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How To: Avoid Dry Skin After Washing your Hands

/ by Ismay Radisich posted in Dermavive, Skin Care, Moisturiser, Colloidal Oatmeal, hydrate, dry skin

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Has your new hand hygiene regime affected the quality of your skin? Approximately 800,000 Australians currently suffer with eczema with numbers expected to increase due to excess hand washing due to COVID-19. 

To help you avoid hand eczema and drying, here are some tips to encourage supple, soft hands. 

1. Avoid Soaps 

Dermatologist Professor Rod Sinclair emphasises the importance of hand washing as the most important step to killing the virus. "But if you have hand eczema or vulnerable hands you can certainly overdo it", he warns. 

For this reason, selecting the right product is important. Soaps (in bar and liquid form) are known for stripping the skin of natural oils. The reason for this is due to the high level of fats and oils used in the formulation of soaps. When we expose our skin to frequent washing and antibacterial gels we reduce the skin's precious oils which provide our skin with natural protection and hydration. 

2. Use a Cleansing Bar  

While a cleansing bar may look just like a soap, its benefits lie in its formulation. Formulated with pH neutral ingredients, cleansing bars effectively cleanse without leaving a dry or chalky residue like a soap can. Cleansing bars contain less oils and fats compared to soaps. They utilise a gentle lather to lift and wash away impurities without allowing them to reattach. Nourishing ingredients then act to support and hydrate the skin rather than dry it out, all while supporting the all-important acid mantle. 

3. Moisturise after washing 

When the skin is hydrated it can better protect itself from the symptoms of dry skin. Professor Sinclair advises thoroughly drying and moisturising hands after washing. “If we put moisturiser on 5 times or 10 times a day - the more the better," advises Sinclair. 

A moisturiser which contains a blend of hydrating and barrier protective ingredients is vital for repairing and restoring water levels. Moisture locking ingredients include Colloidal Oatmeal, glycerine, vitamin E and aloe vera. We recommend keeping a hand cream or nourishing lotion handy for some post-hand washing TLC. 

4. Maintain the pH balance

Natural ingredients such as Colloidal Oatmeal are generally less alkaline which do not disrupt the pH of the skin. The pH of our skin directly impacts the acid mantle which is responsible for protecting our skin against external influences such as bacteria, pollution and allergens. It also counteracts the effects of nasty skin care ingredients. For our skin to remain balanced, the acid mantle will need to remain at a slightly acidic pH level of 4.5-5.5. Therefore a cleansing bar, which is a soap-less soap (when compared to a regular soap) is best for the pH of the skin. 

5. Ingredients to look for 

Professor Sinclair suggests keeping it simple in terms of ingredients as "Some people will be allergic to fragrance or will find the preservatives in the moisturisers can sting... the simpler the better". 

  • Natural Colloidal Oatmeal: Long used for its ability to hold water on the skin, this moisture locking ingredient can deliver similar anti-inflammatory and healing results to topical steroid creams without the negative effects of long term use
  • Sodium PCA: A natural humectant known for holding several times its weight in water, to support optimal hydration levels within the skin
  • Citric Acid: Breaks down the protein bonds between dead and living skin cells, causing the older, dead cells to lift away revealing the younger cells beneath 
  • Vitamin E: Delivers antioxidants to the outer layers of the skin. Vitamin E helps to reduce free radical damage and protects the body’s cells therefore protecting the skin against ageing, inflammation, and sun damage

Designed specifically for dry skin, pH balanced Dermavive Dry Skin Cleansing Bar contains a unique formulation designed to replenish hydration levels without stripping the skin of vital oils like regular soaps can. Dermavive Dry Skin Cleansing Bar is fragrance, soap, paraben (preservative) and lanolin free, and will not cause irritation or drying due to the nourishing benefits of Colloidal Oatmeal and natural moisturisers. 

