Congestion

Our Guide to Smooth Skin

Clear, smooth skin is the holy grail of skincare. Cleanse, moisturise, treat and protect are the basics of an effective skincare routine and using the right skincare products and ingredients, a clear smooth face is totally possible. We’ve put together our top tips to help you achieve your smooth skin goals. Choose the right cleanser Choosing the right cleanser is the first step towards achieving clear, smooth skin and a healthy glow. When deciding on a cleanser it’s important to know your skin type and the specific skin concerns you want to tackle. The wrong cleanser could exacerbate skin issues like oiliness, sensitivity, and dryness. Not quite sure of your skin type? Here’s a general guide - Dry skin: Dry, dull and flaky looking. Often prone to irritation and may become red and blotchy. Oily skin: Large pores are common for oily skin type and become easily clogged. Often prone to breakouts, skin is shiny or feels greasy. Sensitive skin: Breakouts, rashes, and irritation are common. Sensitive skin is also prone to dryness and affected by temperature changes. Combination skin: This skin type use has both oily and dry areas, an oily t-zone with drier patches on the cheek area. The right cleanser will lift dirt from deep within the pores, prevent breakouts, deliver the right amount of moisture and not leaving the skin stripped of its natural oils. Starting with a clean base also maximises the effectiveness of the products to follow. We recommend our Uncomplicated Cleanser range to treat various skin concerns for fresh, clear smooth skin. Use hyaluronic acid Hyaluronic acid is the best friend of skin types at all ages. Whether your 20 or 70 with oily, dry, combination or sensitive skin, hyaluronic acid is a smooth skincare must! Holding up to 1000 times its weight in water, the hyaluronic acid molecule is a water magnet that delivers deep hydration to the skin. It’s a humectant which means it works by attracting water to skin cells to hydrate them from the inside out. It’s like a big drink for your skin. Its skin-plumping effect helps smooth out skin, dullness and fine lines are diminished and oil flow is balanced. We recommend our Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum or Ageless Hyaluronic Serum for ultimate hydration! Exfoliate regularly Uneven, bumpy skin texture can be the result of an inconsistent - or non-existent! - exfoliating routine. As dead skin accumulates on the surface of your skin, your complexion is left looking dull, dry, uneven and prone to breakouts. Adding an exfoliation session one of the easiest ways to smooth out skin quickly. Polishing away those old cells reveals a brighter, smoother looking complexion immediately. Exfoliation also helps tackle the look of large pores that make the texture of the skin appear uneven and rough looking. Exfoliating lifts out the impurities trapped inside the pore - it’s this build-up that makes pores look larger than they actually are. Don’t make the mistake of thinking any old scrub will help you get clear smooth skin, it’s so important to choose the right exfoliator for your skin type. Take a look at our in-depth guide on all things exfoliation including the different types of exfoliants. We recommend esmi Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum to gently buff, detox and purify congested skin for a clearer, smoother complexion.  Use Vitamin C Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants you can include in your smooth skincare routine. It’s a brilliant all-rounder for every skin type; if you’re not already using products with this skin saviour, now is the time to start. What makes vitamin C so effective for clear, smooth skin? Vitamin C helps even out skin tone by lightening hyperpigmentation and age spots while speeding up the healing process of post-breakout scars and other blemishes. Great for all ages, this big-hitting antioxidant also helps protect skin against environmental free radical damage - think UV rays and air pollution - which break down collagen and lead to wrinkles, fine lines and sagging. Not exactly the clear smooth face we’ve been dreaming of! Vitamin C doesn’t just protect your skin from damage, it also activates cells called fibroblasts that help boost collagen production helping skin appear smoother and firmer. We recommend esmi Pomegranate Brightening Serum which harnesses the potent brightening, anti-pigmentation power of vitamin C.  Never skip sun protection You’ve heard it a thousand times but we’re saying it again - you must include sunscreen in your skincare routine every single day. It’s the golden rule for younger looking, clear smooth skin. