A little while ago, I blogged about how nickel allergies from ingesting foods high in nickel can cause dermatitis. The responses were overwhelming so I figured I'd add another post about skin barrier creams that protect your skin from topical contact with various heavy metals, like nickel, that may cause a rash or other allergic reaction.
One great way to protect your skin is with barrier creams. These work by creating an invisible barrier on the skin to protect you from (light) contact with various heavy metals. According to the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, barrier creams have been studied and aid in binding with nickel and preventing its absorption into the skin. See https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3047925/ ("Binding Agents and Barrier Creams" sub-heading). Somewhat scarily, "Nickel is the most common sensitizing agent worldwide. Allergic contact dermatitis due to this metal represents great morbidity, as well as cases of systemic allergic contact dermatitis, which can be misdiagnosed as adverse drug reactions, delaying the correct diagnosis and leading to inappropriate treatment." See id.
So...barrier creams. How do you find one that is effective, simple, cruelty-free, and kind to your skin? Research and try them! I looked high and low and found one I really like: Skintifique is a cruelty-free, ethical French skincare line that is specifically formulated for people sensitive to heavy metals. I purchased and tried (1) Cleanser P; (2) Moisturizing Lotion HP; and (3) Protective Cream HPS.
My favorite is the cleanser, which is cool and calming and removes even waterproof eye makeup with ease. I actually put some in a small spritz bottle and carry it with me because I find that, in addition to removing makeup and cleansing, it serves double (or triple!) duty as a refreshing toner and a makeup setting spray as well.
The lotion is great for daily moisturizing and as a protective barrier against pollutants and irritants. You can read more about what it does here. It is heavier than I am used to, so I find a little goes a long way, however, if your skin is extremely sensitive, you may want to use more.
The cream is fine. Like the cleanser and lotion, it is calming and cool. I actually find the lotion more pleasant to use than the cream, which for some reason, feels a little powdery to me. If you have oilier skin, though, you'll probably love the cream. It gives the skin a matte look. The cream is also in a much smaller container so it goes fast! I carry the cream in my purse for moisturizing and protecting my hands after washing.
The website offers a free full-sized product to try if you've never used their line before and I recommend using the freebie on the cream because it's the most expensive. You can also order packs together for ease, efficiency and discounts, depending on your specific skin concern - there is a Nickel Allergy Pack, an Eczema and Dermatitis Pack, a Tattoo Pack (!), and a Discovery Pack. My favorite two products are the Cleanser and Lotion and, if I had to pick just one, I'd pick the Cleanser because it is just so versatile.
https://www.skintifique.me/#skaid=BETI1704
One great way to protect your skin is with barrier creams. These work by creating an invisible barrier on the skin to protect you from (light) contact with various heavy metals. According to the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, barrier creams have been studied and aid in binding with nickel and preventing its absorption into the skin. See https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3047925/ ("Binding Agents and Barrier Creams" sub-heading). Somewhat scarily, "Nickel is the most common sensitizing agent worldwide. Allergic contact dermatitis due to this metal represents great morbidity, as well as cases of systemic allergic contact dermatitis, which can be misdiagnosed as adverse drug reactions, delaying the correct diagnosis and leading to inappropriate treatment." See id.
So...barrier creams. How do you find one that is effective, simple, cruelty-free, and kind to your skin? Research and try them! I looked high and low and found one I really like: Skintifique is a cruelty-free, ethical French skincare line that is specifically formulated for people sensitive to heavy metals. I purchased and tried (1) Cleanser P; (2) Moisturizing Lotion HP; and (3) Protective Cream HPS.
My favorite is the cleanser, which is cool and calming and removes even waterproof eye makeup with ease. I actually put some in a small spritz bottle and carry it with me because I find that, in addition to removing makeup and cleansing, it serves double (or triple!) duty as a refreshing toner and a makeup setting spray as well.
The lotion is great for daily moisturizing and as a protective barrier against pollutants and irritants. You can read more about what it does here. It is heavier than I am used to, so I find a little goes a long way, however, if your skin is extremely sensitive, you may want to use more.
The cream is fine. Like the cleanser and lotion, it is calming and cool. I actually find the lotion more pleasant to use than the cream, which for some reason, feels a little powdery to me. If you have oilier skin, though, you'll probably love the cream. It gives the skin a matte look. The cream is also in a much smaller container so it goes fast! I carry the cream in my purse for moisturizing and protecting my hands after washing.
The website offers a free full-sized product to try if you've never used their line before and I recommend using the freebie on the cream because it's the most expensive. You can also order packs together for ease, efficiency and discounts, depending on your specific skin concern - there is a Nickel Allergy Pack, an Eczema and Dermatitis Pack, a Tattoo Pack (!), and a Discovery Pack. My favorite two products are the Cleanser and Lotion and, if I had to pick just one, I'd pick the Cleanser because it is just so versatile.
https://www.skintifique.me/#skaid=BETI1704
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