Managing problematic skin

A little extra care and considerate treatment go a long way in helping to reduce inflammation and itchiness. It means daily life takes less of a toll on your skin which can help it recover its natural balance. For some people who are suffering with mild symptoms or find that a particular action is causing their skin issues, this might be enough to completely clear their skin. However, if your symptoms are more severe or have more complex causes there will always be good days and bad days. But gentle and careful management can help to reduce the number of bad days and make them less severe.

Our hands get exposed to a lot of things that can cause dryness.

• After washing or sanitising, immediately apply an emollient (skin moisturiser) to trap moisture in the skin and replace lost oils
• Use a soap substitute instead of normal hand cleansers, particularly one that contains moisturising ingredients to help restore the skin's natural barrier properly
• A moisturising soap substitute with an added antibacterial agent such as chlorhexidine or benzalkonium chloride can also be beneficial for cracked skin where there is a risk of skin infection
• Always dry your hands thoroughly after washing

For the body:

Gentle cleansing

• Use a soap-free cleanser or emollient wash instead of ordinary soap
• Keep water lukewarm, not hot, to avoid stripping oils
• Always dry your hands thoroughly after washing
• Pat skin dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing

Keep a steady routine

• Apply emollient generously at least twice a day, more if your skin feels tight
• Use emollients even when your skin feels fine - prevention matters most
• Avoid switching products too often
• Reapply after swimming, exercise, or handwashing

Top up often

• Use emollients directly after hand washing, showering or bathing to lock in moisture
• Carry a smaller tube for use during the day

Choose the right emollient for the right situation

Gels, creams, and ointments all help replace moisture but feel different on the skin. The benefits of our gel formulations include:

• They break down when in contact with natural salts in the skin; meaning it’s easily absorbed
• They contain the high emollient oil content of a cream with the easy absorption of a gel
• Unlike most ointments they aren’t greasy

Learn how to build the perfect Daily Emollient Routine for your skin.