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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. 

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.  

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? 

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. 

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. 

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.

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). 

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. 

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.