FILAGGRIN & ECZEMA
50% of people with eczema have the dry skin gene, do you?
After years of research, experts have discovered 50% of people with eczema prone skin are deficient in a vital protein called filaggrin in their skin which can cause a damaged, sensitive skin barrier that is prone to dryness and cracking.
Discover more below 👇
What is filaggrin and what does it do?
Filaggrin is a key bonding protein that occurs naturally in the skin and helps to keep the skin barrier sealed and protected, stopping moisture getting out and irritants getting in.
10% of the population and 50% of people with eczema prone skin have the dry skin gene which means their skin is deficient in filaggrin. Filaggrin deficiency can result in a damaged, sensitive and ‘leaky’ skin barrier that allows higher than normal water loss (which can lead to dry, scaly skin), as well as allowing harmful substances to get through the epidermis, where they can trigger responses from itchiness to extra dry, sensitive skin and allergies.
How do I care for my skin if I have a deficiency in filaggrin?
If your skin has low levels of filaggrin, frequent applications of traditional moisturisers may not be effective in soothing your dry skin. Your skin will require a more tailored, intensive moisturiser with clinically proven actives to boost filaggrin levels and alleviate dry, cracked skin.
Meet your skin barrier hero
Ultra Caring Body Balm
Intensive filaggrin boosting moisturiser. Consultant dermatologist approved for dry, sensitive and eczema prone skin. With barrier restoring Mondo Grass, rejuvenating Niacinamide and calming Colloidal Oatmeal.
Giving you confidence in your skin day in, day out
We're not here to promise you a quick fix. All our products are designed to help support a healthy skin barrier, delivering visible improvements to your skin and help you feel better about your skin, one day at a time.
As with any cosmetic product, we recommend you do a patch test on your skin and leave it on for 24 hours before applying the product as usual.
More about filaggrin & eczema
There are two main causes of reduced filaggrin levels:
1. Genetic filaggrin deficiency – a condition affecting up to 10% of the population.
2. Skin inflammation – environmental factors such as sunburn, low humidity, skin irritants, scratches and bites, stress and age can cause a decrease in the natural production of filaggrin.
Some of the symptoms include:
- Dry, rough, bumpy skin, also known as keratosis pilaris.
- Skin that feels dry even after moisturising
- Dry spots and skin that cracks easily
- Eczema prone skin
- Dry and scaly skin across your body, often noticed on the arms and legs. These symptoms describe the condition ichthyosis vulgaris, also known as fish scale skin.
- Dry palms, also known as palmar linearity
Studies show that up to 50% of people affected by atopic dermatitis have a filaggrin deficiency. Environmental factors also play a role in the development of atopic dermatitis but having reduced levels of filaggrin increases the risk.
Dundee University. Filaggrin in atopic dermatitis; Grainne M. O'Regan, Aileen Sandilands, W. H. Irwin McLean, Alan D. Irvine
The allergy gene: how a mutation in a skin protein revealed a link between eczema and asthma; W. H. Irwin McLean
Clinical Efficacy of Oligofructans from Ophiopogon japonicus in Reducing Atopic Dermatitis Flare-ups in Caucasian Patients PubMed (nih.gov)
Ingredients to boost filaggrin for a healthier skin barrier
Mondo Grass
Patented natural active helps to improve the skins ability to hold in hydration and stimulates filaggrin production for a healthier, balanced skin barrier.
Niacinamide
Boosts skin’s ability to maintain hydration so skin can better resist the moisture loss that leads to dry, tight, flaky skin. Niacinamide also improves skin texture.
Shea Butter
Contains natural blend of emoilents and waxes to soften and hydrate the skin. Improves the skin's natural barrier and also protects skin from damage caused by environmental triggers like pollutants.