Eczema is a skin condition that affects a significant number of Canadians. According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, 17% of Canadians will suffer from atopic dermatitis — the most common type of eczema — at some point in their lives. The skin condition causes red, itchy, inflamed skin and can happen in both adults and children. Eczema flare-ups can be due to an allergic reaction or to genetics, and there are multiple reasons why someone might suffer from the skin condition. Regardless of the cause, combatting eczema starts with a healthy, non-compromised skin barrier. Here, we break down everything you need to know about taking care of eczema-prone skin, from creating the best skincare routine with La Roche-Posay’s shea butter-rich Lipikar AP+ range to learning how to balance the skin’s microbiome.
What is shea butter, and what are its benefits?
An ingredient that’s much loved in the skincare industry, shea butter is vegetable butter that’s extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It contains high levels of omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids, which work to soften and protect the skin, along with vitamins A, D and E, which is a well-known antioxidant. Generally, shea butter benefits the skin by nourishing, softening and repairing the skin barrier and is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. While all skin types can benefit from using the hero ingredient, dry and eczema-prone skin can really reap the rewards as it works to strengthen the skin barrier, which is often compromised with these specific skin conditions and concerns.
Shea butter is the key ingredient in La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar skincare line. Each year, the brand uses approximately 300 tons of shea butter from Burkina Faso in Lipikar products. Through this fair-trade agreement, La Roche-Posay supports some 21,500 Burkina Faso women, who harvest the plant; this in turn contributes to community development.
Why is Lipikar’s formula so good for your skin?
Created for dry, irritated, very dry and eczema-prone skin types, the Lipikar skincare range works to restore softness as well as curb itching and irritation. It’s a robust line of nourishing products that can be used on all skin conditions and types; it’s even safe for use on babies and children. Containing ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide and, of course, shea butter, each product deeply hydrates, which helps with skin texture and softness; keeping skin hydrated is also an important step in minimizing itchiness and relapse. Safe for even the most sensitive skin types, the Lipikar skincare line is fragrance-, parabens- and alcohol-free as well as hypoallergenic.
Lipikar improves your skin’s microbiome.
The skin microbiome plays a big role in the general health of skin. Everyone’s skin has an ecosystem of micro-organisms that live on the surface, and that includes bacteria. Together, the skin barrier and microbiome work to protect the body from external aggressors. When the skin microbiome becomes unbalanced, this can weaken the skin barrier, which can lead to skin conditions like eczema, acne breakouts and more. La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar skincare range actively works to keep the skin microbiome healthy and balanced thanks to the inclusion of Aqua Posae Filiformis—an exclusive active that preserves the balance of the microbiome while restoring the skin barrier of the face and body. This active ingredient, along with the bacteria Vitreoscilla filiformis, work together in the Lipikar range to combat irritation.
Lipikar offers a complete skincare routine.
Adopting a skincare routine using La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar line will help to keep your skin happy and healthy.
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Step 1: Cleanse
Use a gentle cleanser like Lipikar Syndet AP+ to remove any dirt and excess oil on the skin’s surface.
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Step 2: Hydrate
Give skin a dose of hydration with Lipikar Baume AP+M. This ultra-gentle moisturizer contains shea butter, thermal water and glycerin to help lock in hydration and keep skin soft and smooth.
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Step 3: On-the-go treatment
Perfect for reapplication throughout the day, Lipikar Stick AP+ is a product you can throw in your bag and use to curb any itchy flare-ups that may occur when you’re out and about. This anti-itch stick offers instant soothing and repairing benefits for dry and eczema-prone skin.
