Atopic skin: Understanding, preventing and soothing the signs
Eloise Dubois-Gaché
10 min
Summary
Does your skin feel tight, itchy, or red for no apparent reason? If these sensations are recurring, you may be one of the many people affected by atopic skin . Unlike simply sensitive skin, atopic skin is prone to inflammatory flare-ups, which alternate between periods of calm and more uncomfortable periods.
But why does some skin react this way? What are the triggers and, above all, how can we improve their comfort on a daily basis?
Let's take stock.
What is atopic skin?
Atopic skin , also called atopic eczema , is a chronic skin condition that causes dryness, redness, and intense itching.
It is not uncommon to see it associated with other pathologies such as asthma, allergic rhinitis (the famous hay fever) or even food allergies . If this is your case, know that you are not alone: atopic skin affects around 20% of children and 4% of adults.
But actually, where does this word "atopic" come from? 🤔
It comes from the Greek "a-topos" , which means "out of place, abnormal". In short, it is skin that does not function as it should, skin that reacts excessively to external aggressions.
It manifests itself through clearly recognizable signs:
Extreme dryness : the skin is dehydrated, rough, uncomfortable.
Persistent redness : often located on the face, elbows, knees and hands.
Intense itching : Unable to resist the urge to scratch, which further aggravates the inflammation.
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Thick, rough patches : due to irritation, certain areas thicken.
Increased sensitivity : the skin reacts to everything: cold, heat, stress, unsuitable cosmetics, etc.
“Atopic skin is sensitive skin, right?”
This is a question we hear a lot, and the answer is no, not exactly .
Sensitive skin reacts quickly to aggressions (cold, wind, overly aggressive cosmetics), but with the right care, it can calm down.
Atopic skin , on the other hand, isn't just sensitive. It's a chronic condition, meaning it comes and goes in flare-ups. One day it 's calm, the next it decides to flare up without warning. And unlike sensitive skin, it has a structural problem, a real manufacturing defect in its protective barrier.
In summary:
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Sensitive skin → reacts to external aggressions, but can be soothed quickly.
Atopic skin → suffers from a deep imbalance which requires a rigorous and adapted daily routine.
Causes and triggers of atopic skin
Do you have atopic skin and are wondering what causes it? The first culprits, and not the least: your parents! 😬
A genetic predisposition
If you have atopic dermatitis, there is a 50% chance that one of your parents will also have it (thanks, Mom and Dad!).
And for good reason, this condition has a strong genetic component .
Research has shown that certain genetic mutations increase the risk of developing atopic skin, particularly those affecting filaggrin , a protein essential for skin cohesion and protection. Inserm even tells us that if both parents have atopic dermatitis, the risk of transmission to the child increases to 80%.
This predisposition is explained by an alteration of certain skin proteins responsible for the cohesion of the skin barrier.
You didn't understand anything about this sentence? We're here to explain everything to you.🔎
A deficient skin barrier
The skin barrier is the skin's natural shield against external aggressions. Normally, it is reinforced by a hydrolipidic film, a mixture of sebum, lipids, and water that maintains hydration and protects against irritants.
In the case of atopic skin, this shield is weakened: the production of lipids and cell adhesion molecules is insufficient. As a result, the skin loses its hydration too quickly , giving way to dryness, and becomes permeable to allergens and pollutants , which triggers repeated redness, itching and inflammation.
Its balance is disrupted, and it needs appropriate care to regain its protective function.
A hyper-reactive immune system
If the skin barrier is the first line of defense, the immune system is there to reinforce it... except that in atopic people, it tends to overreact . 🤯
They often produce an excess of IgE , antibodies involved in allergic reactions. This imbalance leads to an exaggerated inflammatory response as soon as an allergen or irritant crosses the skin (ouch!). This explains why atopic people are more prone to respiratory allergies (rhinitis, asthma) or food allergies.
This immune hyperactivity creates a vicious circle: the more the skin is attacked, the more it sends warning signals to the immune system, which sometimes reacts too strongly, too quickly .
Aggravating factors: triggers
Certain external elements can aggravate the signs of atopic skin by further weakening the skin barrier and triggering inflammatory reactions.
