A dry skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, can severely impair self-esteem and disrupt everyday life, even causing affected individuals to withdraw from social situations because of the visible nature of the condition. One way to ease the cosmetic concerns of living with unhappy skin is to learn how to best conceal the affected areas in order to look and feel one`s best. Consumers have many options when choosing their make-up; from basic liquid foundations and concealers to camouflage make-up (i.e., corrective make-up), mineral make-up, and airbrushing kits, the choices are endless. However, despite the wide range of make-up types on the market, it is not an easy task for individuals with a dry skin condition to find products that won’t irritate their skin and worsen their symptoms.

Since the skin on the face is the thinnest on the body, it responds very easily to triggers such as chemicals and fragrances in cosmetics. It is, therefore, very important to read labels carefully. To avoid allergic reactions, look for hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic concealers and foundations made from all-natural ingredients and avoid skincare products containing lanolin, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and sodium lauryl sulfate. As you would with other cosmetic product, when you try a new make-up, conduct a patch test - test for allergic reactions on the inside of your arm - before applying it on your face and other sensitive areas. Regardless of which type of make-up you choose, it is crucial to prepare the skin before applying any kind of make-up or concealer to dry or eczematous skin. First gently exfoliate the skin to allow for a more even distribution of the make-up and then apply a hypoallergenic, emollient-rich moisturizer.

One of the trickiest parts of concealing a skin condition is applying liquid- and cream-based make-up. You might be tempted to lay on heavy foundation to cover redness; however, heavy formulas only exacerbate the dryness and uneven texture of problem skin. The trick is to find the right balance between covering up redness and still maintaining a natural look. To achieve this balance, use concealers, full-coverage foundation, or camouflage make-up ONLY on problem patches and then even out the skin tone with a lightweight foundation that won’t leave your make-up looking clumpy and thick. Alternatively, you can also conceal red patches by applying a light green base before applying a lightweight foundation or powder. Green is the complementary color to red; it visually evens out the redness, giving the skin a natural hue.

If you do not like the feel of liquid foundation on your skin or are having difficulties with its application, mineral make-up with its lightweight, non-comedogenic, and natural formula might be for you. Mineral make-up, comprised of pulverized and sterilized minerals, is ideal for individuals with sensitive skin. Not only is it free from chemicals that can cause skin irritation and inflammation, but with its light-reflecting pigments, it evens out skin tone and covers up redness and imperfections. Moreover, it protects the skin from wind, environmental pollutants, and harmful UV rays, and it has a soothing and calming effect on the skin. On the down side, it can dry out the skin. If this is the case with you, we recommend mixing mineral loose pigments with your daily face cream and then massaging it into your skin, as you would your cream.

When choosing a mineral make-up, it is vital to read the ingredient list to make sure the product contains minerals in their purest form; a good rule of thumb is to choose products with as few ingredients as possible. Look for products contain titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, mica, and iron oxide and stay away from make-up containing talc and bismuth oxychloride, as these minerals can cause itching and rashes on people with sensitive skin.

For many individuals suffering from a chronic skin condition, the delicate skin on the eyelids and around the eyes is particularly prone to rashes and allergic reactions. Eye make-up or skin foundation can easily irritate this sensitive area, causing it to get raw and swell due to constant rubbing. To avoid itchy and watery eyes, make sure that you`ll apply a make-up that is suitable for sensitive, allergy-prone skin as well as waterproof. We have had great results using camouflage make-up to conceal imperfections around the eyes. Most of this type of make-up is waterproof, fragrance-free, smudge-resistant, and long-lasting. If you choose to use this type of make-up, make sure to regularly wash and disinfect the sponge you use to apply it, as it accumulates bacteria over time. Also test all other eye-related make-up products such as eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara, and make-up brushes, as these can also be a source of irritation.

As each person's skin is unique, there's a bit of trial and error to find which make-up brands and products work best for you. Here some liquid foundations that we like: Estee Lauder Maximum Cover Camouflage makeup, Revlon ColorStay Makeup with SoftFlex, MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Foundation; and our top picks for mineral make-up: Sheer cover, Afterglow Cosmetics, Cleure.

