If you’ve been following my IG feed, you may have noticed some posts wherein I talked about a horrid face rash. As it turns out, it was more than a face rash.
I had an allergic reaction to new antibiotics which led to acute Angioedema* which, in turn, caused me to go into anaphylactic shock around a fortnight back. I couldn’t breathe and was gasping. Thankfully, I was actually at the doctor’s that very moment and they were able to administer an epinephrine shot. Dramatic, I know.
Post that, my face has been a field of redness, swells and welts. That’s the angioedema speaking.
The image above is how I looked after a stint at the ER and several hours of being fed steroids intravenously. Before my face poofed up. Before I looked like I had mumps and resembled an Asian dumpling, which is just about what I see in the mirror right about now 🙂 but inflated face aside, I am SO pleased that all the redness is now gone. My skin is approximately 85% back to what it used to be, and I wanted to share with you what products I used to nurse it back to health.
This, my friends, is my holy grail of rejuvenating-and-resurrecting-skin-which-has-been-tortured-by-angioedema-products. Let me tell you why I would genuflect before each and every single one of them, on a daily basis, and why I would not hesitate to recommend them to you, be it in your hour of skin need or on a regular, skincare basis.
Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes $12
Under normal circumstances, I already have hyper sensitive skin (I have weekly injections of Xolair to keep my IGE levels from going higher than the 6000 odd they currently are), but throughout the Angioedema episode, the skin on my face was absolutely raw and red. It hurt to be touched. It hurt even when I wasn’t touching it. Like burnt skin. Even a tiny twitch would set off countless waves of pain. The skin felt taut and parched and stretched beyond belief. Still, I knew I had to keep it clean in order for the healing process to begin. These wipes were such a godsend. So so soothing and gentle even as they cleansed my face thoroughly. Moisturising and cleansing. Never once did I feel as though my skin had been stripped dry. A single wipe was sufficient for my entire face and neck, which makes them affordable and nifty to carry around.
Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick $36.50
I’d heard miracle stories a-plenty of this thingy. All proclaiming the virtues of the Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, a facial cleanser laced with rose petals and fermented Damask rose. From our virgin encounter, it quickly became “the way, the truth, and the light” for me where the second step of cleansing was concerned. Particularly during the Angioedema episode. Hailing from Korea (but, of course), the Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick is a facial cleanser in the form of a stick, encased within a twist-up style applicator. It’s loaded with moisturising plant oils and other ingredients which, collectively, are believed to contain powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, treat atopic dermatitis and acne, and promote wound healing. Guess what? It truly lives up to its name of being a miracle stick. Cleansing my face during and post Angioedema felt like an act of luxury rather than of discomfort and pain. And I’m positive the Su:m37 Rose Cleansing Stick went a long way towards helping my face heal. I truly do. Sidenote: some also use it as a make-up remover, I’ve personally never tried but hey, a 2-in-1? Can it get any better?
SK-II Facial Treatment Masks $135 for a pack of 10
During Angioedema, I used these Pitera-soaked 100% Cotton Masks twice daily for the first two weeks. and they were heavenly. Hydrating my skin beyond belief, providing instant relief even as they nourished and aided in the healing process. Only recently have I tapered it to once a day. In about a week, I’ll taper it further to once every other day until I reach my regular schedule of twice weekly. I did not follow the instructions, to be candid. I would gently massage the mask while it was on my face, in circular motions, continuously, until the mask was dry and all the Pitera lotion had been absorbed into my skin. I swear, this mask is a touch of heaven and stopped me from sobbing on many occasions during that period of time. Yes, they’re pricey but I would spend that money all over again because they’re worth more than what I paid for the results they delivered.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence $105
Putting on moisturiser was agonising for the first two, three weeks. And yet the skin could not be left dehydrated because (a) it wouldn’t heal; and (b) there would be scars. Meet the one product you must have if your skin is going through scarring or extensive peeling or is simply in need of renewing and/or healing – SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. It contains 90% Pitera, the main ingredient used to enhance the skin’s renewal process, as well as nourishing vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids, all of which promote a healthy skin cell renewal cycle. I would gently pat it on my face whenever needed, which averaged every 30-45 minutes. My daughter has also been using it post the removal of a cyst on her face and I have to tell you, her scar is rapidly vanishing.
Mizon Snail Repair Hydro Mist $14.50
In lieu of moisturisers, I would spray my face with this every hour or thereabouts. Comprised of 90% snail slime extract which increases cell regeneration, this spray claims to also encourage cell regeneration and heal damaged skin. And I believe it does. After about a week of using it, the affected areas of skin began to dry up and peel (a vital factor in the healing process), and (used in tandem with the others I’ve listed) I began to see visible results from using the spray.
Which leads me to where I am today 🙂
I’m still not 100% but I’m getting there and I’m so relieved. Do you have any miracle products in your arsenal that you’d like to share?