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays speed up the signs of premature ageing - fine lines, wrinkles, and discolouration - more than any other lifestyle or environmental factor. While UVA and UVB rays both damage skin, it’s UVA that penetrates deep into the dermis, the thickest layer of skin and breaks down collagen. The result? Fine lines, wrinkles and leathery-looking skin that feels dry and rough - the complete opposite of a clear smooth face. Even on cloudy, cool days skin is still vulnerable to UV rays so committing to daily SPF all year round is a must for a smooth, even-looking complexion. We recommend esmi Skin Shield Natural Face Sunscreen SPF 30, which protects against UV damage and fights the first signs of ageing. Add oils to your routine If it’s smooth, hydrated, healthy skin you’re after (who isn’t?) face oil is one of the skin-smoothing products that deserve a place in your daily routine. Face oils are effective for all skin types - even oily ones! Face oil strengthens the skin barrier, boosting protection and helping it retain moisture. Lack of moisture and hydration are the main culprits behind rough, dry looking skin Even if you’re dealing with an oily complexion, don’t be afraid to use face oil in your quest to get smooth skin. Face oils help regulate sebum production to reduce breakouts and bumpy, uneven skin tone. Oils can heal blemishes and prevent post-breakout scarring. We recommend esmi 24K Gold Nourishing Oil for increasing skin elasticity, improving blood circulation. Incorporate a regular masking session Adding the right mask into your regular skincare routine will deliver long term results, evening out skin texture over time for a beautifully clear, smooth face. The right masking treatment can help hydrate skin, regulate sebum, and refine the appearance of large pores. Masks are also an excellent way to purge congested skin of impurities. It doesn’t matter if your skin is breaking out, drying out or just generally stressed out - there’s a face mask out there to smooth out skin and reveal a softer, brighter complexion. A weekly masking session is also the perfect opportunity to grab a little self-care time! We recommend esmis range of Booster Masks to treat a range of skin concerns from ageing to breakouts, dull and dry skin.   Not sure where to start? Talk to our skin specialist team who will guide you through your FREE personal Skin Care Plan and help you get on top of your skin concerns today. The team at esmi are always here to support you on your skin journey. CHAT: www.esmi.com.auEMAIL: skin@makeupcartel.com.auPHONE: 1300 66 11 76

Congestion

Here's How Charcoal Can Help Your Skin

Charcoal … discovered by ancient Egyptians over 4000 years ago it was first used to manufacture bronze and embalm corpses for mummification. Not only did they discover the amazing preserving properties but also used it for medicinal purposes, writing and absorbing unpleasant odours.  Fast forward through the ages the discovery of charcoal and its numerous benefits leaves little wonder that it is one of the most healing and popular ingredients in skincare and the health industry today. Just some of the benefits and uses of charcoal include: • Amazing antibacterial and antiseptic properties• Purification of water, air and the soil we grow food in• Treating many different illnesses such as epilepsy, anaemia, and vertigo• Used daily in medical facilities for drug and food poisoning, kidney and liver dialysis machines, to wound dressings, to anemia for cancer, and much more.• Veterinarians also use charcoal for our furry loves that ingest anything harmful Charcoal = your genie in a bottle.So as you can see, with the history of this unique ingredient combined with the extraordinary benefits, we are bursting with excitement to introduce you to the esmi Charcoal Detoxifying and Exfoliating Serum. But first … let’s talk about your skin.Wouldn’t it be nice if we could hop out of bed, shimmy out of our old skin like a snake and face the world unblemished and fresh-faced? Well, our skin is a little more fascinating, so fascinating, that if we had to journal exactly what it was doing right now, we would be writing until we die! Our skin is continually shedding in patches (without us even knowing) and new skin cells are constantly replacing those that have been lost. The cells responsible for this shedding action are called keratinocytes, and they make up 85% of the epidermis (the outermost layer of our skin). These cells have two major roles, the ability to actively divide and differentiate. Your age, genetics, hormones and lifestyle factors determine the rate at which these little guys divide, shed and renew. In your 20s your cell turnover is approx. 25+ days, 30s 35+ days, 40s 45+ days and so on. This shedding process can be impacted by the craziness and business of our lives. How can you tell?• Is your skin rough or flaky?• Uneven in appearance?• Tight?• Crepey?• Bumpy?• Dry or scaly?