Latest news with #StefanieWilliams
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
I have sensitive, eczema-prone skin – here's how I finally got it under control…
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Plus, all the products I swear by... HOT A-TOPIC I have sensitive, eczema-prone skin – here's how I finally got it under control… Eczema was something I thought belonged in my past, until it came creeping back last year with a hot, itchy vengeance. I've tried ditching make-up, giving up booze and whittling my skincare routine down to the very basics, all in the hope of making my skin feel normal again, with varying degrees of success. 6 Here's how to scratch the itch for good Credit: GETTY I'm not exceptional, either, with one in 10 adult Brits suffering from atopic eczema.* Here's all I've learned… SEEING RED My childhood was characterised by cracked hands and sore knees, but in my teens, my eczema disappeared. However, late last year, I started to notice red, itchy patches reappearing. In weeks, my skin transformed from oily and clear to dry and chapped, leaving me clueless as to why. There are several types of eczema, but atopic eczema like mine is the most common. It's in the same family as hay fever, food allergies and asthma. 'While most cases are caused by genetics, lifestyle choices can influence the degree of eczema,' says dermatologist and medical director of EUDELO Dr Stefanie Williams. Treatment can vary, so seek medical advice if you're unsure. TRIGGER POINTS At first, I was convinced my flare-up was down to me overloading my skin with cosmetics. But I realised something else was at play. 'Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by stress, allergens, changes in weather, harsh skincare products, sweating and infections,' says dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips. I began to notice a pattern between drinking alcohol and waking up with inflamed skin, so I reduced my intake, and I've seen it worsen if I'm stressed, too. 'Stress is a well-known trigger for up to 70% of patients with eczema,' says dermatologist Dr Alia Ahmed. Keeping notes on my phone to record the weather, what I've eaten and which products I've used (including soap, washing detergent and perfume) has been useful in helping to pinpoint possible triggers. Sun Health Explainer: Skin rashes - eczema, psoriasis, sepsis SCRATCH CYCLE The urge to scratch itchy eczema-prone skin is unbearable. I've tried rubbing, fanning, prodding — all of which are generally discouraged – and even resorted to full-blown scratching. 'If you scratch your skin, you can release histamine,' says Cadogan Clinic dermatologist Dr Aveen Connolly. This can worsen the itch and result in broken skin and infections. 'It causes thickened, leathery skin and discolouration or scarring in the longterm,' adds Dr Phillips. Cooling methods can help, but avoid applying ice directly to skin, as it can cause burns, while using a fan can feel drying. 'Instead, keep your moisturiser in the fridge, as it will cool the skin, but isn't as aggressive,' says Dr Connolly. Scratch attacks used to wake me in the night, but taking an antihistamine, like fexofenadine, before bed has helped. And if you can't resist the urge, tap! 'Tapping reduces the possibility of broken skin, minimising risk of infection,' says Dr Connolly. SHELF IT 'Opt for fragrance-free formulas, as allergies to fragrances are common for eczema-prone skin,' says Dr Williams. 'However, avoid products containing limonene and/or linalool, as these commonly used fragrance replacements can be as allergenic,' she adds. 6 This gentle body wash is fragrance-free Credit: LA ROCHE-POSAY La Roche-Posay Lipikar Soothing Cream Wash, £21 I use La Roche-Posay Lipikar Soothing Cream Wash, £21, which feels gentle and non-irritating on the skin. 'As for skincare, it's important to repair the skin barrier by using moisturisers rich in emollients, such as ceramides,' says Dr Phillips. 6 This ointment forms a protective layer over your skin Credit: cerave CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment, £10.50 CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment, £10.50, forms a nourishing, protective barrier over your skin, but its thick texture takes a bit of getting used to. 6 I've been using this cream daily Credit: CETRABEN Cetraben Cream, £6.05 I also love Cetraben Cream, £6.05, which feels lightweight but deeply hydrating. 'Pick a facial cleanser with a hydrating emollient formula, instead of a foaming facial cleanser, which can be drying,' says Dr Williams. My favourite is calming Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, £12.75. 