Hi,

People with Seb Derm often have impaired skin barrier function. This means that our skin is not able to protect us from the environment as well as it should be. As a result, our skin can become inflamed and irritated more easily. The tactful way of saying this is:

“We have sensitive skin.”

It’s code for – our skin barrier is not working and isn’t doing its job.

We don’t know which came first – impaired skin barrier or Malassezia – in the seborrheic dermatitis continuum. However, we know Malassezia is present on the surface of normal skin and is found everywhere on everyone. Numbers of surface Malassezia is not higher in Seb derm sufferers but Malassezia levels in the stratum corneum is notably higher on skin affected by seborrheic dermatitis.

Some researchers proposed that a defective skin barrier is the root cause of seb derm. Once these changes occur, it encourages Malassezia growth and penetration, causing inflammation which further damages the walls of defence.

Repairing and maintaining a healthy skin barrier may be one of the best ways to prevent seborrheic dermatitis and maybe even cure it. You can do this by a multi-pronged approach of topical creams, diet and lifestyle changes.

Read more about the skin barrier and how to best protect it to prevent Seb Derm.

Ingesting collagen is a good way to help maintain and repair your skin barrier. Not only does it help prevent a Seb Derm flare, it reduces signs of aging. Preferably you should ingest collagen as part of your diet i.e bone broths etc. However, if you’re too busy like me, collagen supplements are good options too. Bulletproof has a range of collagen supplements in yummy flavors. Use code MADAMEWELL20 for an extra 20% off.  

Check it out:

Q: How do I prevent my skin from reacting to all the anti-seb derm products I’m using?

When it comes to skin health (or anything for that matter), less is more. Yes, there are plenty of skincare products, anti-fungal creams, essential oils etc. that you can use on your skin. However, even the most natural of products, when used excessively, can cause your skin to react. This means not using too much of a product and not combining too many products with active ingredients.

Choose your weapon – be it an antifungal cream (my usual choice), a tea tree face wash or moisturizer, an anti-dandruff soap etc. and stick to the one for a while. Every other product should not contain more active ingredients but should be aimed at repair and maintenance instead.

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Stay healthy, happy, safe and rash-free!

Until next week,

Sharon G.