• Presenting fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation? If you answered yes to any of the above, we can assist. Whilst we can’t stop the clock on ageing and we can’t change the skin type you were born with, we can introduce healthy habits and skin feeding ingredients to accelerate and activate these keratinocytes to work more efficiently, resulting in clearer, more radiant skin. Healthy skin starts from within.Choosing to eat organically and eating whole-foods is the first best step. Vital for keeping your skin plump from the inside out, include essential fatty acids as part of your diet (good fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds, fish etc.) Drinking 3-4 litres of water a day will also help to flush toxins, hydrate the skin and keep your body functioning at its best. Combining a healthy diet, exercise and skincare routine is a ‘triple threat’ to preserving a youthful appearance. Charcoal + your skin = real results!This cocktail of powerful ingredients delivers the very best food to excite your skin cells and get them communicating. esmi Charcoal Detoxifying and Exfoliating Serum was designed to gradually exfoliate, smooth skin and draw out skin impurities. Fuelled by glycolic, lactic and citric acid, these ingredients help to break down the ‘bonds’ or ‘glue’ that hold your surface dead skin cells together allowing them to shed off. This action unleashes fresh new skin, refines rough skin, stimulates cell turnover and allows for better product absorption. Grape seed oil, simmondsia chinensis seed oil (jojoba seed oil) and vaccinium myrtillus (European blueberry) have powerful antioxidant properties to fight free radicals and prevent the ageing. Improve your results by applying your favourite esmi Skin Treat once removing the Charcoal Serum. The inclusion of 24K gold flakes assists in increasing skin elasticity, blood circulation AND the prevention of collagen breakdown. Our star ingredient charcoal helps to purify underlying clogging and congestion by drawing out toxins from your skin’s pores, while detoxifying and drying impurities. The anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties help to diminish bacteria and inflammation on the skin’s surface. How to use your esmi Charcoal Detoxifying and Exfoliating Serum. 1. Using the dropper, apply a pearl-sized amount to your esmi Charcoal Brush.2. Massage into freshly cleansed skin, avoiding under the eye area, and allow to tingle. (The tingling may last from 5-10 minutes and may range from very mild to intense).3. Leave for 5-10 minutes before wetting the charcoal brush and massage around the face to remove any softened dead skin cells before washing off.4. If you want more of a tingle activate these ingredients further by adding a little water to your brush, continue to massage skin and remove after 5-10 minutes.5. Pair with other esmi Skin Treats.6. Can be used in a cycle of up to 5 consecutive nights with a 2-day break in between.7. Use with caution if using in conjunction with other product containing AHA or BHA acid Ingredients. Please note: The charcoal is a detoxifying ingredient and may draw out skin impurities. Continue use after impurities have emerged. Protect your skin daily with a sunscreen. Not sure where to start? Talk to our skin specialist team who will guide you through your FREE personal Skin Care Plan and help you get on top of your skin concerns today. The team at esmi are always here to support you on your skin journey. CHAT: www.esmi.com.auEMAIL: skin@makeupcartel.com.auPHONE: 1300 66 11 76

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Different Types of Exfoliation

No matter your skin type, regular exfoliation is essential to help keep your complexion fresh and healthy. Read on to understand why you need to exfoliate, the different methods of exfoliation and how to make the right choice for your skin type and concerns. What is exfoliation? Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells and build up from your outer layer of skin - the epidermis. You can use a chemical or physical exfoliation method (more on those soon) to remove the old cells. This prevents clogged pores and reveals the fresher, healthier skin underneath. Exfoliation assists your skin’s natural cell turnover process. This process begins in the deepest layer of the epidermis where fresh cells are ‘born’. These young, springy cells travel up through the other layers of the epidermis until they reach the skin’s surface. Once they reach this point and settle here the cells that were once new and springy are dead, dry, and flaky. Meanwhile, there’s a new batch of fresh cells making their way up from the deeper layers to the surface to replace the dead, dry cells. Skin cell turnover is a natural process, but it slows down with age. As a general guide, this process happens in healthy, young skin every 28 days or so. Once you get older, it begins to take a lot longer anywhere from 40 - 60 days, or even more. This means those dry, flaky cells aren’t being replaced as quickly. This leads to skin concerns including dullness, uneven skin tone, and breakouts due to clogged pores.  