This dermatologically endorsed cleansing bar can be used when washing hands to actively wash away bacteria and impurities ensuring the skin’s environment is not conducive for bacteria or infections. Soap-less soaps can be used safely by all ages for dry skin relief and as a preventative remedy. 

 

Are you ready to ditch dry hands and replenish your skin with a cleansing bar that not only washes away germs but supports your skin? If you are ready to experience the nourishing benefits of Colloidal Oatmeal you can purchase your Dermavive Dry Skin Cleansing Bar here. 

 

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5 Things Dermatologists Wish You Knew About Moisturisers

/ by Ismay Radisich posted in Dermavive, Skin Care, Moisturiser, Colloidal Oatmeal, hydrate, dry skin

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With the average Australian woman spending $300 per month on beauty, it seems our face regimes absorb the lion's share of the beauty budget. But what about moisturising your body? Did you know it's just as important to hydrate your body with the right ingredients, especially as we enter the cooler months? 

Here are some tips Dermatologists wish you knew when selecting your moisturiser. 

 

1. pH is important 

Balancing the all-important acid mantle is the key to supporting the core functioning of the skin. When we use acidic products, this throws out the pH of the skin which puts the skin into damage control. When we apply a pH balanced moisturiser to the skin, the skin is not disrupted and therefore functions well. When the skin functions well it appears youthful, feels smooth and bouncy and maintains hydration. 

2. Not all moisturisers are created equal 

There are three classes of moisturisers. These consist of emollients, humectants and occlusive. 

  • Emollients prevent evaporation of water by forming a protective layer on the surface of the skin. This minimises moisture loss and supports long term hydration
  • Humectants have an emollient effect but work in a different way. Humectants attract and draw water into the surface layer of the skin from deeper within the skin or the atmosphere
  • Occlusive agents are utilised to block moisture loss entirely

A moisturiser which contains a balanced blend of emollient, humectant and occlusive agents will provide the skin with superior moisture retention with minimal moisture loss in drying environments. 

3. Hydrate for overall skin health 

Hydrated skin is healthy skin. When the skin is hydrated it can better protect itself from the symptoms of dry skin, as symptoms of itching, tightness and feelings of discomfort subside. Furthermore, well hydrated skin can better protect itself from inflammatory flare ups especially for those prone to dry skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. 

4.  Gradual results over quick fix 

Don't always go for the product that promises the most drastic results in the shortest timeframe. Just like going to the gym, long-lasting results take time. If your skin feels dry or even inflamed, you don't have to opt straight for a steroid cream, there are natural remedies available to you which can provide you with immediate relief. We recommend trying a natural based moisturiser for two weeks before proceeding to anything more drastic. The results you gain in this timeframe may surprise you. 

5. Natural is always best 

Natural ingredients are always best as they are often recognised by the body and are less likely to induce a reaction. As a first point of call, natural remedies should always be tried first. Ingredients which naturally retain water within the surface layer of the skin and create a protective layer to prevent moisture loss include some of the following: 

  • Natural Colloidal Oatmeal: Long used for its ability to hold water on the skin, this moisture locking ingredient can deliver similar anti-inflammatory and healing results to topical steroid creams without the negative effects of long term use
  • Sodium PCA: A natural humectant known for holding several times its weight in water, to support optimal hydration levels within the skin
  • Glycerine: A natural humectant utilised for its ability to draw water from the skin's deeper layers into the surface layer of the skin to support long lasting hydration
  • Light Mineral Oil: An emollient used to treat and prevent dry skin with an ability to moisten and soften the skin upon application
  • Isopropyl Myristate: An emollient utilised for its ability to strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier, preventing water loss from the surface layer of the skin

Dermavive Moisturising Lotion is a pH balanced lotion which has been designed to increase hydration and softness of the skin via a blend of the above mentioned ingredients. This dermatologically endorsed formula provides immediate relief from the symptoms of dryness, including inflammation, itching and discomfort. This lotion can be used safely by all ages (including infants) as a daily moisturiser on all parts of the body for smooth, supple, hydrated skin.  

