How I Feel About My Skin Disease

WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY SENSITIVE SKIN? 

Being prone to different skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, cystic acne, redness, etc. can be quite uncomfortable and psychologically challenging. The skin is, after all, what others see first. I find that people who do not have any such problems have no idea what we go through. Commonly, skin conditions like these are labeled "skin diseases". Today, studies show that one in three people have a certain kind of skin condition. That is 110 million people in the USA alone. 

Some treatments cause dependencies that make the skin condition itself worse rather than better, or they may cause other side effects that are detrimental to the person’s well-being. Take skin moisturizers for example - the overuse of skin moisturizers can cause healthy skin to stop producing its own natural oils and may lead to real long-term damage.

Often, skin conditions may be triggered by chemicals in fabrics, diets, or skincare products. 

YOUR MIND MIGHT HOLD THE ANSWER 

Research from Harvard Medicine has shed light on the fact that there is a  strong link between the skin and the mind. The state of our mind may even affect other people’s skin, especially in the case of parents and children. A recent study was carried out in Germany, in which scientists attempted to treat a child’s atopic dermatitis (eczema) by psychologically evaluating and treating the mother. Results indicated that the child's skin condition worsened when the mother displayed anxiety. We are just starting to understand the skin as a complex organ with a close link to our state of mind.

I DON'T HAVE A DISEASE, I AM JUST SENSITIVE 

I find that when I think of my skin condition as a "disease", it makes my experience worse. Instead, I honor my skin as sensitive. In knowing that I have sensitive skin, I can actively avoid chemicals or substances that might make my skin flare up.

Here is my list of things I do to take care of my skin:

• Banning polyesters and synthetically-dyed products from my bed
• Using only organic cotton bed sheets
• Keeping my bed and bedroom dust and allergy-free
• Avoiding wearing polyester fabrics or blended fabrics
• Strong preference for organic (GOTS or OEKO-TEX certified) clothes
• Using organic and toxin-free detergent to wash my clothes and bedding
• Using gentle shampoos and soaps
• Healthy eating and watching my diet 
• Avoiding stress within my close family and friend circles

THERE IS AN UPSIDE TO MY SKIN CONDITION

In learning to live with sensitive skin, I have become more aware of my environment, the things I sleep in, what I wear, hygienic products, and nutrition. After many years, this mindset has helped me to stop taking steroids and accept that my skin is, well, sensitive. I cannot use regular shampoos and have to bring my own shampoo to the hairdresser. But this journey also made me strong-willed enough to co-found this company, and it encourages me to make healthier life choices every day.

WHY WE MADE AIZOME BEDDING

At AIZOME, we see the need for truly healthy bedding that not only reduces toxins but avoids them, and we are proud to present the first naturally dyed bedding that has been specially created to soothe and pamper sensitive skin.

Image: Avue Copyright, used by permission.