What are the best exfoliating ingredients? The best exfoliating ingredients are gentle ingredients that softly exfoliate your skin without disrupting your skin health. While the best exfoliating ingredients will vary depending on skin type, we recommend: Glycolic Acid (AHA) Lactic Acid (AHA) Salicylic Acid (BHA) Fruit Enzymes Bamboo Extract Jojoba Beads But more on those later! The many benefits of skin exfoliation Helps to clear up congested skin by unclogging pores The longer dry, dead cells remain on the skin’s surface, the risk of them clogging pores and congesting skin increases. Along with oil and other debris, dead cells easily get trapped inside the pore which creates the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. This can result in acne related skin concerns - from mild forms such as blackheads and pimples through to severe forms like acne cysts and nodules. One of the main solutions for managing congested skin by removing the dead skin cells is regular, gentle exfoliation. Exfoliation lifts away dead cells and unclogs pores to keep them clear. This minimises the chance of acne forming bacteria developing within the pore and triggering breakouts. Can minimise the look of fine lines and wrinkles You can’t eliminate fine lines and wrinkles with exfoliation, but you can help minimise their appearance. When you exfoliate and remove the top layer of dead skin, skin looks smoother and fine lines become less pronounced.   Helps promote a brighter, more even skin tone A complexion in need of a good skin exfoliation session appears thick and dull in appearance, thanks to the build up of old cells. Removing the dead cells can leave skin looking brighter and fresher instantly. Over time, skin tone becomes smoother and the appearance of hyperpigmentation may be minimised.   Allows skincare to penetrate deeper We’re rounding off the list with one of the lesser known benefits about exfoliation. Did you know it can actually help maximise the benefits of the ingredients in your other skincare products? Without a layer of dead cells in their way, serums, moisturisers, and masks penetrate more deeply into the skin. If a product is rich with nourishing and active ingredients it makes sense that the better it can be absorbed by your skin the better the results!   How to exfoliate skin – Chemical vs. physical methods There are two types of exfoliation methods - physical and chemical. They share the same goals - clearing dead skin cells, helping speed cell turnover, and leaving skin brighter and smoother - but go about it in different ways. To choose the best exfoliator for your skin type and concerns it’s important to understand how each method works.   Physical exfoliation Physical exfoliating products are those containing small particles, like coffee, jojoba beads, or sugar granules. They require you to manually rub the product into the skin to allow the particles to do their job and buff away dead skin. Other examples of physical exfoliation include microdermabrasion treatments and any face mitt or washcloth with a textured surface that buffs away dead skin and debris. If you choose an exfoliating face wash, for example, avoid harsh ingredients like crushed fruit pits and nutshells - unless they are very finely ground. Larger particles can be super abrasive and cause what is known as a ‘micro’ tear in the skin which damages the skin barrier.   Chemical exfoliation Other face exfoliators are classified as chemical exfoliants which are broken down into categories including AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) and fruit enzymes. Don’t let the term “acid” scare you, these ingredients can be extremely beneficial for skin. Instead of relying on a mechanical motion to remove the cells from your face, acids dissolve the "glue" that binds your dead cells, helping them loosen and slough off the skin. Common types of acids and enzymes include:  Glycolic Acid (AHA)Glycolic acid is an exfoliant that naturally occurs in plants including sugar cane and citrus fruits. Lactic Acid (AHA)A sensitive skin hero, lactic acid is the gentler, yet effective, exfoliator of the acids group. Salicylic Acid (BHA)Salicylic acid is more oil-soluble than AHAs. This means while it exfoliates the surface of the skin, it also gets down deeper and unclogs pores, removing the buildup of sebum and impurities. Fruit EnzymesEnzymes found in some fruits and berries break down keratin proteins attached to dead cells to reveal the fresher, brighter skin below. Which Method Is Right For Your Skin? Depending on your skin type and concern, you might choose a physical exfoliant, a chemical exfoliant or a combination of both. Physical exfoliation As we mentioned earlier, the best physical exfoliants are those with smaller, finer particles that aren’t abrasive to the skin. Physical exfoliants can also be paired with fruit enzymes in skincare formulations for a gentle but effective way to remove dead skin cells. Sensitive, dry, and mature skin Bamboo extract has mild exfoliation properties that can encourage cell turnover to reveal younger, softer skin. Ideal for a weakened or sensitised skin barrier, acne prone, and dry skin. Jojoba beads and rice powder are also effective yet gentle and soft on skin types needing extra care during exfoliation. We recommend: Rose And Bamboo facial exfoliant from esmi Gentle Foliant range. The delicate exfoliation action of bamboo extract works in harmony with the power of mixed fruit enzymes for a close up exfoliation suited to dry, damaged or sensitised skin Normal | combination skin Icelandic volcanic sand is a mild exfoliator which can gently assist renewing the outer layer of skin to support a fresher looking complexion. We recommend: Hydrating And Ageless Volcanic Sand facial exfoliant from esmi Gentle Foliant range. This formulation pairs the physical element of volcanic sand with the power of cranberry enzymes to encourage a clearer complexion.   