What is Atopy Prone Skin?
Many people may experience what’s called atopy prone skin. Understanding what this means can be an important step in learning how to deal with it properly, as we explain a little more within this blog.
In addition, we’ll be exploring the changes you should make to your skincare routine if you have atopy prone skin.
What does atopy mean?
Atopy may increase your likelihood of developing skin-affecting allergies. This is typically due to somebody’s immune system overreacting to something otherwise innocuous, which then kicks off an inflammatory reaction. This may lead to chronic inflammation and cause skin damage.
Atopy can be hereditary, but environmental or lifestyle factors such as poor hygiene or exposure to environmental pollution may also cause it. Atopy isn’t contagious but is often chronic, meaning it persists for a long time and even for life for many people.
So, what is atopy prone skin?
Those with atopy prone skin may experience skin irritation, redness, dryness and inflammation due to allergen exposure.
Somebody with atopy prone skin can be more likely to develop skin allergies and conditions because of an immune system response, like atopic dermatitis.1 When speaking to a GP for a diagnosis or treatment, any knowledge of allergies and conditions in your immediate family can help.
Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema that can affect the eye area. It causes itchy, red, dry and inflamed skin, usually in a localised area such as the face, scalp or the backs of the knees. Those with atopy-prone skin may be more likely to develop this chronic condition with exposure to certain allergens such as dust, mites and pollen.
Can the skin around your eyes be atopy prone?
Atopy prone skin can affect people differently depending on other factors and how often you come into contact with allergens. For some, it can affect the skin around the eyes.
One of the common reasons for this is the use of make-up and cosmetics, such as eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow and false lashes, around the eyes and on the eyelids.
What can help atopy prone skin around the eyes?
Using a dedicated moisturiser for the eyelids and eye contour is important since the skin around the eyes is often the thinnest and most sensitive on our bodies. You should avoid using moisturisers or other products containing perfumes, preservatives and parabens around the eyes because these may worsen common symptoms like irritation, itchiness and inflammation.
The skin is inhabited by a complex mix of bacteria, fungi and viruses. These microbes – collectively referred to as the skin microbiota – are unique to each individual and key to maintaining normal, healthy skin physiology and immunity. Maintenance of the microbiota is key to healthy skin and its disruption can lead to, or aggravate, skin conditions.
BLEPHADERM® is an eyelid cream suitable for hydrating and soothing the eyelids and eye contours, particularly for atopy prone skin. The 5-in-1 formula is designed to soothe, hydrate, repair, protect and provide lasting comfort for sensitive, dry, irritated and atopy prone skin. It respects the skin’s microbiota* and provides immediate soothing and lasting comfort for sensitive, dry irritated and atopy prone skin.2
If you have any concerns about your eyes or the surrounding skin, we recommend seeing an eye care professional, pharmacist or GP for advice.
To learn more about other eye-related conditions, including blepharitis and dry eye, head to our eye conditions hub.
* Due to Ophiopogon Japonicus root extract properties. This root extract has been shown to be effective in atopic dermatitis.3,4
Sources:
- Atopic Dermatitis: National Eczema Association: https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/atopic-dermatitis/
- Blephaderm Patient Information Leaflet 2024
- Carvalho MJ, S Oliveira AL, Santos Pedrosa S, Pintado M, Pinto-Ribeiro I, Madureira AR. Skin Microbiota and the Cosmetic Industry. Microb Ecol. 2023 Jul;86(1):86-96.
- Mainzer C, Le Guillou M, Vyumvuhore R, Chadoutaud B, Bordes S, Closs B. Clinical Efficacy of Oligofructans from Ophiopogon japonicus in Reducing Atopic Dermatitis Flare-ups in Caucasian Patients. Acta Derm Venereol. 2019 Sep 1;99(10):858-864.