Dr. Skotnicki-Grant: The best anti-aging product is still sunblock. Unless you’re spending a lot of time outside, a moisturizer with added SPF 15 is enough for the winter. Steer clear of products that contain glycolic acids and Retin-A, which can be irritating.

I like the fragrance-free Kinerase line, which has some good science behind its anti-aging promises. In terms of ingredients, matrixyl is non-irritating and has scientific data to support its anti-aging claims. (Look for it in StriVectin and Olay’s Regenerist line.)

Stabilized vitamin C, found in Active C by La Roche-Posay, is also gentle and proven to decrease fine lines, increase collagen production and reduce pigmentation.

Find Dr. Skotnicki-Grant’s clinic at baydermatologycentre.com

First published in Winter 2006-07 issue of Allergic Living magazine.
To order that issue or to subscribe, click here.

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Dr. Skotnicki-Grant: Because the skin around the eye is the thinnest on the body, it’s easily irritated by toiletry products, cosmetics, ophthalmic medications, even the elements. If you have a genetic tendency towards eczema or dermatitis, you’ll also be more prone to developing irritation around the eye.

Don’t use creams meant for the hands or body on the face because they’re formulated differently, and might have concentrations not meant for the more delicate face and eye areas. Make sure you choose products that are fragrance-free and that list their ingredients, such as Marcelle, Almay and Clinique. Olay has a great eye cream for sensitive skin, too. Remember that many lines labelled “sensitive skin” or “hypoallergenic” might still have allergens or irritants in their formulations, so look for a complete list of ingredients.

If flaking and itching continue, see a dermatologist, because you may have developed allergic contact dermatitis (flaky, red, itchy skin resulting from a reaction to a chemical) to an ingredient. Only about 3.4 per cent of North Americans have allergic contact dermatitis to fragrance – so it’s more likely that you’re experiencing irritation to chemicals in your skincare and makeup products.

Common irritants include perfume, sunscreen and many botanicals. Remember, just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it will work for you – poison ivy is natural!

Related:
• Preventing atopic eczema flare-ups
• Avoiding parabens in cosmetics
• What is eczema and what are the best treatments?

Find Dr. Skotnicki-Grant’s clinic at baydermatologycentre.com

First published in Allergic Living magazine.
To subscribe, click here.