Page 71 - Demo

SKIN FIX 69
The months are colder, the desire to stay indoors rugged up in a jumper and sweat pants is real, and skin ... well, it’s becoming a little more irritable.
Cold weather loves to suck the moisture from your skin and leave you with dry, itchy patches that can sometimes then turn into something worse.
Thankfully, our pharmacies are stocked with an endless supply of moisture-rich products that can hydrate and soften the skin – if used correctly.
“It’s extremely common for people to experience dry skin in the colder months,” said Associate Professor Rosemary Nixon from the Skin Health Institute in Melbourne.
This is something that pharmacy workers are well aware of as well.
“I definitely notice more people looking for advice on skin care during the
colder months and see an increase in moisturisers and lip balms being sold, as people stop drinking so much water and are keeping heaters running for longer and taking hotter showers,” said Retailer Manager Emilie Dalwood at TerryWhite Chemmart Woodcroft Plaza in Adelaide.
Ms Nixon says dry skin is more of a problem in the southern parts of Australia.
“It feels rough,” she said of the skin in those affected. “The lower legs are most commonly affected. However, people with a tendency towards atopic dermatitis may develop generalised dry skin.”
Both healthcare professionals emphasise that the skin also becomes very itchy.
“And itchy skin is worse when you get hot, especially in bed,” Ms Nixon said. “Some people overheat in bed with electric blankets, etc.”
Another symptom of dry skin, according to Ms Dalwood, is that “facial skin can feel tighter and dry hands can become prone to getting small cuts and tears easier”.
No need to lie, who gets dry?
Everyone can get dry skin. There’s no ‘super suit’ that can protect you from it
(except for correct moisturiser, but more about that later). However, Ms Nixon says dry skin is especially common in older people.
“People at risk are particularly those who suffer from underlying skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, or more rarely hypothyroidism or nutritional deficiencies.
“One feature of aged skin is a decreased rate of epidermal proliferation, which increases the susceptibility to dry skin. There’s also less moisture and lipid content in older skin.”
Ms Nixon continued: “In dermatology practice in Melbourne, we frequently see older people whose skin on their lower legs gets progressively dry and itchy over winter, only to develop a form of eczema related to dry skin, known as asteatotic eczema, by August to September.”
Grease is good, but not for all
When asked what the most effective products are when it comes to hydrating the skin, Ms Nixon said: “Greasier moisturisers are most effective, and are best applied after the shower and/or before bed.”
Due to the large variety of skin care products available, it can be hard to determine which is the right one.
“In order of effectiveness, ointments are more effective than creams, which are more effective than lotions in a pump pack,” Ms Nixon said. “However, compliance is really important, so some people won’t like really greasy moisturisers.”
What’s most important, Ms Nixon says, is that “the best product is the one that you’ll use regularly”.
“Using soap-free washes will also help to supply moisturising activity,” she said. “There’s been a lot of research looking
at the molecules which contribute to the skin barrier (ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids) and incorporating them into moisturisers.
“This seems a reasonable approach, although it’s actually quite difficult to study whether one particular moisturiser is more effective than another.”
When it comes to talking about
certain products, Ms Dalwood feels confident in some of those on offer at retail pharmacies.
“I’ve always loved the Dermaveen range, with the colloidal oatmeal acting as a natural anti-inflammatory, soothing dry and itchy skin, as well as the natural MooGoo range,” she said.
Ms Dalwood continued: “For the
body, we sell a lot of Ego QV soap-free washes and moisturisers, as well as
the MooGoo natural skin care range.
I’m finding the Sukin facial skin care range is quite popular, too, as it offers so many natural skin care solutions for all skin types.”
It’s a whole-body affair
Ms Dalwood’s main recommendation to customers is “pay attention to [your] whole body, not just the dry areas”.
Her other tips for people experiencing dry skin include:
• Take note of which shampoo
and conditioner are being used.
“The shampoo and conditioner they choose will rinse down their bodies in the shower, potentially irritating dry skin, so choosing a fragrance and soap free shampoo and conditioner is just as important as a gentle wash.”
• Be careful of the heater.
“As tempting as it may be, [they should] avoid overheating the house and workplace, as this can be drying to the skin.”
• Keep moisturiser on hand.
“Keeping a small moisturiser in their bag to use more frequently will improve the dryness, too.”
Overall, one of the key facts to consider while working in a pharmacy and helping people achieve particular skin goals is that everyone’s skin is different. There is no one product, or as mentioned earlier, no ‘super suit’ that’s going to protect all skin types, at all times.
“I like chatting with our customers
to find out what will suit them best,”
Ms Dalwood said, and this approach should be regarded as one of the most important for any pharmacy worker
to adopt.
RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • JUL 2020