 

Are you ready to include a moisture locking body moisturiser into your daily routine? If you are looking to nourish, hydrate and protect your skin with the nourishing benefits of Colloidal Oatmeal, you can purchase Dermavive Moisturising Lotion here.  

 

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6 Personal Hygiene Habits

/ by Ismay Radisich posted in Dermavive, Feminine Hygiene, Skin Care, Colloidal Oatmeal, personal hygiene, hygiene

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There’s never been a more prominent time to talk about hygiene, but what about personal hygiene beyond hand wash and sanitiser?

While some of these tips may seem obvious to you, you may learn something new along the way - especially when it comes to personal care. 

 

#1. Wash Your Hands

This is hygiene 101. Aside from before and after using the bathroom, and preparing food, it’s important to protect our families and co-workers from germs throughout the day. For example, washing your hands before greeting a colleague or friend with a handshake is a great way to increase your personal hygiene practices and minimise the passing of germs. 

#2 Dental Hygiene

It’s a no-brainer that brushing your teeth morning and night is essential for dental health, fresh breath and to maintain those pearly whites, but did you know that dentists recommend a professional clean and check-up every six months? If it's been longer, make sure you book in.    

One thing Dentists preach to their clients when they do visit, is to floss. Flossing is important to remove trapped food from between your teeth. This not only minimises the chances of tooth decay and gum erosion, it minimises bad breath - totally worth it! 

#3 Tidy Nails

Keeping your nails clean and trimmed is an easy way to eliminate dirt and germs which love to live underneath the nail. Our nails are a breeding ground for nasty bacteria (klebsiella) which can lead to infections, and even illnesses such as pneumonia. A monthly manicure isn’t essential if you know your way around a nail grooming kit as long as you make it a regular habit to clean, trim, and care for your nails.

#4 Wash Daily  

Whether you’re a religious morning shower-er, or you save it as a pre-bed ritual, or both, nothing replenishes full body hygiene like a nice hot shower. A shower can be used to wash away dirt, sweat, dead skin cells, and can also be a time to wash and exfoliate the face.

Washing, drying and styling your hair is also an easy way to practice good personal hygiene. If your hair is particularly oily, or perhaps you are suffering from a flaky scalp, washing your hair twice weekly is the first step in remedying this issue.

#5 Body Odour 

Puberty, excessive sweating and poor hygiene may be responsible for body odour. While antiperspirants are number one for minimising sweat and suppressing odours, showering daily with an antibacterial cleanser is most effective, especially post-exercise. In addition to this, wearing cotton t-shirts and embracing all-natural fibers can minimise sweating and unpleasant odours. 

#6 Feminine Hygiene

Washing your most intimate areas is a daily ritual that is beneficial for full body hygiene. While many women do wash themselves daily, it’s important to do this correctly with a delicate feminine hygiene product. Feminine Hygiene products are designed to maintain a balance within the body’s most sensitive and intimate areas where the skin requires a unique formulation for optimal skin health. As a bonus, with deodorising effects, these products are designed to mask natural odours which regular body washes are not designed to do.

Dermavive Intimate Wash contains an expertly formulated blend of cleansing and soothing ingredients, making it one of the most effective and gentle products on the market. Specifically formulated to encourage good skin health in the most sensitive areas of the body, Dermavive Intimate Wash can be used for everyday care for optimum vaginal health as well as part of the treatment for Vulval Dermatitis with superior anti-inflammatory and nourishing effects.  

Read our blog all about Feminine Hygiene here

 

 

Are you ready to step-up your personal care habits and include a feminine hygiene product in your daily routine? Consider a product with natural cleansing capabilities, natural deodorising effects along with the nourishing benefits of Colloidal Oatmeal found in Dermavive Intimate Wash.

 

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What Does a Healthy Scalp Look Like?