6 I'm a fan of this gentle, calming cleanser Credit: CETAPHIL Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, £12.75 Make-up no longer sits well or feels comfortable on my skin, so I've reduced how much I wear, and I've learned to love my low-maintenance routine. Depending on the condition of your flare-up, there are some make-up product options for those experiencing eczema. 6 There are still ways to incorporate make-up into your routine Credit: Oxygenetix 'Some hypo-allergenic make-up brands, such as Oxygenetix, are well-tolerated by atopic eczema sufferers,' says Dr Williams. Unfortunately, none of the above will nip eczema in the bud entirely, and it's always worth seeking advice from your GP if your symptoms persist. This might involve prescribing anti-inflammatory steroid creams, which can help regain control of symptoms. 'Just be wary of common mistakes, such as starting prescription creams too late after experiencing symptoms, stopping steroid creams abruptly rather than gradually, and using low-strength creams for prolonged periods,' says Dr Williams. The bottom line? Your doctor knows best. *Allergy UK
The Sun
01-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I have sensitive, eczema-prone skin – here's how I finally got it under control…
Eczema was something I thought belonged in my past, until it came creeping back last year with a hot, itchy vengeance. I've tried ditching make-up, giving up booze and whittling my skincare routine down to the very basics, all in the hope of making my skin feel normal again, with varying degrees of success. 6 I'm not exceptional, either, with one in 10 adult Brits suffering from atopic eczema.* Here's all I've learned… SEEING RED My childhood was characterised by cracked hands and sore knees, but in my teens, my eczema disappeared. However, late last year, I started to notice red, itchy patches reappearing. In weeks, my skin transformed from oily and clear to dry and chapped, leaving me clueless as to why. There are several types of eczema, but atopic eczema like mine is the most common. It's in the same family as hay fever, food allergies and asthma. 'While most cases are caused by genetics, lifestyle choices can influence the degree of eczema,' says dermatologist and medical director of EUDELO Dr Stefanie Williams. Treatment can vary, so seek medical advice if you're unsure. TRIGGER POINTS At first, I was convinced my flare-up was down to me overloading my skin with cosmetics. But I realised something else was at play. 'Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by stress, allergens, changes in weather, harsh skincare products, sweating and infections,' says dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips. I began to notice a pattern between drinking alcohol and waking up with inflamed skin, so I reduced my intake, and I've seen it worsen if I'm stressed, too. 'Stress is a well-known trigger for up to 70% of patients with eczema,' says dermatologist Dr Alia Ahmed. Keeping notes on my phone to record the weather, what I've eaten and which products I've used (including soap, washing detergent and perfume) has been useful in helping to pinpoint possible triggers. SCRATCH CYCLE The urge to scratch itchy eczema-prone skin is unbearable. I've tried rubbing, fanning, prodding — all of which are generally discouraged – and even resorted to full-blown scratching. 'If you scratch your skin, you can release histamine,' says Cadogan Clinic dermatologist Dr Aveen Connolly. This can worsen the itch and result in broken skin and infections. 'It causes thickened, leathery skin and discolouration or scarring in the longterm,' adds Dr Phillips. Cooling methods can help, but avoid applying ice directly to skin, as it can cause burns, while using a fan can feel drying. 'Instead, keep your moisturiser in the fridge, as it will cool the skin, but isn't as aggressive,' says Dr Connolly. Scratch attacks used to wake me in the night, but taking an antihistamine, like fexofenadine, before bed has helped. And if you can't resist the urge, tap! 'Tapping reduces the possibility of broken skin, minimising risk of infection,' says Dr Connolly. SHELF IT 'Opt for fragrance-free formulas, as allergies to fragrances are common for eczema-prone skin,' says Dr Williams. 'However, avoid products containing limonene and/or linalool, as these commonly used fragrance replacements can be as allergenic,' she adds. I use La Roche-Posay Lipikar Soothing Cream Wash, £21, which feels gentle and non-irritating on the skin. 