Environment : Dry cold accelerates dehydration, heat exacerbates irritation and pollution promotes inflammation by penetrating the skin more easily.
Irritants : Household products, perfumed detergents, and harsh soaps damage the skin barrier. Clothing made of wool or synthetic fibers increases discomfort through friction.
Allergens : Dust mites, pollen, animal hair and certain foods can trigger atopic reactions, especially in young children.
Lifestyle and stress : Closely linked, stress and skin interact (hello, red cheeks in the event of intense discomfort). Prolonged stress aggravates inflammation and weakens the skin barrier, making flare-ups more frequent.
How to soothe and manage atopic skin on a daily basis?
Atopic skin is therefore skin that requires a lot of attention and gentleness, and we come with a whole range of ideas to take care of it! 😌
Adopt a suitable skincare routine
The first step to limiting the discomfort of atopic skin is to adopt suitable care that respects its fragility.
1️⃣ Use gentle, soap-free cleansers to avoid damaging the hydrolipidic film and rich in moisturizing agents.
2️⃣ Apply an emollient cream (which softens and smooths the skin by providing it with lipids and hydration) morning and evening to strengthen the skin barrier.
3️⃣ Favor treatments containing lipid-replenishing agents (which restore the skin's essential lipids) such as ceramides, shea butter or coconut oil, the benefits of which for atopic skin have been confirmed by a randomized trial .
4️⃣ In addition, integrate soothing and restorative active ingredients such as allantoin, aloe vera or calendula extract to calm irritations and promote skin regeneration.
What to do in case of a flare-up?
Uh oh, the flare-up is here. It itches, it heats up, and the vicious cycle begins... But don't panic, there are solutions to calm the flare-up and limit its intensity for atopic skin.
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Apply a soothing cream : On medical prescription, corticosteroid creams can be used to reduce inflammation and calm itching quickly.
Use soothing compresses : apply a compress of thermal water for an immediate refreshing effect, or a compress of chamomile infusion or floral water to calm irritations thanks to its softening and anti-inflammatory properties. 🌼
Bet on colloidal oatmeal : Oats aren't just for making breakfasts fit for a champion! In their colloidal form, they become a true ally for atopic skin. Research has shown that they help repair the skin barrier and improve skin hydration.
Prevent triggers
Atopic skin has its daily enemies. We can't always avoid them, but we can make their task more difficult with a few good habits:
- Opt for cotton : soft and breathable, it prevents unpleasant friction, unlike wool or synthetic materials.
- Pamper your laundry : a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free laundry detergent means less risk of irritation for your skin.
- Moisturize your air too : In winter, dry indoor air already dries out the skin, so a humidifier can really make a difference.
- Lower the temperature in the shower : Hot showers (so beloved) are a no-no for atopic skin ! Lukewarm is good, and your skin will thank you.
Lifestyle habits and complementary treatments
A diet that supports the skin
You'll also need to nourish your skin from the inside out. Diet plays a key role in skin balance: omega-3s, found in oily fish and certain vegetable oils like flaxseed or walnut oil, are particularly beneficial.
Note that in vegetable oils, they are in precursor form and require conversion by the body to be fully utilized, but they remain an excellent support for the skin barrier.
Obviously, don't forget to drink enough water (1.5 to 2L) to maintain good hydration and help the skin defend itself better.
Stress, an underestimated aggravating factor
When stress sets in, skin reactions go into overdrive, and atopic skin pays the price.
Becoming aware of your stress level is the first step to better managing it: identifying the moments when tension rises, observing how the body reacts... Once this link is identified, it becomes easier to adopt appropriate solutions, whether by adjusting your lifestyle, giving yourself breaks, or finding an activity that allows you to release the pressure. 🧘♀️
When should you consult a dermatologist?
If, despite a suitable routine, your atopic skin remains uncomfortable and flare-ups are severe, it may be time to visit a dermatologist. They can offer more targeted treatments such as phototherapy (controlled exposure to UV rays to soothe inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier) or specific creams to regulate the inflammation of your atopic skin.
Conclusion
Atopic skin is skin that can no longer defend itself. It requires daily attention to limit discomfort and space out inflammatory flare-ups. With a tailored routine, simple actions, and a better understanding of triggers, it's entirely possible to regain a sense of balance.
