Healthy Skin

Radiant, healthy skin is something many people want. But sometimes fate throws a harsh challenge our way, such as a serious or chronic illness. At such times, people have to focus all their energy on recovering and relieving their symptoms. In addition to these stresses, medications and the disease itself can often change the appearance and texture of the skin. However, the desire for vibrant skin does not have to be an unattainable dream, even for people with chronic conditions. However, it is important to take extra care and use skincare products that are tailored to the needs of the skin, especially for those with chronic conditions. There is no one-size-fits-all answer as to which products will keep the skin of the chronically ill healthy and vital, as this depends on the specific diagnosis of the disease. However, it is important to emphasise that already stressed skin should not be further irritated. In this way, people with chronic conditions can maintain vital skin. Those who follow some basic skin care principles despite their condition can often still maintain vital skin. After all, appearance has a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem. Below are some common medical conditions and skin care recommendations that can help maintain vital skin.

Maintaining Healthy Skin Despite Chronic Illness:

How people can maintain healthy skin despite chronic illness. People who follow a few basic skin care tips can often enjoy healthy skin despite an ongoing illness. After all, appearance has a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem. Here are some common medical conditions and skin care recommendations to help maintain healthy skin.

Skin Care for Diabetes:

Diabetes has a significant impact on the appearance of the skin due to elevated blood glucose levels. The skin becomes more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections. For example, nerve damage can cause patients to have poor or no sensation of pain in their feet from injuries. These injuries can often go unnoticed, opening the door to germs, fungi and bacteria.

However, patients who achieve optimal medication management under the supervision of their doctor have a good chance of maintaining healthy skin in the long term. However, proper skin care is crucial. Maintaining the skin’s natural barrier should be a top priority. Products containing the active ingredient urea are an excellent choice for promoting healthy skin. Urea, a natural moisturiser found in the skin, can effectively bind moisture. Another active ingredient for healthy skin in people with diabetes is glyceryl glucoside. This nature-identical compound of glycerol and glucose promotes water transport in the skin and improves skin hydration and barrier function.

If the skin itches, moisturising oil baths can provide relief. For very severe skin problems, cortisone creams may help in the short term. However, people should discuss the concentration with their doctor.

Skin Care During Hormone Therapy:

Hormone therapies are used not only for menopause and contraception, but also to fight cancer. However, these therapies can have adverse effects on skin health. For example, the female sex hormone oestrogen often leads to increased production of sebum in the skin. During hormone therapy, these changes can lead to acne, redness and blemishes. In such cases, dermatologists recommend the use of disinfecting syndets for cleansing and light skin care. Unlike conventional soap, syndets are based on chemically produced surfactants and are usually particularly kind to the skin because they take the skin’s pH into account.

Maintaining Healthy Skin During Cortisone Treatment:

Even during cortisone treatment, there is no need to sacrifice vital skin. Although many people fear that cortisone will make their skin thinner, such concerns are unfounded with carefully selected skin care products. The most important principle for maintaining vital skin is to use skin care products that are free of preservatives and fragrances. To support vital skin during cortisone treatment, moisturising shower products and rich lotions are essential. Urea is again an excellent choice of ingredient, but evening primrose oil, grape seed oil and hyaluronic acid are also recommended as they help to strengthen the skin barrier. Thin areas of skin such as hands, forearms and shins should be reapplied more frequently. Showering too hot is generally discouraged, as lukewarm showers are important for skin health and prevent the skin from drying out.

Skin Health During Cancer Therapies:

Cancer treatments can sometimes have a significant effect on the skin. For example, chemotherapy can cause an uncomfortable rash, and dryness is a common problem. Some medicines also make the skin sensitive to light. Healthy skin care therefore needs to be tailored to the specific symptoms. If blemishes and pimples occur during treatment, it is advisable to avoid moisturising skin care products. For dry and sensitive skin, soothing products with ingredients such as urea or dexpanthenol are a good choice. Skin care during radiotherapy should always be discussed with your doctor. Thin lotions that are gently cooling and absorb quickly are usually allowed. The fewer ingredients in skin care products, the better they will be tolerated by the patient. Mechanical treatments such as peelings should be avoided at this stage.

Skin Health in Chronically Ill Patients and Sun Protection:

Octocrylene is a chemical ingredient that people with chronic medical conditions should avoid. It is used as a filter in many sunscreens and has been the subject of debate in recent years due to increasing reports of contact allergies linked to the use of octocrylene in sunscreens. More worryingly, octocrylene has been identified as one of the chemicals that may have hormone-like effects, potentially affecting male sperm.

The exact effects of octocrylene on human health and the environment were reviewed in France in 2012 under the so-called REACH regulation, but the assessment has not yet been completed. However, it is known that traces of octocrylene have been found in waterways and even tap water for years. People with chronic diseases or those undergoing treatment should therefore use sunscreens without octocrylene. There are suitable options without this questionable ingredient. For more exciting information, see our related article: ABC of UV Protection!

Fact sheets of the active ingredients for vital skin

Urea

INCI: Urea

CAS number: 57-13-6

Alternative name: Urea

Definition: crystalline solid, colorless, and odorless

Properties: moisturizing, skin caring

Dexpanthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)

INCI: panthenol

CAS number: 81-13-0

Properties: improves skin elasticity, relieves itching, anti-inflammatory and promotes wound healing, increases the skin’s moisture retention capacity, supports the regeneration of skin cells

See: Dexpanthenol

Evening primrose oil

INCI: Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil

Iodine value: 145 – 162

Cosmetic use: among other things against dry and inflamed skin, for neurodermatitis and psoriasis

Glyceryl Glucoside

Definition: condensation product of glycerin and glucose

Properties: moisturizing, skin caring

Cosmetic use: promotion and regeneration of aquaporins

Grape seed oil

INCI: Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil

CAS number: 8024-22-4

Properties: acts against cornification, preserves sebum flow, antioxidant properties, proven in formulations for oily skin as well as combination skin

More info: Organic Grape Seed Oil

Healthy skin despite illness: Cosmacon develops the right formulations

To ensure that sick people can enjoy healthy skin despite therapies and medication, Cosmacon develops formulas specially tailored to your needs. Chronic diseases and vital skin are not mutually exclusive: With the right skin care, the complexion looks much more even, vital, and healthy. Itching, blemishes, and other symptoms associated with the disease or the medication decrease, which ultimately also has a positive effect on the self-confidence of those affected. We at Cosmacon develop formulations that meet your skin needs. Just contact us if you are interested.