Steroids
Topical steroids are medicated creams applied on the skin, and are used to reduce skin inflammation. Many people with eczema require a course of topical steroids when flare-up occurs. After the course, continued usage of moisturizers are essential to preventing another flare-up.
Topical steroids are used in addition to moisturisers (aka emollients). Doctors recommend waiting about 15 minutes between applying a topical corticosteroid and the moisturizing product.
Short courses of topical steroids are unlikely to cause side effects, although long term use may cause the skin to develop permanent stretch marks, discoloration etc., and may also cause withdrawal symptoms.
Our products are steroid-free.
Counterirritants
Counterirritants such as menthol, eucalyptus and camphor, are often used to provide relief from pain and itch. They do not treat itch, or pain; instead they change the way the pain and itch is perceived.
They work by exciting and subsequently desensitizing nociceptive sensory neurons, to create temporary hot and/or cold sensations. These sensations interrupt signals to the brain, thus distracting from the pain and/or itch.
Counterirritants can cause irritation or mild inflammation of the skin, and side effects include redness and allergic contact dermatitis. Menthol, a counterirritant commonly found in cosmetics, causes more transepidermal water loss (TEWL) compared to alcohol.
Our products are counterirritant and alcohol free.
Fragrances and Essential Oils
Fragrances include natural fragrances, essential oils, and synthetic fragrances.
While the word “natural” induces positive feelings, that does not mean it is safe or good for the skin. Natural fragrances, including essential oils, can trigger a sensitizing reaction in the skin. Essential oils contain common allergens that trigger inflammation and damage the skin, and may induce redness, hives, and itchiness.
Synthetic fragrances are the single most common cause of allergic reactions. They are made up of mostly petrochemicals including phthalates and benzene derivatives, some of which can be hazardous. Synthetic fragrances are proprietary blends and hence companies do not have to disclose what they encompass.
Our products are fragrance-free.
References for this information