We hope these make-up tips and tricks along with the methods mentioned in the previous installments of our blog series will help you manage your problem skin better and improve your overall quality of life. We wish you peace for your skin!

The connection between stress and skin conditions is widely acknowledged and has been studied in detail. When our brain senses stress it reacts in certain ways to protect the body from harm. Among other things, stress suppresses the immune system and slows down the body’s repair rate. A side effect of these mechanisms is an increase in skin inflammation that can cause eczema/psoriasis to worsen in times of stress. Stress not only exacerbates existing lesions, but it indirectly can also trigger flare-ups. Having a skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, in itself, is stressful and causes anxiety, which can lead to a vicious cycle: stress causes flare-ups and these flare-ups cause affected individuals to stress out even more. However, patients can use this knowledge of how stress and their skin are connected to better their skin condition: the better they manage stress, the quicker their skin can recover.

Therefore, to keep your dry skin condition at bay and prevent future flare-ups, it is crucial to establish some kind of stress-management system or routine to relieve the stresses of everyday life. This can be done in many different ways and can be customized to your specific needs, lifestyle, and preferences. The first step is to identify your stress triggers and learn to deal with them. Individuals can experience two different types of stress, internal and external. Internal stressors are mainly psychological, such as strong worries and fears; external stressors are physical in nature and can range from extreme temperatures and pain to environmental factors. Both of these can contribute to dry skin conditions.

One of the most important and effortless ways to manage stress is to get a good night’s sleep. Lack of sleep and rest can negatively affect the collagen production in the skin; collagen is responsible for keeping the skin elastic and supple. It is recommended that adults get at least seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep. Fatigue and illness can also trigger flare-ups, so it’s crucial to take really good care of your entire body.

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and boost overall well-being. Your body greatly benefits from moderate twice-weekly physical exercise, as it relieves pent-up energy and, hence, stress. Physical activity releases endorphins (happy hormones) in the brain that not only make you feel great, but also enhance the immune system and aid in combating disease and infection. However, a word of caution: sweat in some individuals can trigger eczema/psoriasis outbreaks. To prevent this, wear a headband and avoid tight clothing while exercising in order to let the skin breath. The probability of an outbreak caused by sweat can also be minimized by taking a lukewarm shower immediately after workouts and then moisturizing the skin.

Other popular relaxation tools are yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and deep breathing exercises. Arts and crafts, herbal teas, or simply writing down your feelings and frustrations in a feeling journal has also shown to be effective in relieving anxiety. These relaxation techniques can also help affected individuals to reduce habit scratching, which in turn helps lessen the severity of dry skin conditions.

Finally, it is important for individuals to realize that they are not alone and that there are other people who are going through the same thing. Sharing your feelings and experiences with others not only creates a support system and a safe haven, but through the exchange also helps you find new ways to deal with your skin condition. There are many options to connect with others, ranging from support groups to online forums.

Not all of these methods will work equally well for all individuals. It is therefore important to keep an open mind and try different approaches to learn what works best for you. Once you find your ideal stress-relieving methods, work them into your daily routine and lifestyle.

What you put into your body can greatly impact the immune system—and, hence, the skin. As the largest organ of the body, the skin requires specific nutrition for cell production; each individual may have different nutrient requirements. Nutrient deficiencies and toxin build-ups in your body can aggravate the immune system, which can increase skin inflammation and worsen skin conditions.

One of the most important aspects in managing your dry skin is to identify and eliminate trigger foods from your diet. Food allergies usually manifest themselves through worsening symptoms within a few hours of eating a trigger food. The symptoms may vary from person to person, but a rash around the mouth is common. Other symptoms to spot are itchy eyes, sneezing, nausea, and abdominal pain. Some of the most common triggers foods are wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, yeast, citrus, nuts, shellfish, artificial sweeteners and processed foods. Gluten sensitivity is also common among individuals with skin conditions.

