Make Managing Eczema Easier

(Family Features) More than 30 million Americans, including nearly 10 million children, have eczema, the umbrella term for a group of noncontagious, inflammatory and painful skin conditions marked by an itchy, rash-like appearance. Because one of the most challenging aspects of eczema can be its unpredictability, the National Eczema Association (NEA), designed an app to help people and parents easily track what’s important and make sense of it.

The app, called EczemaWise, aims to revolutionize how people living with the condition manage it with a faster, more efficient tracking system that helps uncover trends and makes preparing for doctors’ appointments easier.

People with eczema tend to have an overreactive immune system that produces inflammation on the skin when triggered by a substance outside or inside the body, such as food or pollen, along with factors like stress and sleep. Experts say tracking and recording symptoms and possible triggers is key to managing the condition, but it can be time-consuming, and many people struggle to keep thorough notes in journals or on their smartphones.

“One of the best things out there to help keep track of your child’s eczema is EczemaWise because it’s so easy to use,” said Aisha Bryant, mother of a 3-year-old with eczema. “Within a few days of using it, I was able to identify that tomato sauce was causing my daughter to flare.”

The app can help track nine different disease and care factors, including:

• Itch intensity on a scale of 0-10
• Pain on a scale of 0-10
• Skin symptoms using a body map to note affected areas
• Stress on a scale of 0-10
• Sleep problems on a scale of 0-10
• Weather, which auto-populates using your location
• Triggers, which track exposure to materials such as metals, chemicals, irritants and environmental allergies
• Diet with tracking of water intake and foods
• Treatments logged by time of day

The free app, which is available for Android and iOS as well as a web app, is designed to identify trends and patterns so people and their doctors can better determine the most effective treatments. NEA recommends tracking a minimum of three times each week – and ideally daily – though people can log as many or as few factors as they like. App users can also print their health data to share at doctors’ appointments.

“Using EczemaWise will empower patients with eczema,” said dermatologist Eric L. Simpson, MD. “The app allows them to communicate a much broader story about their disease than we can typically capture in a 15-minute visit.”

For more information, visit EczemaWise.org.

Winter Skin Care 101

(Family Features) Cold weather can take a real toll on your skin. Dry skin can lead to discomfort and, if neglected, can affect your skin's elasticity and trigger outbreaks of irritated skin.

Help keep your skin feeling healthy and hydrated this winter with these tips:

Drink water. Hydrating your body from the inside out plays an important role in keeping skin supple and soft. When you're dehydrated, the body pulls water from any source it can, including your skin. A good rule of thumb is at least 8 cups of water a day.

Hydrate with food. You can also boost your internal water reserves by eating foods rich in water, nutrients, vitamins and beneficial fats and oils. Fish, nuts and avocados all contain plenty of essential nutrients that help promote well-hydrated skin. Foods like cucumber, zucchini, lettuce and watermelon also naturally have a high concentration of water.

Use body lotion. Your skin naturally loses moisture throughout the day through evaporation, but you can help trap the hydration you add from bathing by adding a layer of quality lotion. An option like Remedy Dermatology Series Moisturizing Body Lotion contains a proprietary botanical blend of nutrients, emollients and antioxidants, including green tea, clove and safflower oleosomes. Its smooth, rich formula absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling soft with no greasy or oily residue. Formulated by skin care experts, the lotion helps skin stay moisturized for up to 24 hours and is free of 80 of the most common allergens that contribute to rashes and skin sensitivity. Learn more at remedyderm.com.

Protect skin. Exposure to harsh weather can quickly dry and chap your skin, so any time you'll be outdoors, especially for extended periods of time, be sure to cover up exposed areas. Keep an extra set of gloves and a scarf in your vehicle so you're prepared for unexpected time outdoors, whether from an accident or impromptu stop at a local park for some fresh air and exercise.