/ by Ismay Radisich posted in Hair, Dermavive, Dry Scalp, shampoo

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Like so many of us, between washing, blow drying and styling our hair, it's easy to neglect your scalp. But do you know the difference between a healthy and not-so-healthy scalp? 

 

#1: So what is a healthy scalp? 

A healthy scalp is one with a balanced pH between 4.5 and 5.5. This means the skin is neither too alkaline nor acidic, allowing it to function optimally with a healthy level of oil secretions. A healthy scalp will shed regularly (without being obvious) as the dead skin cells are easily washed and brushed away without clumping. 

Tip: Use the quality of your hair to gauge your scalp health. If your hair grows well, and appears luscious without being overly oily or dry, your scalp is likely functioning at its best. 

 

#2: Signs of an unhealthy scalp 

Dry, Itchy Scalp: If you experience flaking accompanied by irritability, this is a sign of dry scalp. Small white flakes will be present post-washing and brushing the hair, as opposed to larger yellow-ish flakes for dandruff sufferers. 

Scaling: In severe cases of scaling and inflammation, seborrheic dermatitis may be present. This is a chronic inflammatory skin condition which isolates itself to the scalp and hairline accompanied by extreme discomfort and redness.

Oily Scalp: If you experience oiliness and feel the need to wash your hair daily, this is a cause of concern as your scalp may be overproducing oil. The overproduction of oil can lead to the overgrowth of a naturally-occurring fungus called Malassezia. While many associate dandruff with dry skin, ironically excess oil and Malassezia is the leading cause. 

Tip: A sign of poor scalp health is hair loss. Hair may fall out (more than your average 150 strands per day) and may appear lackluster, limp and struggle to grow. 

 

#3: How to rectify poor scalp health

  • Balance the pH of the skin to allow it to regulate and function optimally.
  • Regulate the oil production and the conditions caused by too much oil will be minimised.
  • Avoid harsh ingredients which effect pH, or worse, strip the skin of natural oils is vital.
  • Incorporate a pH balanced naturally derived shampoo into your regime to manage dry scalp conditions. 

Tip: By opting for a shampoo that not only rectifies dry scalp conditions, but also nourishes the hair like a professional shampoo, you can support your scalp without adding extra steps to your hair care regime. 

#4 Colloidal Oatmeal for a perfectly balanced healthy scalp 

  • Anti-itch 
  • Antibacterial 
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Nourishing 
  • Humectant 

Tip: Look for natural ingredients which are known to hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin for complete treatment, maintenance and preventative properties.  

If dry scalp conditions are keeping you from reaching your hair goals, be sure to try a natural soap-free remedy to regulate pH and oil production. Dermavive Dry Scalp Shampoo is formulated to effectively relieve dry scalp conditions by encouraging healthy scalp functioning with complimentary nourishing and soothing capabilities. 

 

Are you ready to embrace a perfectly balanced scalp and enjoy luscious hair as a result? Dermavive Dry Scalp Shampoo is a pH balanced soap-free shampoo formulated for effective cleansing and hydrating of the hair and scalp.

Purchase your Dermavive Dry Scalp Shampoo here

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Psoriasis: How To Manage The Frustrating, Flaky Skin Condition.

/ by Ismay Radisich posted in Dermavive, Atopic Dermatitis, Colloidal Oatmeal, hydrate, dry skin, ageing, psoriasis

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Psoriasis is not only hard to live with due to its intense itchy, flaky nature, it's also incredibly hard to treat. Without proper treatment and ongoing management, Psoriasis can cause constant irritation and inflammation of the skin leaving sufferers vulnerable to a lifetime of ongoing flare-ups. 

To stop this cycle we must look at supporting the skin with long-term preemptive solutions. But first let's look at the condition itself so we can understand its complexity and its triggers. 


 

1. Understanding Psoriasis & What It Looks Like 

Psoriasis is a dry skin disorder which is caused by high turn over of skin cells. This condition can cause skin cells to multiply by up to 10 times faster than normal, leaving sufferers with excess layers of dry skin build up on the surface of the skin. 