Beyond following an elimination diet (a diet eliminating your trigger foods), you should eat a well-balanced diet to stimulate the skin’s healing mechanism and support healthy skin growth. Your diet should be free from additives that can cause further incompatibilities. To fulfill your skin’s nutrient requirement and avoid harmful toxins and chemicals, we recommend investing in organic produce.

Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, as they are rich in vitamins and minerals. Particularly, Vitamins A and E are vital for your skin’s health. Vitamin A aids in the development of smooth and supple skin and prevents dehydration, while Vitamin E helps to relieve itching and dryness. B Vitamins, particularly Vitamin B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine) and B12, improve skin health by providing proper circulation (B3) and cell formation (B12). Aloe Vera is another important nutrient for your skin’s self-defense system and can be taken orally either in the form of supplements or juice.

According to recent studies, omega-3 fatty acids, with their anti-inflammatory properties, can also aid in reducing symptoms such as itching and scaling. Studies have also found that zinc deficiencies are common among individuals with allergies and can cause peeling skin lesions; the intake of a zinc supplement may reduce the severity of dry skin symptoms. Additionally, flax seed and primrose oil are beneficial for dry and eczematous skin, as they reduce inflammation.

To improve the look and feel of your skin and prevent future flare-ups, it is also important to stay hydrated. Maintaining the fluid balance in the skin not only promotes faster healing but also retains naturally occurring lubrication and moisture, giving the skin a more supple look. Make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of filtered water every day. To avoid dehydration, avoid alcoholic drinks.

Reduce the intake of caffeinated drinks; we recommend drinking no more than 2 cups of coffee, tea, energy drinks and caffeinated sodas per day. While caffeine does not directly cause eczema/psoriasis, it can aggravate the intestinal lining and make it more permeable. This irritation of the stomach lining can make you more prone to food sensitivities, which in turn might contribute to rashes and other related symptoms. Moreover, caffeine can make you restless and irritable, which may contribute to nervous scratching and hence may trigger or worsen lesions.

If you are affected by food allergies and sensitivities, you can improve your skin’s condition by eliminating trigger foods and sticking to a healthy diet. While this may not be an easy task, you should keep in mind that in can greatly improve your skin and overall quality of life.

The first defense in controlling any allergic- or skin condition is learning to recognize your triggers and making the accompanying product adjustments and life changes. Dry skin conditions such as eczema, xerosis and psoriasis are the result of a combination of factors, such as genetic predispositions and external triggers. Not all individuals with genetic susceptibility, develop the skin condition; triggers are believed to act as catalysts for the condition.

When it comes to your clothing and bedding, your choice of fabric is crucial when living with an extreme dry skin condition. It can not only minimize the itch but also help prevent future breakouts. Many textiles these days are fabric blends that contain chemical dyes, printing inks, and finishing chemicals.  Special eczema/psoriasis clothes are certainly an effective (albeit expensive) option to avoid these skin irritating chemicals. However, by simply choosing natural fabrics, such as pure cotton and silk, over synthetic fibers, your skin’s condition and feel can be improved greatly. In recent studies, silk has proven to be particularly beneficial and soothing for individuals with dry and irritated skin.

Because they dry out the skin and strip it of its natural oils, common household products like cleaning agents, laundry detergent, and fabric softeners can also cause irritation. Therefore, make sure to use household products for sensitive skin or switch to non-chemical biobased products altogether. In addition to using gentle, neutral pH detergent and fragrance-free products, make sure to rinse your clothes thoroughly to get rid of residue when doing laundry. Stay away from fabric softeners, if you can; if you must use them, choose a fragrance-free option. You should also wash new clothes before wearing them and remove the tags, as they can irritate the skin as well. When buying new clothes it is also important to note that metals such as nickel (Jean buttons, belt buckles) can cause contact allergies.