Oily, breakout-prone skin The ultra-fine consistency of exotic Polynesian sand provides gentle exfoliation to assist in the removal of pore-clogging debris and encourage a clearer complexion for oily skin. We recommend: Fresh Sea And Salty Sand facial exfoliant from esmi Gentle Foliant range. This exotic Polynesian sand physical exfoliator combined with the additional exfoliating power of papaya enzymes gently but effectively exfoliates away dead skin cells. How to exfoliate your face when using a physical exfoliant? Apply a small amount to cleansed, damp skin. Massage the product into your skin in small, light, circular strokes around your face and never apply too much pressure. Doing so can aggravate skin and, depending on the type of exfoliant, may even cause micro-tears.   Chemical exfoliation Normal and combination skin Glycolic acid holds the title for having the smallest molecular structure of the AHAs group. This means your skin absorbs it quickly and it works faster than other AHAs. It also has water-attracting properties and can help treat uneven skin tone, reduce the appearance of pores, combat dullness, fine lines and acne scars. Sensitive, dry, and mature skin Lactic Acid (AHA) is a great all rounder but is a gentler choice of exfoliator for sensitive skin and mature skin. Lactic acid is detoxifying and more moisturising than glycolic acid while still sloughing off dead skin cells to reveal a radiant, smoother complexion. Oily, breakout-prone skin Salicylic acid (BHA) has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This makes it an effective choice if you're prone to acne and breakouts. We recommend: Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum This exfoliating charcoal serum will gently detox and purify for a clearer, smoother complexion. How often should you exfoliate? It’s important to listen to your skin to get a sense of how often you should exfoliate but we can help you out with some general guidelines. Normal skin types and oily can usually handle 1- 3 times a week with a gentle exfoliant. If you’re using a stronger exfoliant, cut back to once a week. If you have sensitive skin or dry skin, stick with a gentle exfoliation session once a week. The danger of over-exfoliation Always keep an eye on how your skin is reacting to exfoliation. It’s easy to go too far and over-exfoliation can cause skin issues. If your face is breaking out with red, flaky, and dry patches or becoming ‘waxy’ looking either the exfoliation product you’re using is too strong for your skin type or you’re using it too often. Over exfoliation compromises the skin barrier. It strips the skin of its natural oils and when this happens the result can be dehydration, broken capillaries, and fresh acne breakouts. Skin might also become more sensitive to the other skincare products that previously didn’t cause an issue. Start your skin exfoliation routine with esmi Skin Minerals Ready to refresh your skin with gentle exfoliation using mineral-based, cruelty-free exfoliation ingredients? Explore the esmi Mineral Gentle-Foliants range of skin exfoliation skincare. If you have any questions about the best exfoliant for your skin type and concerns, our team of skincare experts are here to help! Book your free consultation. Learn more about skincare: How and When to Double Cleanse Your Face How To Get Glowing Skin The Benefits of Face Steaming  

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5 Reasons Your Skin May Be Acting Up

Dealing with skin concerns that seem to have appeared out of nowhere? Your skin is giving you clues that something isn’t right. Here are 5 reasons your skin might be acting up and what to do about them. Change in weather  Skin concerns: Dryness, sensitivity, and breakouts A change in the weather - especially a drop to colder temperatures - can spark a host of skin concerns. In cold weather, the skin has to work harder to maintain hydration. Low humidity and cold days coupled with heated indoor spaces can damage the skin’s barrier. Cracks begin to form in the outer layer of skin which causes a loss of hydration and inflammation. On the flip side, warm, humid temperatures can also exacerbate skin concerns for oily skin types such as breakouts and blocked pores. Skincare solutions Customise your skincare routine depending on the season to target the specific skin care concerns for that time of year. During the colder months, focus on treatments like masks and serums that add hydration. In summer, rich and creamy moisturisers may feel too heavy. Try lighter oils or moisturisers and choose a cleanser that gently exfoliates the skin - preventing clogged pores and breakouts. Remember: No matter the season daily SPF protection is a must!  