Skincare and makeup help - malar rash, autoimmune, v v sensitive

[YesItsMeYesItsMe]

Blah. I need help please 😭 I have never really been into skincare or beauty but now I really need to start taking care of myself because my skin is actually uncomfortable. Plus I just feel shit looking in the mirror sometimes.

My skin is SO dry and tight and I’m scared to put anything on it. I have just been diagnosed with Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease which as the rheumatologist explained to me could turn into a more specific diagnosis as the years go on, but really suffering at the mo with a malar rash and very very dry and sensitive eyes.

So what I’m looking for is day to day moisturiser that ideally has 50+ SPF, and a mascara for sensitive eyes which comes off with just water but doesn’t flake down my face. That’s all I’m asking! My lips are very dry too but coping with lansinoh and some random lip balm DH just bought me.

When malar rash is flaring I just leave it or maybe put some fresh aloe on - is there anything else I can do during a flare? Cold flannel is nice too. After it’s gone, my skin is left sooooo tight and dry so I need help with that. Have just ordered some Egyptian Magic as looks nice and natural. I have been using Khiels Ultra cream but it smells weird and think is isn’t gentle enough for me.

Eye-wise I use various hycosan drops. I just want a mascara to make me look a bit more glam.

Hair is a frizzy brittle mess since having DD 8 months ago too, curly girl is too much thought for me at the mo.

At least my adult acne has gone! To be replaced by an autoimmune disease 😄 yay me.

For your eyes I strongly recommend Sea Buckthorn capsules.

For your skin, do you take fish oil and vitamin e oil capsules yet? Turmeric and Quercetin and Bromelain are your friends here.

Topically, Weleda calendula patted on is immensely soothing, it is white in colour, which you may like, or not!

re the Hycosan, the ointment is an excellent treatment designed for nightime, I use it then, as well as in the morning.

For moisturiser you could try Avene Toleriane.

Hi @Doliveira thanks for your reply. I will research the things you suggest! Yes I already use the hycosan ointment, have been using it for the past few years, I do resent it though 😄such a faff, so thick. But it does help.

I did take fish oils for a spell earlier in the year after having DD but they are just so gross and make me have horrible fishy burps (sorry TMI). Will research your pointers though!

Just really want a mascara to make me feel a bit nicer. I only ever really did concealer, mascara and lip balm and feel so flat about myself at the mo!

The thing is, if you take the fish oil etc, Quercetin and Bromelain, you won’t be so allergic , so you will be more likely to be able to wear mascara without problems. I don’t know of a mascara that comes off with just water. You could consider using castor oil on your lashes to thicken them, and then dye them.

Blinc mascara comes off with warm water but doesn't budge with runny eyes. I use Cetaphil daily moisturiser which is spf 50 and very gentle

CeraVe moisturiser and Maybelline colosal mascara. Yellow tube with mauve text on it ( they're are a few in that range)

But I'm not allergic as far as I know. It's an autoimmune disease so the whole point is my body is reacting where there is no problem, not an allergy. I think (all very new to me!). But I see what you mean.

@CMOTDibbler and @MrsPelligrinoPetrichor thank you! Will try a few out.

Boots Stay perfect tubing mascara - it's cheaper via Amazon unless you have a Boots card offer
Stays put until you take it off with a damp Muslim cloth or flannel. I have eczema flare ups on my eyelids at times but this doesn't irritate them

I also use this Ambre Solaire 50spf which is £8 which doesn't irritate my skin and goes under make up quite well - but I appreciate that may be trickier for you

Muslin! Sorry

Are you on medication? Because eventually this should help the skin issues.

I know in the early days when my face was very sore and dry, Aveno and then Cereve were about the only things I could tolerate and I couldn’t cope with an spf at all as it just aggravated the rash.

To take off eye make up I used Blephasol which is soothing on the eyes but also gentle on the skin around them.

I sympathise OP - I have severe eczema that is now largely controlled by prescription immuno-suppresant medication.

The only SPF I can tolerate is Altruist (recommended by my consultant) - its lovely and moisturising too. Can buy on Amazon - big bottle for £10.

The best moisturisers I've found are Eucerin (they have a line for very dry and sensitive skins). I've heard good things from fellow eczema sufferers about Cerave. Avene triggered my eczema.

I use No 7 or Max Factor mascara but not everyday.

Hi i have Scleroderma( an AI very similar to Lupus) and have found Aveeno the only cream my skin will tolerate. If your lips flake put it on your lips too, let it sink in then follow with a barrier like vasaline or carex.

I'm in a group for Lupus and La Roche-Posay is always recommended for malar rash/sensitive skin by others in the group.

Victoria Beckham mascara comes off with just water - I’ve just switched having been a Bobbi Brown fan for years and I really like it.

Thanks all - I bought some cerave yesterday after my boots order of cetaphil was delayed. Came up in an allergic reaction instantly. Cetaphil just arrived so will try that. I used La Roche Posay for a couple of years but I react to that too. I think Eucerin might be my next try too if Cetaphil doesn’t work. Such an expensive and annoying experiment to have to do!

Have you considered facial oils? Jojoba oil is so soothing on my skin when my skin barrier is damaged and I cannot tolerate anything else. Vaseline also helps as an occlusive to keep moisture in the skin.