You may also react to overheated air or low humidity, as these conditions can irritate sensitive skin and even exacerbate eczema/psoriasis. Humidifiers can alleviate these symptoms by reintroducing moisture into dry air, thereby maintaining a proper level of humidity. It is also helpful to keep the house well ventilated. Besides air quality, extreme temperatures and sweat can also trigger flare-ups. As a general rule of thumb, choose loose fitting clothes made out of light, breathable fabrics and avoid materials that cause you to sweat and over-heat. Hypo-allergic air-permeable sheets made of natural fibers can help make you more comfortable when you sleep as they contribute to air circulation and allow the skin to “breathe” at night.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that water softeners/ ion-exchange water softeners also improve the condition of dry and eczema-prone skin. The harder the water, the higher the level of potentially irritating calcium and magnesium salts it contains. Softer water, therefore, can provide itch relief. Eczema is reportedly more common in areas with hard water, but the connection is not yet fully understood.  While studies have been inconclusive regarding the effects of different types of water on dry and itchy skin, many eczema and dry skin sufferers attest to the positive effects of softer water. Our top pick for water softeners are the Aquatiere shower filters. (www.aquatiere.co.uk/)

A few simple changes can make your life with unhappy skin more bearable. Not all individuals are the same, so identify your triggers and problem ingredients and make changes accordingly. Once you find what works for you, stick with it and work it into your daily routine. Consistency is an important factor when it comes to keeping your unhappy skin in check and turining it into happy skin.

Marken wie Ben & Jerry, Google, Michel & Augustin, Apple, Innocent Drinks und SELEXIR of Switzerland, sind die perfekte Verkörperung dieses neuen Geschäftsmodell-Trends, der langsam das traditionelle Familienunternehmen zu ersetzen scheint. Von zwei Jungen die sich im Turnunterricht in der siebten Klasse kennenlernten (Ben & Jerry), bis hin zu zwei jungen Unternehmern, die von Tür zu Tür gingen, um ihre selbst gebackenen Plätzchen zu verkaufen (Michel & Augustin), jede Entrepreneur-Freundschaftsgeschichte ist so vielfältig und einzigartig wie die Marke selbst. Wer konnte ahnen, dass Uniaussteiger Steve Jobs und Steve Wozniak mit Apple die Technologie-Industrie revolutionieren würden, oder dass eine Kundenabstimmung bei einem Musikfestival zum britischen Frucht-Smoothie Imperium Innocent führen würde? Auch wenn sie unterschiedlicher nicht sein könnten, haben alle diese unglaublichen Geschichten und Marken etwas sehr Wichtiges gemeinsam: Mut, innovative Ideen und eine starke Freundschaft.

Diese Kernwerte sind auch die Basis für die Marke SELEXIR of Switzerland. Die Gründerinnen, Elena und Mirella, beide aus München, lernten sich in Paris in den frühen Zwanzigern durch einen gemeinsamen Freund kennen. Sie verstanden sich sofort, und Freunde und Bekannte scherzten oft, dass sie wie Schwestern aussehen! Elena und Mirella genossen ihre unkonventionelle Freundschaft und schätzten den häufigen Austausch über ihre jeweiligen Branchen-und Business-Ideen. Nach ein paar Jahren beschlossen sie ihre Jobs hinter sich zu lassen, um zusammen in das Unbekannte einzutauchen und Elena`s Wundermittel – den SELEXIR Peace Balm – gemeinsam auf den Markt zu bringen.

Ihren Traum wahr werden zu lassen war nicht immer leicht, aber die Grundlage ihrer langen Freundschaft hat sie immer positiv gestimmt. Elena und Mirella werden oft gefragt, wie sie ihre Freundschaft inmitten ihres hektischen Lebensstils als Geschäftspartner erhalten - und ihr Rat ist wie folgt: Vergesst nie, euren Freund als Freund (und nicht nur ein Geschäftspartner) zu sehen, vergesst nie, zusammen einen Kaffee zu trinken und gemeinsam zwischen den Sitzungen zu lachen, vergesst nie, mit Hühnersuppe vorbei zu gehen wenn einer von euch krank ist, und nehmt euch die Zeit, zusammen über die Schultern zu schauen, um zu sehen wie weit ihr schon gekommen seid und wie weit ihr noch gehen könnt!

