for a longer period of time
than any other moisturising ingredient.
Natural Preservative
Nativis use a natural preservative in all of our water
based products to give them long term stability. The
preservative is derived from fruit and has strong
antimicrobial and antibacterial properties which can
maintain healthy skin and help prevent infection when the
skin barrier function is compromised.
About Nativis
We started out over seven years ago with the intention of developing a natural skincare range that incorporated sericin into products as an active ingredient. Sericin is known to have many benefits when applied to the skin but its effectiveness is largely down to a successful extraction process from the silkworm cocoons. Developing and perfecting this extraction process took over two years.
Formulating products using the extract took a further four years until we finally commercialised a range of products in 2021. Formulation was very challenging because we stuck to our original intention of developing skincare products that were 100% natural in composition. This limited the ingredients that we were able to draw upon and led us to explore the use of certain ingredients commonly used in the food and drink industry.
Along the way, we regularly asked willing participants to try the products so that we could gauge their effectiveness. Participants with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, acne, shingles, burns, oily skin, insect bites and more willingly agreed and for the most part were impressed or even shocked at the effectiveness and speed with which they worked. This was a constant source of motivation and over the years gave us confidence to continue our journey.
We purposely avoided the use of the synthetic chemicals that are widely used in the cosmetic and skincare field because of their potential detrimental effect. For example fragrances, colourants, hydrocarbons, silicones, foaming agents (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate), EDTA, parabens, microplastics, nano-materials and alcohols are avoided. Our products have the minimal number of required ingredients to be effective and they are all pH balanced so that they do not disturb the barrier function of the skin. Products that are too acidic or alkaline in nature can cause or worsen existing skin conditions and so we felt that was a highly important characteristic of our manufactured products.
Wherever possible we use organic ingredients in our formulations. We have also worked closely with our silkworm cocoon suppliers to ensure that the cocoons we use are cruelty free and have had no pre-treatment prior to our using them for the production of our active ingredient, Silk Hydra-Fix®.
The packaging we use is stylish, simple and recyclable. Because many of the skin conditions that we are aiming to improve and provide management of are not gender specific, we wanted to present our products in packaging that is stylish with appeal to everyone.
In short, our journey to reach this point has been long with many twists and turns along the way. We have done everything in-house and so have a good handle on all aspects of our business (for example R&D, formulation, manufacturing, packaging and shipping) and we are very much an open door for anyone that wants to question us on any area of the business. We welcome questions and would be happy to discuss anything that you may have in mind. We can be contacted by phone or e mail – details given below:
W: https://nativisltd.com/contact.php
T: 0118 327 9946
For more information on Nativis and for details of our full range of skincare and haircare products, please visit our website at:
https://www.nativisltd.com/index.html
Thanks for reading this blog and we look forward to hearing from you soon.
Nick Hawkins, Co-founder and Director, Nativis Ltd
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