I created these serums after my last insanely-bad flareup, while working on my first costume project for a film. I was so embarrassed, stressed and tired (12-hour days are the film industry's norm). It was the perfect storm for a flareup. I was fed up and immediately worked on a formula once I got home (and rested some).
I started with listening to my body and figuring out what causes the flareup reactions. I looked at ingredients and even my diet. While I limit sugar and red meats, the biggest change happened when I avoided a list of my trigger ingredients … it’s long, which prompted me to create my own serums.
My list includes so-type alcohols, aloe, castor oil (caused a month-long flareup on scalp), DMDM hydantoin (a preservative - many irritate me), PVP (frequently used in hair gels), the polymers often used in hair mousse, cod liver oil and flax seeds. I also found that petroleum-heavy products can clog my pores and ultimately irritate my skin.
My background: I was diagnosed with seborrhea at five. It was a misdiagnosis that was repeated every time I saw a dermatologist because my eczema is based primarily in my scalp, ears and face areas. That condition and its treatment assumes excess oil secretion is the cause. My condition is extreme dryness and the scales can feel dry, tight and itchy like the scab of a wound healing. Where it lands on my body, it can spread if left for a time and if it’s untreated. Antihistamine eye drops (used for allergies) can also help since a flareup is an allergic reaction.
I learned my symptoms fit ichthyosis. More research found that vitamins A and D helps. I use powder A (It’s less drying than retinol/retinal serums.) and vitamin D oil.
My focus is to use ingredients that calm and provide moisture/slip & barrier protection. It’s been almost three years since I’ve had a flareup.
I start with Cetaphil gentle cleanser (I avoid tap water & use a filter on my shower. ). I use a mild glycolic acid toner along with my treatment additives for discoloration, then follow with my #1 & 2 serums.
I use a sunscreen if I go out - Haruharu Wonder or Innisfree don’t irritate or leave a white cast. While love the sun, I don’t play around with using a sunscreen. This is a very important step if you use any type of corticosteroids. They are photosensitive and can cause discoloration.