Change out of wet clothes. Always remove wet clothes as soon as possible. Not only do cold, wet clothes affect your body's ability to regulate internal temperature, they can create friction that leads to uncomfortable and painful skin irritation. If getting wet is unavoidable, consider layering your clothing so you can shed wet outer layers quickly before they can soak through.

Use a humidifier. The indoor climate becomes considerably drier in the winter months when the furnace runs regularly. Using a humidifier can help restore a level of humidity that's better for your skin. Aim for humidity levels in the range of 35-50%; depending on your climate, you may need to err on the lower side of the scale to reduce condensation on windows.

Wear sunscreen. Winter sun rays are just as strong as summer rays, even if you don't feel their heat quite as much. In fact, snow burns that result from sun reflecting off the snow can be even more dangerous than regular sunburns. Protect your skin from burning and drying out by using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 any time you venture outdoors.

Lotion Do's and Don'ts

Do use lotion, even when your skin doesn't feel dry. Experts say you should apply moisturizer onto damp skin to help lock in any water sitting on the surface before it evaporates.

Don't use too much. Quality moisturizers are highly concentrated and designed to be effective without a thick layer. If you use too much, it's more likely to sit on the surface of your skin, occlude the surface and potentially trigger breakouts.

Do look for products that match your skin type. While there are common allergens that are present in many lotions, an option like Remedy Dermatology Series Moisturizing Body Lotion is free of parabens, fragrances and aloe that can irritate sensitive skin or allergies.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

7 Ways to Promote Cool-Weather Skin Care

(Family Features) When temperatures plummet, a seasonal wardrobe change helps protect most of your body from the elements. However, your face and hands are likely still exposed and even areas protected by clothing can be affected by a harsh climate. A fall skin-care regimen can help ensure your delicate features fare well even as blustery winds blow.

Sunscreen smarts. Most people know that slathering on the sunscreen is a must when heading to the pool or beach, but your skin can actually take a hit from the sun’s damaging rays year-around. Apply a sunscreen lotion or moisturizer containing SPF daily to reduce the risk and minimize your chances of sun spots and wrinkles.

Healthy hydration. When it’s hot, you’re more likely to feel thirsty and drink more, but staying well hydrated is important in colder weather, too. Proper hydration affects numerous body functions, such as ensuring your muscles and joints are well lubricated and helping your body to regulate its temperature. Water is the solution most experts recommend, but non-sugary options like tea can also help.

Food factors. Although limiting the amount of fat you consume is generally recommended for a nutritious eating plan, in the fall and winter it’s especially important to be sure you’re consuming enough healthy fats and omega-3s to promote moisture from the inside out. Good sources include eggs, nuts, avocados and lean proteins like fish, turkey, chicken and beef.

Clothing concerns. Even if you don’t feel the chill, cold wind can do a number on your skin. Be sure to cover up adequately when outdoors to prevent the chapping and irritation that can come from sustained exposure. Also be wary of precipitation; be sure your outer layers repel water and that you’re able to change into dry clothing promptly if you do get wet.

Ample exercise. Getting your heart rate up helps get your blood circulating, which is not only good for burning calories and beefing up your muscles, it also promotes healthy skin. Sweating helps push impurities out of your pores, and the increased circulation helps distribute nutrients throughout your body, including the skin.

Avoid irritants. Especially if you have sensitive skin, cool wind can be brutal. Take care to avoid potential problems by sticking to softly textured fabrics that won’t get itchy, take it easy on the exfoliating and be mindful of skin care products, soaps and detergents that may be particularly drying to already parched skin. Also skip the temptation to warm up in a hot shower, which can dry your skin even further.

Manage moisture. Even oilier skin types may need extra moisture when dry, cold conditions prevail. Oil-free options let you add moisture without over-stimulating oil glands, while natural oils such as coconut or jojoba are ideal for dryer skin. Apply lotion after every shower to trap in moisture and as needed throughout the day to prevent chapping and cracking, and give special attention to areas that are prone to damage, such as your lips and hands.

Find more ways to weather through this winter at eLivingToday.com.

