We compiled some of the most common questions regarding dry skin and eczema and asked Dr. Shannon for some answers! Here is what he says:

Q: In your opinion, what are the biggest factors contributing to eczema?

A: The biggest factor in eczema is that our skin does not hold moisture well. This can be exaggerated by living in a dry climate or by a cold time of year which involves using heating for the home, which dries the air. People who live in dry climates also tend to drink too little and are chronically mildly to moderately dehydrated, leaving skin cells more dry as well.

Q: How does diet affect eczema?

A: Most dermatologists believe that diet has nothing to do with eczema. That has not been my experience. In studies of eczema patients, milk has been the most common food that exaggerates eczema. It may not be the cause, but it makes the eczema worse. I have seen breastfed babies’ skin blister when the mother ate sesame or other nuts. I think foods always have to be considered as a factor.

Q: Do you believe that skin and body care products have an effect (positive or negative) on eczema?

A: Cleansers for eczema skin need to be products that are not drying. For example, J&J baby products are too drying for the southern California climate. Lotion and oil-based cleansers do not dry the skin (removing more hard to retain moisture). Products which are oily hold or seal moisture into the skin. I use and recommend Dr. Shannon’s Skin Balm, Zoe Organics Extreme Cream or even plain olive oil.

Q: What are some of the steps you take to treat eczema before prescribing steroids or other prescription meds?

A: I use steroids and prescription medications as a last resort. I only use them if applying a natural balm or cream several times per day (sometimes 6-8 times) and a nightly olive oil rub down after a bath, have failed.

Dr. Shannon’s Skin Balm was created after years of experience treating patients with dry skin and eczema.

So, I wanted to share a less popular use for a balm; cleansing and hydrating. I know, I’m just about to lose some of you because you just got visions of a greasy face, full of unsightly blemishes – but wait! I’ve tested this myself and have been using organic oils and balms to hydrate my face (and entire body) for years and I am totally hooked.

Let me make something really clear. I am not talking about petroleum based oils or balms. Please, for the love of your skin, no mineral oil or Vaseline. What I’m talking about are pure plant oils: jojoba, coconut, sunflower, avocado…and organic if you can afford it.

The big myth is that oils will make your face break out, so what you need are soaps and cleansers that strip away the grime, leaving your face squeaky clean. I don’t know about you, but a squeaky clean face feels parched and tight to me, causing me to run for my moisturizer. The truth is, natural plant oils, like jojoba, actually mimic our skin’s sebum and help to minimize clogged pores and blackheads. Using oils actually helps our skin maintain its natural balance.

This is not a new concept, but one the beauty industry at large doesn’t want you to believe, because if you could simply cleanse and moisturize your skin with a plant oil or natural balm, you wouldn’t need their a five-step routine for morning and night! 

The balancing affect of natural oils on your skin is one of the benefits of this method, and here is the other that makes this a grand slam. Plants are loaded with nutrients. But you already knew this right? This is why you try to eat all of your fruit and veggie servings every day. Did you know that you can reap some of these same benefits when you put vitamin and anti-oxidant rich plant ingredients on your face and body?

Dr. Shannon’s Organic Skin Balm is one of the most nutrient rich formulas I have created and since I have been using it to cleanse and hydrate my face, I have noticed a difference, not only in the feel of my skin, but in the appearance.

I personally LOVE using Dr. Shannon’s Skin Balm to cleanse and hydrate my face and here is how I do it:

I either take the tin in the shower with me or use it at my sink. Be careful not to get water in the product/container. I use a little salt spoon to remove product or put some on my finger before I get my hands wet in the shower and I wash my face first.

I rub the balm between my palms to warm it and thin the consistency. Then I press it onto my cheeks, forehead and chin and begin to massage it all over my face.  I don’t leave any part of my face out. Ladies, this is an amazing make-up remover. Gently loosen mascara and eye make-up in your eye area. Next, I use a warm, wet washcloth. I like to drape it over my face for a few second to add a little steam affect before gently wiping the excess balm, makeup and “dirt” from my face.  That’s it!

