For Skin Effected by Autoimmune Disorders 
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by Kimberly Murray

Today I’d like to share some tips on caring for skin that is sensitized by autoimmune disease. I have the inside scoop because I’ve been an esthetician for a decade and I have an autoimmune disease called dermatomyositis. It is a chronic connective tissue disease that causes muscle pain and fatigue as well as extreme sun sensitivity, dryness, rashes, discoloration and inflammation of the skin. Luckily with help from my doctors and my experience as a skin care professional I’ve been able to manage the disease and its effects.
After researching the causes of autoimmune diseases, I discovered that there are over 80 of them. Some may impact the skin indirectly due to medications used for treatment, others may cause mild issues with the skin such as slight dryness, while some specifically attack the skin. Some of those diseases include dermatomyositis; scleroderma, lupus erythematosus and vitiligo just to name a few.
While autoimmune disorders may differ in what organs or body parts they impact, the common thread amongst all of them is inflammation. Keeping that in mind I would recommend adopting a lifestyle that promotes an anti-inflammatory diet and exercise to improve your over health.
I’ve found the best approach to skincare is keeping your skincare regimen fairly simple with gentle products that will cleanse nourish and moisturize without causing irritation. Here is what I use:
Cleanse – To cleanse I use BR Lait VIP O2. It’s a gentle milky cleanser that calms rebalances and brightens the skin.
Exfoliation – Lotion P50 W is a an amazing gentle exfoliating toner that removes dead skin hydrates calms and reduces inflammation.
Serum – Biosensible Serum I use this to target and reduce sensitivity and soothe my skin.
Eye Cream – Crème Contour des Yeux Biosensible is what I use day and night. It immediately soothes and calm inflammation around my eyes. It also helps to reduce fine lines and dark circles.
Moisturizers – I use two different moisturizers. For day, I use Emulsion Gel Biosensible S.R. due to its light texture and calming effects. For night I use Crème Masque Vernix. I love this because it is a moisturizer and mask in one! It is rich in lipids and proteins that strengthens and moisturizes.
Sun Protection – Sun sensitivity is very common with autoimmune disorders. I recommend daily use of sun protection that contains titanium dioxide because it provides physical protection from the sun and is less irritating. One of my favorite sun care products is Environ Sun Care SPF 25 for face and body. For added protection I wear large brimmed hats in the summer months.
I hope these tips help! Heres to good health and wellness! ????
-Kimberly Murray

kimberly’s regimen