The Beauty Librarian

As someone with lupus and “problem dry skin,” I have tried countless moisturizers.  I have found sweet but fleeting relief for my skin, but found that my underlying issues were left unaddressed–until I tried CherylLeeMD Sensitive Skin Care: a line developed by Cheryl Lee Eberting, M.D., a board certified dermatologist and member of the American Contact Dermatitis Society, to address all the issues involved in a disrupted skin barrier.

Why is the skin barrier important? When the immune system goes awry as it does in lupus, the epidermal barrier no longer functions correctly in its protective and hydrating functions, which results in more cellular damage, in turn leading to premature aging and other problematic dermatological conditions. Most moisturizers and anti-aging products do not address the fundamental issues of the skin barrier and, thus, may exacerbate inflammation and skin aging. With patent-pending technology, TrueLipids represents the first skin care line designed to correct all the issues of an abnormal skin barrier: specific lipid deficiencies, compromised lipid production, abnormal pH, infection, inflammation, chemical sensitivities and allergies, photosensitivity, and abnormal cellular turnover.

• Hydrate, Correct, & Perfect Lotion–light moisture for normal to oily skin–face and body
• TrueTherapy Ceramide + Cream–deep moisture for dry to very dry skin–face and body
•  Relieve & Protect Ointment–extra deep moisture for hands, feet, and body
•  Eczema Expert 1% Hydrocortisone Barrier Cream–deep moisture for relief of itching, irritation, and inflammation of face and body
• Double Action Boo-Boo & Bum Balm--relief and protection for for minor cuts, scrapes, burns, and diaper rash; and
• TrueLips Lip Balm–extra deep moisture for dry, chapped, cracked and peeling lips.

TrueLipids success stories include a wide array of skin issues and conditions: dry skin, cracked skin, eczema, rosacea, scrapes, cuts, burns, diaper rash, dermatitis, keratosis pilaris, post-procedure healing, and both subcutaneous lupus in SLE and discoid lupus. You can see some example success stories with Before and After pictures here.  For those of us with specific concerns, CherylLeeMD skin care experts offer specific regimens tailored to the issue or condition.  For example. . .

For eczema, psoriasis, and autoimmune diseases such as lupus: they recommend that, when skin is inflammed/actively irritated, we first apply Eczema Expert 1% Hydrocortisone Barrier Cream, followed by TrueTherapy Ceramide + Cream, followed by Relieve & Protect Ointment until the presenting skin issue is resolved. After the skin has normalized, any single product is generally a good solution for maintenance, although you may want to combine your favorites.

Since I was not in the middle of an acute flare, my presenting concerns were dryness, sensitivity, and irritation.  I had the wonderful opportunity to try: TrueLipids Hydrate, Correct, and Perfect Lotion and TrueLipids TrueTherapy Ceramide + Cream, and TrueLipids Relieve and Protect Ointment. These products are fantastic on their own, but as someone with parched, sensitive skin, slightly inflamed by lupus, I benefited hugely from layering them initially until my skin was fully hydrated.  With my skin challenges, I have tried countless moisturizers that I would characterize as lovely-but-superficial; they feel nice, but they wear off in a few hours without providing lasting benefit, leaving me pretty much as dry/red/inflamed as I started. TrueLipids is different.  These are products that are steps ahead in terms of healing inflamed and/sensitive skin by addressing inflammation and the many other issues related to a disrupted skin barrier. TrueLipids Hydrate, Correct, and Perfect Lotion, TrueTherapy Ceramide + Cream, and TrueLipids Relieve & Protect Ointment are the most deeply soothing, rapidly healing, and skin-nourishing moisturizers I have found. Each one has its special uses: Hydrate, Correct, & Protect Lotion provides the most anti-inflammatory molecules, Ceramide + Cream is my favorite to apply with its buttery texture that provides instant comfort and deep hydration for the face, and Relieve & Protect Ointment helps protect and heal cracked or chapped skin.   They are suitable for sensitive skin (very gentle and free of 88 top allergens), and as a mom, I have had great success using them on my baby twins (both of whom are prone to irritation and rashes).

True Lipids Hydrate, Correct, and Perfect Lotion is a lightweight barrier repair lotion with a lipid replacement system that includes Ceramide-3 and phytopshingosine, niacinamide and licorice root extract as anti-inflammatories, and gluconolactone as an antioxidant. It is skin calming and has a very gentle application even on irritated skin (e.g., no stinging or burning even when my sensitive skin was inflamed). The lotion provides light moisture that is soothing, anti-inflammatory, skin brightening, and helps restore the skin barrier. This lotion is great for any skin type, and goes flawlessly under makeup.