4 Ways to Perfect a Carefree Style

A carefree style may appear effortless, but creating a look that stands up to a busy day still requires some simple work.

Keep your skin in top condition and your hair and makeup on point with these tips from the beauty experts at Macy’s to help you look and feel your best.

Protect your skin. If there’s only one skin care product you use, it has to be sunscreen. Not only is daily SPF important for avoiding sunburns, it also helps prevent wrinkles and spots caused by sun damage. Apply early and often, and don’t be fooled by a cloudy day. Even when skies are overcast, those UV rays can inflict plenty of harm. If you’ll be out for an extended period, consider a stylish hat to lend extra protection to your scalp, ears and face. Also remember to cover or apply sunscreen to often-overlooked places, such as the tops of your feet.

Go for all-day eyes. When you’re embracing a laid-back look, a fully done eye can be overkill. A basic tint and some mascara is a simple way to achieve a put-together but fuss-free style. Using a waterproof formula can give you the confidence that your lashes are in perfect condition and ready for whatever the day may bring. If you have a favorite formula, check to see whether a waterproof version is available.

Make it matte. For lip color that lasts from sunrise to moonlight, matte lipstick is the real deal. In addition to being long-lasting, matte lipsticks pack an intense punch of color perfect for a bright and cheerful lip. If a little sparkle or shine is more your thing, go ahead and add a light layer of clear gloss and give yourself bonus points if one layer or both include SPF.

Explore new ideas. Switch up your look and unlock new favorites with Macy’s Beauty Box, a $15 monthly subscription to beauty’s most wow-worthy products specially chosen by beauty experts. With a variety of products from the best brands ranging from eye shadows to mascaras to lipsticks, each month you’ll receive five deluxe beauty samples, one bonus item, a collectible cosmetics bag and a $5 beauty coupon available for use in-store and on macys.com.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images (woman outside)

A Total Body Approach to a New You

(Family Features) New Year’s resolutions typically focus on reactive goals like losing weight or getting back into that workout routine. However, thinking about resolutions in a more proactive, long-term way can give you more motivation and the willpower to stick with it.

A commitment to proactive total body care, including these tips from Massage Envy, can keep your body and mind tuned up, allowing you to do more of what you love in 2017 and beyond.

Feel confident by upping your skincare
Skin isan organ – the body’s largest organ, in fact. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to it. Regular skincare can help you feel good on the outside by reversing signs of aging, improving skin tone and texture, moisturizing skin and reducing blemishes and breakouts, and better on the inside, as feeling good about how your skin looks can boost your confidence.

A daily hydrating moisturizer with SPF does double duty to protect and hydrate. Regular facials that cater to your skin’s unique needs can also help minimize wrinkles, cleanse pores, encourage skin cell renewal and improve overall tone and texture.

Live happier and stress free
The Statistic Brain Research Institute reports that 77 percent of people regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress. Spending time with friends, meditating and practicing mindfulness can help, but there are also physical ways to soothe stress. A quick walk can do wonders for clearing your head, and a single massage session can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, relax your muscles and increase the production of endorphins, your body's natural "feel good" chemical. Stress relief is one of the benefits of regular massage therapy, and a key component for anyone trying to achieve a lifestyle that gives them the freedom to do more of what they love.

Veg out on the good stuff
A healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, feel good and boost your body’s immunity so you can stay well. Occasionally, indulging your sweet tooth or salty cravings is OK, but to really take care of your body, leading health-focused agencies recommend piling your plate high with colorful fruits and veggies, lean meats like chicken and fish, and whole grains.

If you started off with a commitment to eating better in the New Year, push hard to stick to it. Before long, you’ll find yourself automatically making smarter choices when it comes to mealtime, and when you put good fuel in your body, you get better results.

Including total body care in your resolutions this year and beyond can create positive changes that last a lifetime. Visit MassageEnvy.com to learn more about steps you can take to boost your overall well-being.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images