The Itchy Skin Edit
with Karina Irby
The Itchy Skin Edit
with Karina Irby
A long time partner of mine, we’ve been sharing showers since 2019 and I wouldn’t have it any other way. As an eczema warrior herself, read on to learn how Karina fights the itch and her best hacks for real life. A refreshing take on real skin and a celebration of texture.
Q: The dreaded itch. The feeling is familiar. What is the first thing you do to tackle this?
A: I turn my shower on and I get my Original Coffee Scrub in hand, ready to go!
Q: How do you use my Original Coffee Scrub? And how often?
A: For me, the itch feels like I have bugs under my skin and I want to rip it off!
So to save myself from ripping my skin and giving myself bruises (it happens!) I get a handful of OG scrub in a luke-warm shower and I very gently use the OG to scratch and scrub while delivering nourishing oils into my skin.
I turn the water off, and let the scrub and its oils soak into my skin for five minutes (fun fact, I actually use this time to clean my shower!).
After this, I turn the water to cool and rinse off. Not only does this stop the itch, but it also helps with inflammation.
At the moment, I find myself needing to do this once a fortnight… BUT I do frank for pleasure and I find that, the more I do this, the less often I have flare-ups.
Q: What causes your flare ups? What do preventive hacks look like for you?
A: Where do I start!? Anything from changes in the weather, stress and certain foods have proven to be my major triggers. So with this in mind, being wary of the changing weather and seasons, keeping calm and relaxed and watching what I eat are big preventative measures for me. Regular use of frank can also help! But I also find a thick barrier cream after each shower, to lock in my moisture all day, is very helpful.
At the moment, I find myself needing to do this once a fortnight… BUT I do frank for pleasure and I find that, the more I do this, the less often I have flare-ups.
Q: The itch turns into a scratch, the scratch turns into a hot mess then a scar. How do you maintain your confidence during and after a flare up?
A: I’m proud of every scar I have because they tell a story and make me the unique unicorn I am! I always remember to recognise that everyone has bad days - no matter what their problem or ailment - and that the real confidence comes from how you deal with it and how you overcome it.
Karina's top picks to relieve that itch.
Real results from real babes.
WHAT'S INSIDE MY ORIGINAL COFFEE SCRUB
ROBUSTA COFFEE GRINDS
There's a reason my Original Coffee Scrub has so many 5 star reviews. My hero blend of coffee provides the ultimate exfoliation for babes who want results.
COLD PRESSED SWEET ALMOND OIL
An antioxidant packed oil that leaves your skin hydrated even after rinsing the scrub off.
VITAMIN E
A bodyguard to protect your skin from free radicals, promoting healing and fading scars.
SEA SALT
Added exfoliation to tackle dry, flaky skin without irritation. Anti-bacterial to fight breakouts.