Allergies Skin concerns: Irritation, breakouts, and sensitivity When sensitive skin is exposed to certain household and laundry cleaning products a red, swollen, itchy rash called contact dermatitis can develop. While cleaning products are usually the most common culprit, they’re not the only thing that can trigger common skin conditions. Certain synthetic fabrics, fragrances, cosmetics, metals, and even organic materials like plants can be the cause. Other signs of an allergic skin irritation can be sudden breakouts or skin that isn’t normally reactive becoming overly sensitive. Skincare solutions If you’re experiencing skin problems, check any new products (household or beauty products) you’ve introduced to your routine or your home. Stop using them and see if your skin concerns continue. Sensitive skin types should avoid products with synthetic fragrances and in most cases stick with natural, fragrance free products and fabrics made of natural fibres. Health (Sleep, stress & diet) Skin concerns: Breakouts, dryness, dehydration, and undereye circles Are you stressed or sleep deprived? Both can lead to skin that is acting up - and so can your diet. Let’s start with stress. Your body produces an increased amount of the hormone cortisol when you’re under pressure. A spike in cortisol in turn leads to the skin creating more sebum which can trigger breakouts. Stress can also cause existing skin issues like eczema and psoriasis to flare up. Another side effect of increased cortisol is restless sleep. Not getting enough quality rest leads to more skin concerns, including under eye circles, dehydration, and dry skin conditions. Hydration is key for healthy skin function and your body’s hydration levels are impacted by the amount of sleep you get. When your skin is dehydrated, wrinkles and fine lines become more pronounced and the chances of triggering eczema and psoriasis or skin discolouration increase. Read more about how sleep affects the health of your skin. Then there’s your diet. If your skin has suddenly begun to act up it may be due to eating more of a certain kind of food. We all react differently to foods so what triggers skin concerns for a friend may not trigger them for you, however, some of the usual suspects include: Refined sugars Dairy High fat, fried foods These types of foods are especially common in triggering acne breakouts. Not drinking enough water and drinking too much alcohol will also cause skin dehydration. Skincare solutions No matter how good your skincare routine is, it can only do so much to address the skin concerns caused by poor sleep, diet, and stress. Take a close look at each of these lifestyle areas and experiment by making changes for better sleep, lower stress levels, and eating right for your skin. Using the wrong skincare Skin concerns: Irritation, breakouts, dryness, and sensitivity Your skin will send a message loud and clear if the skincare products you’re using aren’t compatible. Breakouts, irritation, dryness and sensitivity can all be signs you're using the wrong products for your skin type. For example, a frequent skincare mistake made by oily, breakout-prone skin types is using a cleanser that is too harsh for the skin. Using a harsh cleanser (many cleansers aimed at teenage acne are extremely strong) risks stripping your face of its natural oils and disrupts the skin’s pH balance. This triggers the skin to create even more oil which results in more breakouts. Or, if your skin is reacting to a particular ingredient - either natural or synthetic - you might experience redness and irritation. Even if you’re using great quality products, you can still experience an adverse reaction. Skincare solutions The first step is knowing your skin type so you can choose the right products. Our guide to the different skin types and suggested routines will help you out. If you’re still experiencing skin complaints, it may be a reaction to a certain ingredient. A few ingredients that commonly trigger rashes, irritation and breakouts include: Fragrance Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). This is a chemical known to cause rashes, blemishes, and eye irritation. Salicylic acid can be extremely strong on skin. Stick with gentler acids like lactic and glycolic which are less likely to cause irritation. Emollients. While these can be very beneficial, they can cause breakouts for some skin types. Remember - always do a patch test on your wrist or the area of skin behind your ear before trying a new product. Medications Skin concerns: Irritation, dryness, scaly skin, and sensitivity Known as “drug hypersensitivity” signs your body is having an overly sensitive response to medication can include breaking out in hives, dryness, itchy rashes, and swelling, and general sensitivity. Skincare solutions Always seek medical advice and if possible, stop taking the medication. Symptoms may persist for a few days or weeks after stopping the medication but most people will recover without permanent damage to skin. During the recovery period, treat your skin with extra care. Switch to gentler products and stick to a more minimalist routine so you don’t overwhelm your skin while it heals.