Jolicare 3A Matrix: The Ultimate Guide to Repair Dry, Itchy, and Sensitive Skin
If you're struggling with conditions like eczema or psoriasis, you know that managing dry, itchy, and sensitive skin can be a constant challenge.
Three Steps: Aware > Avoid > Apply
Why the 3A Matrix is Essential: Aware, Avoid, Apply
Understanding the 3A Matrix
The Importance of This Approach
Step 1: Aware
Understanding General and Individual Triggers
General Triggers:
Individual Triggers:
In this initial phase, the goal is to become fully aware of the potential triggers in the three key areas:
- Food: Understanding which foods may trigger your skin condition.
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Lifestyle: Recognizing lifestyle factors such as stress or sleep patterns that impact your skin health.
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Product: Identifying skincare or household products that may exacerbate your skin issues.
Challenges of Traditional Approaches
The Easier Way to Identify Personal Triggers: Allergen Blood Tests
What is an Allergen Blood Test?
Why Opt for Allergen Blood Test?
Advancements in Testing Technology:
General Awareness Beyond Allergens
Step 2: Avoid
Preventing Your Skin From Getting Worse
Setting the Stage for Effective Avoidance
What to Avoid in 3 Key Areas
1. Food
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Processed Foods: These foods often contain artificial additives, preservatives, and flavor enhancers that can trigger inflammation and skin irritation.
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High-Sugar Foods: Consuming a lot of sugar can lead to inflammation throughout the body, including the skin. High sugar intake causes a spike in insulin levels, which can worsen inflammation and contribute to the severity of eczema or psoriasis flare-ups.
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Gluten: Found in wheat, barley, and rye, gluten can cause inflammation, particularly in those sensitive to it. Foods typically containing gluten include bread, pasta, cereals, and many baked goods.
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Dairy Products: Dairy can be problematic for people with sensitive skin due to lactose and certain proteins like casein and whey, which may trigger inflammation.
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Shellfish: Shellfish like shrimp, lobsters, and crabs are high in iodine, a known irritant for people with sensitive skin. They can trigger allergic reactions and inflammatory responses that worsen symptoms of skin conditions.
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Red Meat: Often high in a polyunsaturated fat called arachidonic acid, red meat can promote inflammation in the body.
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Alcohol: Dehydrates the skin and can disturb your immune function, potentially making symptoms worse.
2. Lifestyle
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Scratching: It's a natural response to itchiness, but scratching can be the worst thing to do to worsen skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. When you scratch, you can break the skin's surface, leading to open wounds, infections, and increased inflammation. This not only prolongs healing but can also intensify the itch, creating a vicious cycle of itching and scratching.
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Stress and Lack of Sleep: Can weaken your immune system and make skin issues worse. Managing stress and getting enough sleep are essential.
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Environmental Allergens: Things like pollen, dust, dust mites and pet dander can cause reactions. Keeping your home clean can help.
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Long, Hot Showers: Can remove your skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness. Shorter, cooler showers are better.
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Smoking: Reduces blood flow to the skin, which can slow healing and make conditions worse.
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Long Hours Under Air Conditioning: Can dry out your skin too much. Using a humidifier might help.
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Sweat: While exercise is good and helps clean out pores, it's important not to let sweat sit on your skin for too long if it causes discomfort. Washing or wiping off sweat soon after exercising can help minimize skin irritation.
3. Products
- Steroid-Based Products: While topical steroids can provide quick relief from skin inflammation and discomfort, they come with potential side effects. Long-term use of topical steroids may lead to topical steroid withdrawal, a condition characterized by red, itchy, and burning skin. It’s important to use steroid creams only under medical supervision and for short periods.
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Harsh Skincare Products: Avoid items with alcohol, fragrances, and other harsh chemicals, which can irritate and dry out your skin.
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Shampoos and Soaps with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): These can strip your skin and scalp of natural oils.
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Non-Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent: Regular laundry detergents often contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes that can remain on clothes after washing. These residues can irritate the skin, leading to dryness, itching, and exacerbation of skin conditions.
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Synthetic Clothing and Bedding Materials: Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and rayon are often treated with chemicals during manufacturing, which can irritate sensitive skin.
Avoiding Personal Triggers
Keep in mind, the general triggers listed are shared across many individuals but may not trouble you specifically.
The Change is within Your Control
Only you can make the change for what's best for you.
Changing your lifestyle to avoid triggers might seem tough, but the rewards are significant.
Each proactive step not only reduces your symptoms but also leads to a life with more comfort and fewer skin problems.
By knowing and avoiding what specifically affects you, you empower yourself to take control of your skin health and achieve lasting improvements.
Step 3: Apply
Doing The Right Things for Lasting Skin Health
Applications Across Three Key Areas
1. Food
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Omega-3 Rich Foods: Include salmon, mackerel, and flaxseeds to reduce inflammation—a common issue in skin disorders.
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Antioxidants: Eat berries, carrots, and spinach to protect skin cells from oxidative stress and support skin repair.
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Fiber-Rich Foods: Incorporate whole grains, beans, and legumes to promote digestive health and improve skin health.
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Hydration: Aim to drink at least 2 liters (2000 ml) of water daily, complemented by high-water-content foods like cucumbers and watermelon, to maintain skin hydration and aid detoxification.
2. Lifestyle
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Shower Habits: Opt for short showers with lukewarm water to preserve natural skin oils and minimize dryness.
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Nail Care: Maintain short nails to prevent skin damage from scratching, which can lead to infections.
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Stress Management: Regularly engage in yoga or meditation to reduce stress, a known trigger for skin flare-ups.
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Sleep: Prioritize 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to facilitate skin healing and rejuvenation.
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Emotional Wellbeing: Embrace a positive mindset and practice gratitude. The journey to improving skin health can vary greatly from person to person, so it’s important to stay positive and persistent. Keep going, and empower yourself to believe in the process and your ability to overcome challenges.
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Treatment Creams/ Ointments: Regularly apply effective non-steroidal creams on targeted areas that hydrate and help repair the skin barrier without the potential side effects of steroids. Look for formulations that are free from harsh chemicals and focus on herbal or natural ingredients that soothe and repair.
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Shower Products: Choose shower gels and soaps that are gentle, non-irritating, and designed specifically for sensitive skin to avoid worsening your skin conditions.
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Supplements: Include supplements such as probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D to support skin health from within.
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Lotions: Use lotions daily to keep larger areas of the body moisturized; these should primarily focus on hydrating functions.
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Laundry Detergents: Select hypoallergenic, fragrance-free detergents to minimize skin irritation from clothing, bedding, and other fabrics.
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Clothing Choices: Prefer soft, breathable materials like cotton to help reduce skin irritation associated with synthetic fabrics.