Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream

How to Use for Sensitive Skin

For sensitive skin, always patch test new products on inner arm for 24-48 hours first. Apply morning and evening after gentle, fragrance-free cleansing. Use minimal gentle pressure when applying - press softly into skin rather than rubbing which can trigger sensitivity. On particularly reactive days, apply to damp skin immediately after gentle patting with towel. Avoid mixing with potentially irritating actives like retinoids or acids unless skin has built tolerance. During sensitivity flares, can be applied multiple times daily for soothing relief. Layer under mineral sunscreen in morning. At night, use alone or over soothing essence. Keep in refrigerator for enhanced cooling relief during reactive episodes.

Important Considerations

• 1 Lavender extract, though at low concentration, may irritate extremely sensitive individuals - patch test recommended
• 2 Silicones are generally safe but some very sensitive skin reacts to certain silicone types
• 3 Phenoxyethanol preservative is generally well-tolerated but those with preservative sensitivity should note
• 4 Not as rich as some dedicated sensitive skin creams, may need occlusive layer in harsh weather

How to Use for Combination Skin

Apply morning and evening after serums to entire face with even distribution. For combination skin, use slightly more generous amount on dry cheek areas and thinner layer on T-zone if needed. Press gently into skin rather than rubbing to prevent stimulating oil production in T-zone. In morning, allow full absorption before sunscreen application. Consider using targeted serums beforehand - BHA toner on T-zone, hydrating essence on cheeks - then use this as universal final moisturizer. During summer, may use lighter layer; in winter, may add facial oil only to dry zones after this cream. Works excellently as makeup base when fully absorbed.

Important Considerations

• 1 During seasonal transitions, may need adjustment with additional hydration for very dry cheeks in winter
• 2 Some combination types with very oily T-zones may want to apply lighter layer in that area
• 3 Works best when paired with targeted serums for specific zone concerns (BHA for T-zone, hydrating essence for cheeks)
• 4 The balancing effect may take 2-3 weeks of consistent use to fully manifest

How to Use for Rosacea

For rosacea management, apply morning and evening to clean skin using gentle pressing motions, never rubbing. Store in refrigerator for enhanced cooling relief during flares. In morning, use before mineral-based sunscreen which won't irritate rosacea-prone skin. During active flares, can be applied multiple times daily for soothing relief. Avoid layering with potential irritants like acids, retinoids, or vitamin C unless skin has built tolerance. Works well over azelaic acid which is rosacea-safe. Apply immediately after gentle cooling with damp cloth. For best results, identify and avoid personal rosacea triggers while using this as daily barrier support and inflammation management.

Important Considerations

• 1 Lavender extract at low concentration is generally tolerated but extreme rosacea may react - patch test
• 2 Not a treatment for demodex-related rosacea which requires specific antimicrobial therapy
• 3 Works best for managing mild to moderate rosacea, severe cases need dermatologist care
• 4 Soothing effects are most noticeable when used consistently, not just during flares

How to Use for Eczema-Prone Skin

For eczema-prone skin, apply liberally morning and evening to entire affected areas. During flares, can be applied multiple times daily for relief. After bathing while skin is still damp, apply immediately to seal in moisture and prevent water loss that triggers eczema. For severe dryness, layer petroleum jelly or thick ointment over this cream at night for enhanced occlusion. During remission periods, use daily as preventive maintenance to strengthen barrier and reduce flare frequency. Safe to use on children's eczema following pediatrician approval. For hand eczema, apply after each handwashing. Works well under prescription eczema treatments as protective base layer.

Important Considerations

• 1 Not a replacement for prescription treatments during severe eczema flares
• 2 Some very reactive eczema skin may respond to lavender extract - patch test during remission
• 3 May need additional occlusive layer (petroleum jelly) at night for severe barrier damage
• 4 Works best for mild to moderate eczema or as maintenance between flares

How to Use for Oily Skin

Use morning and evening after lightweight water-based serums. For oily skin, apply thin layer using gentle pressing motions rather than massaging in circles which can stimulate oil glands. In morning routine, wait 2-3 minutes for full absorption before applying sunscreen to prevent pilling. At night, can be used alone or layer over niacinamide or BHA serum for enhanced sebum control. During humid months, consider using only at night and switching to lighter essence moisturizer for day. Works well as makeup primer when fully absorbed. Avoid mixing with oils or oil-based products.

Important Considerations

• 1 Silicones provide slip but may feel unfamiliar to those used to gel moisturizers, though not comedogenic
• 2 Some extremely oily skin may prefer even lighter gel formulas in peak summer humidity
• 3 Works best when paired with BHA or niacinamide serum for comprehensive sebum control
• 4 Not mattifying - provides comfortable hydration but won't replace oil-control powders for very oily skin

How to Use for Dry/Dehydrated Skin

Apply morning and evening as final moisturizing step after serums. For dry skin, apply to damp skin immediately after hydrating toner or essence while skin is still moist to maximize humectant effectiveness. Use gentle pressing motions rather than rubbing to help absorption. During day, follow with sunscreen after full absorption. At night, those with very dry skin should layer with 3-4 drops of facial oil or apply an occlusive sleeping mask over the cream. In winter or dry climates, consider using hydrating sheet mask twice weekly before application for enhanced results.

Important Considerations

• 1 Lightweight texture means very dry or mature skin may need additional occlusive layer at night
• 2 Quick absorption prevents prolonged massage which some dry skin types prefer for circulation
• 3 Silicone content provides slip but doesn't add nourishing oils that extremely dry skin craves
• 4 Works best when applied to damp skin immediately after toner or essence to maximize humectant activity

How to Use for Hyperpigmentation

For hyperpigmentation, apply morning and evening after targeted brightening treatments. In morning routine, layer over vitamin C or tranexamic acid serum, then follow with broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen which is essential for preventing darkening. At night, apply after brightening treatments like alpha arbutin or kojic acid. Can be applied with slightly more focus on hyperpigmented areas. For post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne, apply immediately after breakouts heal to accelerate fading. Consistent daily use is critical - results require 6-12 weeks minimum. Pair with weekly gentle chemical exfoliation (AHA/BHA) to accelerate cell turnover and pigment fading.

Important Considerations

• 1 Works best for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation rather than deep melasma or severe sun damage
• 2 Requires consistent use for 6-8 weeks minimum to see visible fading of dark spots
• 3 Should be paired with daily broad-spectrum sunscreen as pigmentation easily returns without protection
• 4 Most effective when layered over targeted brightening treatments rather than used alone