To tell you the truth, I’ve never been into “green” beauty products before. I had relatively easy skin, and I can use any body care from the random soap bar bought at a nearby warung to the pricey L’occitane body lotion without any significant effect to my skin. I didn’t suffer from extra dryness or patchy skin, even when I lived in a country with four seasons. For me, body lotion and body cream are items that I put only on the need basis, just when I feel that my skin needs an extra moisturizer. Natural or green body wash? I’ve tried several brands, but they are simply just a body wash for me.
But things changed when suddenly I developed eczema. I had dry, red, and itchy spots on my nape and ankles. Not a pretty picture, I tell you. Thank goodness the eczema didn’t develop on other body parts otherwise I don’t know how I would deal with them in Jakarta’s hot and humid environment. Some topical medications help to reduce and (for the time being) heal the dry patches but it serves as a wake up call for me. I need to take better care of my skin, as eczema can be worsened by the dryness of the skin. Stress and the environment are the common causes of adult eczema, but there are not much we can do about them, isn’t it? Therefore, the use of mild soap and moisturizer are the easiest at home treatment for this condition, and also the easiest one to follow! (more…)