Psoriasis generally rears its head in early adulthood and will persist in a few specific areas in small or large patches anywhere on the body or scalp. 

Signs of Psoriasis include: Plaques of red skin, often covered with silver or white flaky scales. The skin will present itself as red, irritated, inflamed and itchy. 

 

2. Psoriasis Triggers 

There are a number of elements that come in to play to cause Psoriasis flare-ups. Being proactive with your topical treatments is paramount during times when you may be exposed to or suffer from: 

  • Stress which may trigger itching and an incessant need to scratch the skin 
  • Allergies which may affect the skin's immunity leading to a flare-up
  • Climate/Environment including humid and dry conditions which dehydrate the skin 
  • Abrasions to the skin which impair the skin barrier 
  • Hormonal changes including pregnancy and menopause 

3. Psoriasis Treatments 

It's common for Doctors to treat Psoriasis with topical Corticosteroids, however, we now know that these creams provide a band-aid fix without any sort of long term remedy. We also know that long-term use of steroid creams can be detrimental to the condition of the skin.

When it comes to providing natural remedies for successful Psoriasis treatment, studies show us that oils are most effective in providing moisturising, nourishing and defensive therapies. Emollients which have been developed to soothe the skin, provide barrier repair therapy which enable the skin to heal. Hydrating body oils provide intense moisture delivery for severe dry skin conditions which initiates immediate relief from irritation and inflammation within the skin - a must for Psoriasis sufferers. 

Dermavive Intensive Body Hydrating Oil is a pH balanced oil which is designed to provide Psoriasis sufferers immediate relief from itching while effectively reducing inflammation via the effects of Natural Colloidal Oatmeal.   

Dermavive Intensive Body Hydrating Oil effectively addresses dry, flaky skin conditions through an especially formulated combination of the following ingredients: 

  • Natural Colloidal Oatmeal contains saponins which have cleansing and antibacterial properties. The cellulose and fibre found in the oats neutralises the pH of dry itchy skin effectively soothing and calming irritations. 
  • Sodium PCA is a humectant with natural moisturising factors to support hydration levels within the skin. 
  • Liquid Paraffin locks moisture into the skin by creating a protective barrier on the skin while  moisturising, soothing and improving the texture of skin. 
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5 Signs Your Skin Care Routine Needs a Reboot

/ by Ismay Radisich posted in Dermavive, Colloidal Oatmeal, hydrate

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Are your skin care products getting you real results? Or are you investing your time and money on a regime that is familiar but not effective

Just like our bodies tell us when we aren't fueling them appropriately, our skin tells us when it needs a nutrient boost. If you have noticed one of these five common characteristics then it's time to shake up your skin care routine - and this starts with your cleanser! 

 

 

1. Dry, flaky skin 

Dry, flaky skin often lacks water. Trans epidermal water loss refers to the dehydration of the skin and low levels of natural oils. This can be a result of using a cleanser that strips the skin of natural oils leaving it feeling dry, tight and lacking hydration. Soap-free cleansers that contain colloidal oatmeal are known for increasing hydration levels as you cleanse. This is thanks to the oatmeal's ability to store water and nutrients and deliver them to the skin as you cleanse. 

2. Break Outs 

Break outs can occur when our cleansers don't do the job they're supposed to. If your cleanser isn't lifting away dirt and unblocking the pores properly, the pores remain blocked with dirt and become clogged with excess sebum which cannot be released through the pore. This leads to congestion, blackheads and eruptions. An easy way to avoid this is to find a cleanser that dissolves and lifts away the dirt that gets trapped within the pores.

A cleanser that contains colloidal oatmeal not only has the ability to cleanse gently and effectively it also has antibacterial benefits to ensure the skin remains clean and free from nasty pimple-causing bacteria. 

3. Fine Lines 

Your standard skin care routine may have worked for you in your twenties, but once you start noticing fine lines, it's time to invest in products with an anti-ageing focus. 

