August is Auto-Inflammatory Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the challenges faced by those living with chronic autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, and the support they deserve.
Many autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, like lupus, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis, don’t just affect internal health. They often show up on the skin in the form of sensitivity, redness, dryness, flakiness, or flare-ups.
At ORESTA, we’ve supported many clients on their autoimmune journeys, where skincare becomes more than a routine. It becomes a pathway to calm, comfort, and healing. Our mission is to help you feel supported in your skin, with rituals and products that nourish rather than overwhelm.
Below, we share skincare tips and recommended products for autoimmune and inflammatory skin concerns.
1. Prioritize Nourishment Over Perfection
When your skin is inflamed or reactive, it’s asking for support, not correction. Choose formulas designed to heal, calm, and protect.
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Use a cream or oil cleanser that adds moisture rather than stripping it away.
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A hydrating mist supports skin function and increases absorption of products.
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Choose a moisturizer that strengthens and protects the barrier—this can be a cream, balm, or oil.
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Masques and serums can accelerate repair; use serums daily and masques 2–3x weekly.
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Always wear a mineral SPF to reduce inflammation from UV exposure. Choose a formula you’ll actually enjoy wearing and reapplying—many of ours are dermatologist-recommended and safe for sensitive skin.
(Product-specific recommendations are listed below.)
2. Support Inflammation from the Outside In
Skin often mirrors what’s happening inside the body. Support it with anti-inflammatory ingredients that soothe and calm:
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Healing + Strengthening: Calendula, frankincense, oat, mānuka honey
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Soothing + Anti-Redness: Turmeric, blue tansy, German chamomile, niacinamide
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Hydrating + Repairing: Marshmallow root, hyaluronic acid, ceramides
Also, avoid known irritants like phthalates, SLS, parabens, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrance. All ORESTA-approved skincare is free of these. Some body care products may contain safe, naturally derived fragrance.
3. Protect and Rebuild the Skin Barrier
Many autoimmune conditions weaken the skin’s natural barrier, making it more prone to irritation, dehydration, and flare-ups.
Support barrier health by:
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Choosing natural oils and moisturizers that reinforce skin resilience
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Avoiding over-cleansing or harsh exfoliants
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Maintaining a consistent, simplified routine
- If you're unsure what is causing irritation, simplify your routine to a couple essential oil-free (EO-free) products until the flare up is reduced.
4. Be Mindful With Actives
While ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, or exfoliating acids can be beneficial, they can also irritate compromised or inflamed skin, especially during a flare-up.
We recommend:
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Avoiding actives when your skin is flaring, broken, or inflamed
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Introducing new actives slowly and one at a time
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Always patch testing first
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Choosing gentler, slow-release forms of actives when possible
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Speak with one of our holistic aestheticians or your care provider before adding actives to your routine.
5. ORESTA-Approved Skincare for Autoimmune + Inflammatory Conditions
Cleansers:
Blissoma Free Cleanser (EO-free)
Laurel Essential Lipids Cleanser (EO-free)
Skin Frequency Liberate Oil Cleanser (EO-free)
HUNA Calendula Phyto-Ceramide Oil Cleanser
Hydrating Mists:
Laurel Calendula Hydrosol (EO-free)
Laurel Chamomile Hydrosol (EO-free)
Serums:
Huna Nourish Moisture-Calm Hyaluronic Elixir
Blissoma Smooth A+ Correcting Serum
Josh Rosebrook Ultra Peptide Cream
HUNA Nourish Calendula Healing Oil
Masques:
Activist Mānuka Honey Mask (EO-free)
Eminence Yellow Sweet Clover Anti-Redness Masque
Moisturizers:
Eminence Apricot Calendula Cream
Blissoma Pure Sensitive Complex (EO-free)
You Deserve Skincare That Supports, Not Overwhelms
Living with an auto-immune or auto-inflammatory condition means learning to listen to your skin more deeply. At ORESTA, we’re here to help you care for your skin with compassion, intention, and products that work with your skin, not against it.