Wir hoffen, eines Tages zur Gruppe der oben genannten „Buddy-Marken“ zu zählen und hoffen, zukünftige Start-ups gleichermassen zu inspirieren, wie diese Marken und ihre Entstehungsgeschichte uns inspiriert haben.

Brands such as Ben & Jerry, Google, Michel & Augustin, Apple, Innocent Drinks and SELEXIR of Switzerland are the perfect embodiment of this new business model craze that seems to be slowly replacing the traditional family business. From two young boys meeting in seventh grade gym class (Ben & Jerry) to two young business owners going door to door to sell their homemade cookies (Michel & Augustin), each friend entrepreneur (or “friendtrepreneur”) story is as diverse and unique as the brand itself. Who could have foreseen that college dropouts Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak would revolutionize the technology industry or that a customer vote at a music festival would lead to the British fruit smoothie empire Innocent? However, besides their individuality, all of these incredible stories and brands have something very important in common: courage, innovative ideas, and a strong friendship as the foundation.

These core values also provided the seed for SELEXIR of Switzerland. Founders, Elena and Mirella, both from Munich, met in Paris in their early twenties through a mutual friend. They immediately bonded, and people often joked that they looked like sisters! They always enjoyed each other’s company, but even more, they loved the frequent exchanges about their respective industries and business ideas and always rooted for each other. After a few years, the timing was right, and they both decided to leave their "day jobs" behind to delve into the unknown together! They took a giant leap of faith to launch Elena's miracle skin remedy - the SELEXIR Peace Balm - and they haven’t looked back.

The road to making a dream happen is not always an easy one, but the foundation of their long-lasting friendship has always seen them through the tougher times and kept their vision alive. Many people have asked them how to keep a friendship intact amidst the hectic life of running a company – and their advice is as follows: never forget to see your friend as a friend (not just a business partner), never forget to have a coffee and a laugh between meetings, never forget to drop by with chicken soup when one of you gets ill, and sometimes look back over your shoulders together to see how far you have come and to see how far you still can go!

We hope to one day join the elite ranks of the above companies and to inspire future up-and-coming start-ups, just as these “friendtrepreneurs” and their stories have inspired us.

Einer der meist erwähnten Vögel in der Literatur und Musik ist der Hüttensänger, mit dem im Englischen der Name und Mythos des 'bluebird of happiness' verbunden ist. Er gilt weltweit als Symbol für Glück, Freude, Zuversicht und Gesundheit. Hüttensänger sollen auch die Inspiration hinder dem legendären Text zu "Somewhere over the Rainbow", bekannt gemacht durch Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz, gewesen sein.

Somewhere over the rainbow

Irgendwo, über dem Regenbogen

Bluebirds fly.

Fliegen „Bluebirds“.

Birds fly over the rainbow.

Vögel fliegen über den Regenbogen.

Why then, oh why can't I?

Warum denn - oh, warum kann ich's nicht?

Der Mythos der Hüttensänger hat tiefe Wurzeln in Kulturen auf der ganzen Welt und geht Tausende von Jahren zurück. In Indianerstämmen war dieser Vogel heilig und in russischen Märchen ist er ein traditionelles Symbol der Hoffnung.

Diese kraftvolle Symbolik und positiven Assoziationen sind der Grund, warum wir uns für die 'bluebirds of happiness' als SELEXIR Symbole entschieden haben. Sie wurden bewusst ausgewählt, um unseren Kunden ein symbolisches Gestaltungselement zu präsentieren, das für Hoffnung, Wohlergehen und eine gute Gesundheit steht.

In diesem Sinne wünscht Ihnen das SELEXIR Team Frieden für Ihre Haut!