'As for skincare, it's important to repair the skin barrier by using moisturisers rich in emollients, such as ceramides,' says Dr Phillips. CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment, £10.50, forms a nourishing, protective barrier over your skin, but its thick texture takes a bit of getting used to. Cetraben Cream, £6.05 I also love Cetraben Cream, £6.05, which feels lightweight but deeply hydrating. 'Pick a facial cleanser with a hydrating emollient formula, instead of a foaming facial cleanser, which can be drying,' says Dr Williams. My favourite is calming Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, £12.75. Make-up no longer sits well or feels comfortable on my skin, so I've reduced how much I wear, and I've learned to love my low-maintenance routine. Depending on the condition of your flare-up, there are some make-up product options for those experiencing eczema. 'Some hypo-allergenic make-up brands, such as Oxygenetix, are well-tolerated by atopic eczema sufferers,' says Dr Williams. Unfortunately, none of the above will nip eczema in the bud entirely, and it's always worth seeking advice from your GP if your symptoms persist. This might involve prescribing anti-inflammatory steroid creams, which can help regain control of symptoms. 'Just be wary of common mistakes, such as starting prescription creams too late after experiencing symptoms, stopping steroid creams abruptly rather than gradually, and using low-strength creams for prolonged periods,' says Dr Williams. The bottom line? Your doctor knows best. *Allergy UK How To Save Money On Beauty Buys IF your purse is feeling tighter than ever before and you're looking to save cash on your make-up routine, have you ever thought of trying out beauty dupes? Here are five of the best recommended beauty buys that are almost identical to the posh versions, but at a fraction of the price. FACE BASE If you can't afford Charlotte Tilbury 's £52 Magic Cream, why not try a dupe that costs just £5.49 from Superdrug? TONE IT UP If Drunk Elephant's £62 Protini Cream is out of your price range, you'll need to check out the new dupe in Home Bargains. TINTING IT With Fenty's game-changer skin tint costing £29, a popular supermarket's affordable alternative might just be the thing for you. GET COVERED At £29 for a Tarte concealer, the new Primark dupe is much more affordable at just £3.50. SPRAY YAY For those wanting to smell fresh without the price tag, Aldi's new Prada and Chloe perfume dupes cost a fraction of the price.
The Independent
24-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
An expert says these are the best ways to get rid of acne scars and ‘brighten the skin'
If you've ever struggled with acne, you'll know that spots can sometimes leave their mark long after the initial inflammation is gone. Scarring can present as raised, bumpy texture, pigmentation and indents, and in the most severe cases, can be permanent. However, for some types of acne scarring, there are some specific ingredients which can help reduce the appearance of lesions, and typically, if you can avoid the temptation of picking and squeezing at your spot, you can reduce trauma to the skin, and thus decrease the likelihood of scars emerging. In order to bring you an in-depth guide into how scarring happens, what you can do to get rid of it, and the ingredients within your routine that can soothe skin, we've enlisted the help of Dr Stefanie Williams, cosmetic dermatologist and medical director of Eudelo Dermatology and Dr Aiza Jamil, consultant dermatologist and medical director of sk:n clinics. What causes acne scarring? 'Acne scarring is damage caused to the skin as a result of an inflammatory reaction to acne such as nodules, cysts, papules or pustules happening deep in the skin dermis', says Dr Williams. 'It occurs as an intense inflammatory response to ruptured acne lesions, coupled with collagen damage and abnormal healing. There is also a genetic element to it – some patients don't scar even after deep acne cysts, while others can scar from even moderate papules and pustules.' Dr Williams advises that picking or squeezing acne lesions can further increase inflammation, which can increase the risk of scarring. One of the most effective ways we've found to avoid picking at spots is to apply a hydrocolloid patch, which draws out fluid, stops bacteria from getting in and prevents you from touching your face. In our guide to the best spot treatments, we loved the Starface hydro-stars pimple patches + compact (£12.99, Cute and colourful, they get to work in a matter of hours. 