Eczema in the Genes

TCM practitioner and skincare expert Matoyla Kollaras reveals that a genetic deficiency in a protein essential to skin health is a primary cause of chronic dermatitis. The key is to address the symptoms on an ongoing basis.

Acknowledgment of the critical role that filaggrin plays in the healthy function of the epidermal barrier highlights the pathogenic importance of this gene. The following five ingredient types can alleviate symptoms in common dermatologic and allergic diseases caused by the gene deficiency.

1. HYDRATING AGENTS (Water-binding agents)
‘    Hyaluronic acid
‘    Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
‘    Praline, Alanine, Serine.
‘    Dipeptide-4
‘    Urea
‘    Glycerin

2. NATURAL MOISTURISING FACTORS
‘    Ceramides
‘    Triglycerides
‘    Magnesium & Calcium
‘    Sodium PCA
‘    Shea Butter
‘    Seabuckthorn
‘    Coconut Oil
‘    Jojoba Oil

3. OCCLUSIVE AGENTS
‘    Beeswax
‘    Mineral Oil/Petrolatum
‘    Silicone

4. ANTIHISTAMINE AGENTS
‘    St Johns Wort
‘    Pyconogenol
‘    Magnesium
‘    Echinacea
‘    Quercetin

5. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY & ANTI-MICROBIAL AGENTS
‘    Omega fatty acids – also NMF
‘    Cod Liver Oil
‘    Lichen Moss
‘    Centella Asiatica
‘    Calendula
‘    Sulphur – also vital in healthy keratinisation of the stratum corneum
‘    Lycopene
‘    Niacinamide
‘    Probiotics
‘    Curciminoids
‘    Pomegranate

6. ANTIOXIDANTS
‘    Astaxanthin
‘    Flavonoids
‘    Beta carotene – Dunaliella Salina algae
‘    The B group of Vitamins, e.g. Inositol
‘    Green Tea extract
‘    Coenzyme q10
‘    Copper
‘    Zinc
‘    Selenium

Matoyla Kollaras is passionate about integrative medicine and holistic health and particularly the inner conditions of the body that result in skin concerns. She has studied Traditional Chinese Medicine with a dermatological specialisation, is a member of The Australian Academy of Anti-Ageing Medicine and now specialises in integrative and holistic skincare training that combines nutritional and lifestyle factors with science and product strategy. Matoyla founded the company Skin Factors as the Australian distributor of skincare brand Ahava over 20 years ago. Today, the company also exclusively represents Christina Cosmeceuticals and Anna Lotan. 1800 824 282