Among the most prominently featured birds in writing and music is the bluebird; it is globally accepted as a symbol of happiness, joy, confidence, and health. One of the first mentions of the bluebird of happiness in literature was in the Nobel prize-winning Belgian play L'Oiseau Bleu [The Bluebird], which was later adapted as the movie The Blue Bird, starring Shirley Temple. Bluebirds are also said to be the inspiration behind the legendary lyrics to “Somewhere over the Rainbow,” made famous by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz.

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly.
Birds fly over the rainbow.
Why then, oh why can't I?

The myth of the bluebird of happiness has deep roots in indigenous cultures across the globe and goes back thousands of years. Native American tribes considered this bird to be sacred, and in Russian fairy tales it is a traditional symbol of hope. In sailors’ lore, this mythical creature was associated with finding one's way, triumph in love and life, and victory in adversity.
These powerful symbolisms are the reason why we chose the bluebirds of happiness to be our company messenger, to represent SELEXIR as a bringer of hope, health, rejuvenation and empowerment. We hope to transmit these positive messages to our customers through our brand and wish to make their SELEXIR experience an uplifting and inspiring one.

Um Ihnen unsere Unternehmensphilosophie und unsere Marke etwas näher zu bringen, würden wir Ihnen gerne etwas mehr über uns mitteilen. Der beste Weg dies zu tun, ist Ihnen die Person vozustellen, deren Erfahrungen unsere Marke ins Leben gerufen und geprägt haben: SELEXIR Gründerin und Geschäftsführerin, Elena.

Der amerikanische Schrifsteller, Alan Loy McGinnis sagte einst: "Focus on your potential instead of your limitations ", übersetzt: „Konzentriert Euch auf Eure Möglichkeiten, nicht Eure Einschränkungen“. Und das ist genau, was Elena tat. Nachdem sie mit Anfang 20 eine extrem trockene, irritierte und gestresste Haut entwickelte und keinen Erfolg mit konventionellen Therapien erzielte, begann sie eigenhändig verschiedene natürliche Inhaltsstoffe zu recherchieren und entwickelte schliesslich in ihrem „Badezimmer-Labor“ den SELEXIR Peace Balm. Elena`s Weg zur Selbstabhilfe ist eine Geschichte der Hoffnung.

"Für mich bedeutet der Begriff „Skin Empowerment“ die Kontrolle über meine Haut zurückzugewinnen und nicht zu akzeptieren, dass eine unglückliche Haut mein Schicksal ist," erklärt Elena in einem Interview mit Chesamel News. Es ist diese positive Botschaft die wir an unsere Kunden weitergeben möchten.

Wir freuen uns sehr, unseren gemeinsamen Weg zu beginnen und eine Online-Community mit Ihnen zusammen aufzubauen!

Um mehr über unsere Firmenphilosophy zu erfahren, lesen Sie Elena`s inspirierendes Interview mit Chesamel News: The Skincare Industry’s New Face

To introduce you to our company and brand philosophy, we would like to share some more about ourselves. What better way to do that than to introduce you to the person whose personal experiences helped shape our brand: SELEXIR founder and CEO, Elena.

The American author, Alan Loy McGinnis once said: "Focus on your potential instead of your limitations." And that is exactly what Elena did. After developing an extreme dry skin condition in her 20s and not finding relief with conventional treatments, she decided to take her skin health into her own hands and developed what would later become the SELEXIR Peace Balm. Her’s is a story of hope, perseverance and self-empowerment.

“For me, skin empowerment means reclaiming control over your skin and not accepting that unhappy skin is your destiny,” Elena explained in an interview with Chesamel News. Her journey of self-help ended up being a journey of skin empowerment - and this positive energy and hopeful message is what we wish to transmit with our brand. We wish to inspire and empower you, not only by bringing you peace for your skin with our Peace Balm, but also by providing a social exchange platform to create a support system and a sense of community.

We are very excited to start our journey with you and to build an engaging online community together!

To learn more, read Elena’s entire interview with Chesamel News: The Skincare Industry’s New Face