A cleanser that contains anti-inflammatory ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal helps to maintain harmony within the skin which supports the skin's immunity. Strong, healthy skin has the ability to maintain its integrity when under pressure from external factors such as UV rays and free radicals from air pollutants and toxins. 

4. Dull Skin 

If a dull complexion is dragging you down, mixing up the first step in your skin care routine is a great place to start. A citric acid cleanser has the ability to brighten the skin thanks to its ability to break down the protein bonds between dead and living skin cells. This action allows the older, dead cells to lift away. Say hello to a fresher, brighter complexion!  

5. No Longer Seeing Results?

Just like our bodies accustom themselves to an exercise routine, our skin can get used to our daily skin care regimes. By introducing new ingredients to your routine, your skin will recognise and respond to new ingredients. If these ingredients are naturally recognised by the skin, a positive response will follow. These responses may include brightening dull skin with citric acid, or soothing, hydrating and thoroughly cleansing the skin with ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal. 

 

Dermavive's Hydra Cleanser is a multi-functioning cleanser designed to get you real results when you're in a skin care rut. The ingredients found in Hydra Cleanser include: 

  • Natural Colloidal Oatmeal - with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties colloidal oatmeal draws moisture into the skin and locks it in by forming a protective barrier.
  • Sodium PCA - can hold several times its weight in water making it a powerful humectant. 
  • Citric Acid - breaks down the protein bonds between dead and living skin cells, causing the older, dead cells to lift away revealing the younger cells beneath. 
  • Glycerin - a powerful humectant and moisturising agent that draws water into the outer layer from within the deeper layers of your skin and the air. 

 

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Four Fast Healing Nappy Rash Remedies

/ by Ismay Radisich posted in Dermavive, Vitamin E, Colloidal Oatmeal, hydrate

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Almost 75% of babies* will develop nappy rash in their first 12 months, and unfortunately for you and baby, once it rears its head it can be hard to control. So prevention is always best, but every now and then a cure is required to restore your baby's delicate skin back to normal so they can be their happy little self.

Here are our fastest healing nappy rash remedies which focus on preventing and healing nappy rash quickly. 

 

 

Use a High Absorbency Nappy
Most nappy rashes are caused by a wet nappy rubbing against a baby's skin. Finding the right nappies for your bub can be trial and error - there are so many options! Being spoiled for choice is a luxury, but how do you choose the right kind for you?
If your baby is prone to nappy rash, a high absorbency nappy with excellent moisture whicking capabilities is vital. We recommend looking for nappies that claim to be "high absorbency".
Nappies that feature the "wetness indicator" will also help to minimise time spent in a wet nappy. The wetness indicator which usually presents itself in a line at the front of the nappy will change colour once it gets wet to indicate when it's time for a change. 

Nappy-free Time!
In addition to keeping your baby's bottom dry with a high absorbency nappy, some time without a nappy is vital as well. As the weather warms up, some nappy-free time can do wonders for your little one as they embrace the feeling of no nappy at all. This could be part of your daily routine for 30 minutes either before or after bath time. 

Wash With Non-irritating Baby Products
What you wash your baby with is important for maintaining harmony within your little one's skin. If your little one is experiencing inflammation, washing with water alone will be the least irritating way to bathe. If you do choose to use a baby wash, a product that is pH balanced, derived from natural ingredients, and soap-free (to avoid stripping precious moisture from an already irritated area) will have the gentlest affect on the delicate skin of your little one. Look for dermatologically tested products which are specifically formulated for sensitive skins. 