'Starface recommends you leave them on for six hours – we wore one overnight as well as during the day working from home. In each pod there are 32 stars, so you'll always have a plentiful supply, and they're so weightless you'll forget you're wearing them,' our tester said. How to get rid of acne scars According to Dr Williams, scarring in the form of dents and textural changes in the skin's surface, cannot be fixed with over-the-counter skincare. 'Only in-clinic treatments such as Exokine-Needling or laser treatments can realistically achieve significant improvements of real acne scarring,' she advises. That's not to say there aren't some steps you can take within your skincare routine to support the treatment of scarring and prevent it from occurring in the first place. 'The best supportive acne scarring topicals are retinoids, as they can help remodel and regenerate the skin and soften depressed acne scars. Ideally, this would be a prescription-strength retinoid such as tretinoin, however, if that's not feasible, then a potent over-the-counter retinoid mix can be a good alternative,' she says. More importantly, if you are keen to treat scarring, Dr Williams strongly advises that active acne is cleared up first, as not doing this, can further fuel scarring. If you're not sure where to start with your skincare routine for active acne, read our dermatologist-led guide to the best skincare products for acne. Dr Jamil also recommends using chemical exfoliants in your day-to-day skincare routine to unclog pores, which is a leading cause of acne, as well as retinol which will exfoliate the skin, increase cell turnover and generally reduce the visibility of scarring. 'Similarly, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) both help to exfoliate the skin. AHAs also increase cell turnover while BHAs penetrate the skin for a deeper exfoliation. Both ultimately help reduce scarring on the skin. AHAs and BHAs work well together, but if you are looking to incorporate retinol into your routine as well it is best to rotate between them to prevent skin becoming dry and irritated,' she explains. What are the best products to treat acne scarring? The experts we spoke to both recommended using retinol to reduce the visibility of scars and soften them. In our guide to the best retinol creams and serums, the CeraVe resurfacing retinol serum with ceramides and niacinamide (£23, was our beauty writer's top pick for sensitive skin types, but its budget price tag is just as appealing. 'The formula is lightweight, absorbs quickly and contains encapsulated retinol alongside liquorice root extract', noted our writer. The product is 'designed to help reduce the look of any scarring left behind by acne, but it also helps brighten the skin. Alongside being suitable for sensitive skin, it would also be a great entry point into retinol for anybody new to the ingredient or curious about it,' our tester added. Dr Jamil also recommended AHAs and one of the most common types is glycolic acid, which sloughs off dead skin cells to deliver a brighter, radiant complexion. It's one of the main ingredients in the Kate Somerville liquid exfolikate triple acid resurfacing treatment (£58, which took home the took the top spot in our previous review of the best exfoliating toners. 'Considering its 10 per cent acid blend – glycolic, malic and lactic – and exfoliating fruit enzymes including papaya and pineapple, you'd expect this to be quite an aggressive exfoliant. But while it's highly effective in smoothing rough texture, improving the appearance of pores by clearing out build-up, and generally yielding glowy, clear skin, it's also very gentle, thanks in part to the inclusion of honey in the formula,' revealed our tester. Lastly, Dr Jamil recommends wearing SPF daily. If you're not already, she says doing so 'will help prevent the scars darkening and becoming more prominent'. Our beauty experts have put plenty to the test in our lengthy review of the best sunscreens for your face, and taking the coveted top spot was the La Roche-Posay anthelios UVmune 400 oil control fluid (£20, Not only does it reduce shine, but its fluid texture is fast-absorbing and non-greasy, all while providing UVA, UVB and long UVA protection. 'Incredibly easy to apply, the thin neck tube dispenses just the right amount to cover every area of the face, and the lightweight lotion instantly absorbs into the skin. Reducing shine, we found you'll still get a fresh-faced glow minus any sticky or oily sensation, and it keeps you safe from the sun no matter how strong,' said our beauty expert.