Love, Sheela
* I was recently diagnosed with Autoimmune Chronic Urticaria and Autoimmune Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, and if you Google the two disorders, you’ll read about Angioedema which makes up the unholy triad 🙂 in addition, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (or SLE) has also been added to the mix so sussing out the right formula of skincare products has become an imperative step in my life.
Sheela Writes 
You poor thing! I regularly deal with eczema on my face, and it’s maddening. Makeup, moisturizers, everything hurts, not to mention blotchy red skin 😦 I’ve added a couple of your recommendations to my Amazon shopping cart 🙂
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It only started when I was diagnosed with two autoimmune disorders, Angioedema completes the unholy triad 🙂 I’m so glad that you might be trying some of the stuff I used, Kate, they were such godsends xoxo
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Poor thing! So glad you were able to clear up you skin and begin treating your autoimmune disorders. A few years back I had a horrible allergic reaction that caused my face to swell up and patches of bright red hives across my cheeks. Long story short I had to go to the emergency room and get a shot and a pack of steroids and my face was back to normal in a few weeks. Would have loved to have some of these to soothe my irritated skin back then.
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I hear ya. My face, in fact, my entire body, is still all sorts of poofy and bloated from the steroids. It’ll probably be another month before I can fit into my old clothes comfortably again but it’s worth it, for my skin to heal and clear up 🙂
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So sorry this happened to you! That must have been terrifying. Glad that you are healing well! Jeez – Korea seems to have the most beautiful skin care!
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It was, very terrifying. My entire universe blew up in my face, quite literally. I’m so relieved that things are progressing nicely, unless I just jinxed it with that statement 🙂 both Korea and Japan are famed for their skincare products. Have you heard of the 10-Step Beauty Regime? I started following it this January because I felt I should, being in my mid 40s, I think it’s working wonders actually.
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Stay positive – you are going to be just fine. No – I haven’t heard of this 10-step routine! You should post about it! I would love to “get educated”! Still on the never-ending quest to find the perfect skincare routine!
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And that, my friend, has just seen the birth of a new post, all thanks to you MUACK
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Haha – so happy to inspire you!
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I can’t imagine the agony, but I’m happy you’re getting better. Thanks for linking up at Who’s Wearing What Wednesdays at Pastries, Pumps and Pi!
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I am!! Thank you for asking. It was crushing and for the longest time, I was just sinking in depression but thank the lord, everything is working out nicely. The healing is going well xoxo
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I just saw this! I’m glad your skin is much better and you feel much better! I can only imagine what you went through.
I think I do a 8 step regime as of now. I’ve been using IOPE products (korean). I love their Bio Essence (I think it works similar to the SK II essence). If you feel like trying something new out that is rejuvenating, I recommend the IOPE Super Vital Bio Intensive Cream, I think its $90+/-. It does good things to your skin! It has helped my face eczema a lot. A little goes a long way and I’ve been using my tiny sample jar for a couple months now.
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Hey 🙂 mine is between 10-14 steps depending on mood/how my skin feels at that moment. Because I have autoimmune chronic urticaria (I have weekly injections of Xolair to keep my IGEs in check), I am exceedingly careful of which brands I use because 99% trigger a flood of rash. I’ve tried IOPE before but it doesn’t do as much for me as it appears to be doing for you 🙂 my regime is predominantly Sulwhasoo and SK-II mixed with specific treatment products from Amore Pacific, Tatcha, Eve Lom, Omorovicza, Su:m 37, LJH, Missha, Mizon, Benton and Laneige. And my three Glow Mud jars 🙂 oh and the Caudalie Overnight Detox Oil I mentioned in the other post.
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It’s great that there are products out there that do suit your skin. Sulwhasoo and SK-II are the best of what’s out there. Sounds like you need to be extra careful with the flare ups. You do a great job taking care of your skin, I wouldn’t have known till I read this post that you had histamine issues.
I’ve yet to try a lot of the brands you’ve mentioned. I’ve heard good things about Tatcha. And what is this Glow Mud you speak of! It sounds like magic. haha. 😉
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Glam Glow 🙂 google it and be ever more entranced.
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Very frightening experience. What would have happened, had you not been at the doctor? So glad you are alright again.
Greetje
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Thank you, Greetje 🙂 we finally FINALLY, after 3 years, deciphered what the problem was and I’ve been on the appropriate medication for a month now, and I am so happy that things seem to be settling. I will never be completely cured but it is manageable 🙂
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I’m experiencing the same problem with autoimmune urticuria as you going on my 3rd week from an allergic reaction I have no idea the source was. I’ve been using coconut oil and clinique moisturizing lotion. Am now adding clinique moisture surge. I can’t believe how dry my face quickly gets and how disfiguring it is. It’s absolutely depressing to go to work and elsewhere looking like that. I hope you’re doing well now, thanks for sharing!!
Linh
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