Use a Colloidal Oatmeal Nappy Rash Cream 
A pH balanced nappy rash cream like Dermavive Nappy Rash Cream will not only soothe the skin with its natural colloidal oatmeal anti-inflammatory properties, it will also provide a protective barrier between your baby's skin and their nappy. This helps to heal nappy rash in two ways. The first being that it provides a physical barrier from the friction of a wet surface, which protects the skin and gives existing nappy rash the chance to heal. The second being its ability to provide barrier protection to maintain moisture within the skin and heal the surface of the skin with its active ingredients. 
A pH balanced product will also help to regulate the acid mantle which is responsible for helping the skin defend itself against external irritations as well as bacteria. 
 

Dermavive Nappy Rash Cream contains the following active ingredients to help heal your baby's nappy rash, FAST!

  • Natural Colloidal Oatmeal contains saponins which have cleansing and antibacterial properties. The cellulose and fibre found in the oats neutralise the pH of dry itchy skin, making it effective to soothe and calm irritation. 
  • Sodium PCA is a humectant with natural moisturising factors to support hydration levels within the skin. 
  • Zinc Oxide acts as a skin protectant to provide effective barrier protection as well as providing antibacterial relief. 
  • Almond Oil is a vitamin E rich oil that delivers superior soothing and healing properties to chapped, dry and compromised skin.  

Dermavive Nappy Rash Cream is the only formula on the market which contains both Colloidal Oatmeal and Zinc Oxide making it a unique dual-acting nappy rash remedy. 

*Reference: Diaper Rash The Bottom Line, Children's Hospital Los Angeles

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How High Does Feminine Hygiene Rate in your Daily Routine?

/ by Ismay Radisich posted in Intimate Wash, Dermavive, Feminine Hygiene, Colloidal Oatmeal

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Are you using a regular body wash on your nether regions? Did you know that there are products designed specifically to wash your most sensitive areas to keep them healthy and itch-free? 

Here's the low-down on why you need a specially formulated product to wash your most intimate areas. 

 

 

1. Feminine Hygiene Products for Every Day Use

You've seen the products in the supermarket, but you might assume that you don't need these sorts of products, right? Wrong! Feminine Hygiene products are designed to keep your privates healthy. Just like we use a different cleanser for our face than we do for our body, our intimate areas require their very own formula.

With specially formulated ingredients, these products are gentle on delicate skin and encourage a healthy environment. Harsh ingredients and soaps can irritate the vulva in particular, leaving the skin itchy, inflamed and irritated. Specially formulated feminine hygiene products are designed for gentle, sting-free cleansing of the body's most sensitive areas. 

2. Treating Vaginal Dryness 

If problems do arise, such as itching, and dryness of the outer vagina, this could potentially be a case of Vulval Dermatitis (also known as Vaginal Dryness). This is an inflammatory condition which can be confused with thrush, however it is a common skin condition. Vulval Dermatitis can be identified by itching, vulval swelling as well as burning during urination or intercourse. If these symptoms do not cease with thrush treatment, it could be a case of Vulval Dermatitis. Feminine hygiene products are designed to nourish the area and minimise irritation caused by regular soaps. A pH balanced product used daily can reverse the symptoms of Vulval Dermatitis with continued use. 

3. Ingredients to Look For

  • Natural Colloidal Oatmeal: Vital for addressing inflammation, Colloidal Oatmeal encourages long lasting hydration accompanied by antibacterial properties for gentle yet effective cleansing. 
  • Sodium PCA: With a natural moisturising factor, Sodium PCA is derived from plants, fruits and coconut oil. 
  • Farnesol: With its own natural scent, Farnesol is used to mask unpleasant odors associated with conditions such as Vulval Dermatitis. 
  • Triclocarban: An antibacterial chemical which is gentle enough for use in personal care lotions and washes such as feminine hygiene products. 
  • Trehalose: With water-binding properties, Trehalose can be found in feminine hygiene products for both its moisturising and antioxidant properties. 

Dermavive's Intimate Wash contains an expertly formulated blend of the above ingredients, making it one of the most effective and gentle products on the market. Specifically formulated to encourage good skin health in the most sensitive areas of the body, Dermavive's Intimate Wash can be used for every day use for optimum vaginal health as well as part of the treatment for Vulval Dermatitis (vaginal dryness). 