Sometimes, I add a light application of balm after cleansing, or one of my favorite face oils from La Bella Figura because I love my face to feel a bit dewy. It is also a really nice foundation before applying make-up.

At night, my routine is the same, except I always add extra balm to hydrate after cleansing and I love to use it around my eyes as a restorative eye cream.

Men, I can’t leave you out. Balms are an excellent aftershave. You don’t need a lot of product to be effective. Just a very small amount, rubbed between your palms and pressed onto your face will work. Start out with less and add more if you need it. If applied correctly, you won’t have a shiny, greasy face. On top of the moisturizing benefits, Dr. Shannon’s Skin Balm works as an anti-inflammatory agent to soothe razor burn redness and stinging.

What do you think? Are you ready to try it?

We are going to give away (3) .5 oz tins of Dr. Shannon’s Skin Balm to 3 participants who want to try this method of cleansing & hydrating! All you have to do to be eligible is leave a comment here telling us what you think about using a balm on your face to either cleanse, hydrate or both! If you have already tried or love it – let us know this too! We’ll choose 3 winners next week!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

-Mom (of Mom & Doc Apothecary)

Dr. Shannon’s Organic Skin Balm

Please contact Dr. Shannon or ask him about it at your next appointment!

I love the trend of organic products that are popping up in mainstream stores. Moms no longer have to search in specialized stores for safe and chemical-free products; they are slowly becoming the norm. One new brand that I am really excited about is Mom & Doc Apothecary, an organic skincare company that started by using Crisco. Using the principals of traditional apothecary, the brand uses techniques that have been used for centuries. All of which are completely researched and safe!

Created by Orange County Pediatrician Dr. Michael Shannon and Heather Hamilton, the Founder of Zoe Organics, the inspiration behind Mom & Doc Apothecary was when Dr. Shannon, recommended using Crisco as a skin moisturizer and skin repair cream for her baby. Read more here…

When I began this blog, Crisco was a positive thing and for many years had been a very inexpensive skin cream with multiple uses.

While in Mission Hospital for 44 days, I contacted Heather Hamilton, a mother of patients and the founder of Zoe Organics skin product company.

I asked her if there was something she could add to Crisco to make it smell better. After about a week she emailed that she didn’t think I wanted to continue to use Crisco, because a butane derivative called TBHQ had been added to Crisco. I emailed the Crisco website to ask them when they had added TBHQ to their product and received the following answer:

Dear Mr. Shannon,

Thank you for contacting Crisco®. We are always pleased to hear from consumers who enjoy our products.

In response to your inquiry, Crisco Shortening was reformulated to contain zero grams trans fat per serving. The reformulation includes many of the same ingredients as the previous formula; we have reduced the level of the partially hydrogenated soybean oil and added several ingredients, including TBHQ, required to maintain the superior taste and high performance requirements consumers expect from Crisco. TBHQ is an antioxidant approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used commonly used in food products. It was added in 2006. . . .

Sincerely,

Susan

Consumer Relations Representative

So Crisco and Smucker’s, who owns them, have decided that adding a butane derivative is better for them because they can use less soybeans and it will last longer. They have done this without considering the future of our children, and for that reason, Crisco becomes a thing of the past and one of the many examples of companies that make changes in their products for financial reasons and not for our long-term health.

Since we no longer have Crisco, I asked Heather if she could create a new totally organic product that we could use in it’s place. She has created such a product using totally organic ingredients, which contains antioxidants, vitamins A, E and D and omega fatty acids. We are currently in the process of preparing this product for marketing and hope to have it available before the end of February. I will post a notice blog when we are ready to go!

Since writing this post over at the Crisco, Etc. blog, we launched our website and the Crisco replacement, Dr. Shannon’s Skin Balm, is available for purchase! Have you tried it?