 

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Are you ready to go soap-free? Here's why you should!

/ by Ismay Radisich posted in Dermavive, Facial Cleanser, Colloidal Oatmeal, acne, oily skin

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Is your soap drying your skin? Leaving it feeling stripped of its natural oils? This is a common concern of avid soap users, but before you switch your beloved bar of soap for a gel cleanser, there is an alternative - and while it may look and feel like soap, it's actually soap-free! 

 

1. What is a Soap-less Soap? 

A soap-less soap, technically known as a Syndet (which stands for synthetic detergent) and most commonly marketed as a Cleansing Bar, contains no oils or fats - which are known to strip the skin's natural moisture and raise the pH of the skin.

The ingredients used in soap-less soaps however are formulated to bind with dirt within the skin to wash away impurities without removing the skin's natural oils. They do this with a pH balancing formulation which is designed to maintain harmony within the skin. When the skin's acid mantle is regulated with the use of pH balanced skin care, the skin functions at its best. 

It's important to note that the soap industry is unregulated and therefore some Cleansing Bars do in fact contain soap - so always read your labels carefully. 

2. Why is pH vital for skin health? 

The pH of our skin directly impacts the acid mantle. The acid mantle is responsible for protecting our skin against external influences such as bacteria, pollution, allergens and environmental damage such as UV rays. It also counteracts the effects of nasty skin care ingredients. For our skin to remain balanced, the acid mantle will need to remain at a slightly acidic pH level of 4.5-5.5. 

3. Why do Soap-less Soaps make great cleansers? 

Soap-less soaps are gentle on the skin's acid mantle as they are less alkaline than a regular soap. Rather than containing a pH that ranges from 8-10 like a regular soap, soap-less soaps are formulated with a neutral pH which is far less irritating. Not only are soap-less soaps more nourishing for inflammatory skin conditions such as dry skin, or acne-prone skin, they minimise the stripping of the skin's natural oils, therefore causing less disruption to the skin's acid mantle. These products are a gentler alternative to removing dirt and excess sebum from the skin while supporting it with anti-inflammatory ingredients which offer natural cleansing actions called saponins. 

4. Which skin types benefit from a soap-less soap?

Oily Skin: Sebum rich pores require a cleanser that will regulate the overproduction of oil. A soap-free soap can do this without the stripping affects of a regular soap which would generally lead to itching and over-drying. We recommend Dermavive Oily Skin Cleansing Bar to regulate and nourish without stripping those precious oils completely. 

Dry Skin: Moisture-poor skin is prone to flare ups and inflammation. A nourishing pH balanced soap-free cleansing bar can hydrate the skin with its moisture restoring properties as well as cleansing the skin of dirt and bacteria. For long-lasting hydration we recommend Dermavive Dry Skin Cleansing Bar which will restore moisture levels and reduce the common irritations of dry skin instantly. 

Acne & Sensitive Skin: Soap-free cleansing bars are designed specifically for skin's that react to high pH products. Inflammatory skin conditions such as acne generally react to harmful ingredients. For reactive skin conditions we recommend the Dermavive Acne & Sensitive Skin Cleansing Bar. With a colloidal oatmeal base, it will reduce flare ups, maintain moisture levels and fight bacteria. 

 

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End Eczema Flare Ups

/ by Ismay Radisich posted in Dermavive, Skin Care, Colloidal Oatmeal

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One of the most common skin concerns during winter is eczema. Eczema can cause a lot of frustration as it is both physically uncomfortable and hard to treat. While many resort to a steroid cream as prescribed by their physician, the good news is that there are plenty of natural products and remedies available to alleviate the symptoms associated with eczema. 

Why is eczema worse in winter? 

  • extra layers of clothes
  • indoor heating/ dry environments 
  • hot baths
  • cold winds 

To counteract these, we've listed a few ways to help you end your eczema frustration this winter. 

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