Salicylates are widely found in everyday products and getting overloaded by them is becoming a real issue. This led Sharon Maughan to develop FaceWise.
Born out of the founder's battle with salicylate overload which led to surgery, FaceWise offers a gentle and nourishing alternative to skincare. We will dive into a new approach to skincare and learn more about the link between sensitive skin and salicylates.
How FaceWise Salicylate-Free Skincare Was Born
An allergy is an annoying situation but it can also be a life-changing experience as happened to award-winning British actress, director, producer and entrepreneur, Sharon Maughan: her battle against a severe salicylate overload led her to develop FaceWise in 2012.
Sharon Maughan says: “After years of toxic build-up and worsening skin problems I finally developed a life-threatening allergy to aspirin and ibuprofen. Finally, my ENT Doctor diagnosed a salicylate overload known as Samters Triad.
I had itchy, sensitive skin which got worse and more frequent until it became full-blown red eczema patches on my face. I also had allergy symptoms like a sensitive nose and eyes.
The diagnosis led to me having sinus surgery after which I felt better and decided to adopt my new lifestyle controlling my exposure to salicylates with a low salicylate diet. Then I started looking for low-salicylate skincare as the skin is the largest organ of the body. What goes onto the skin goes into the body.
When trying to find a low-salicylate skincare option, I couldn’t believe there was not a single skincare product line marketing itself as low-salicylate.
Salicylates are a cheap preservative used liberally in beauty products and household cleaning products, so we are extensively exposed to them these days. One day when talking to a friend they said, ‘why don’t you launch your own line’. That’s why I’ve made FaceWise.
Before surgery I was very ill. After surgery combined with my new low salicylate lifestyle, I am much better.
I’ve learned to think about what I expose myself to. I never ever expose myself to mint for example, as it is dangerously high in salicylates. I don’t even use mint toothpaste. I never use stripping exfoliant on my skin - I would end up red raw. I am kind to my skin and my body.
I have always been aware of health, fitness, diets, a clear brain etc as part of my job as an actor. But this has been a new process of learning what works for my body and my skin health.”
What Are Salicylates And What Is the Issue With Them?
Salicylates are ingredients naturally found in many plants, fruits and vegetables which can also be produced artificially. With plenty of helpful applications in daily life, salicylates can be spotted in a wide variety of everyday products from medications, like aspirin and painkillers, to cleaning products, perfumes and even mints. Salicylic acid is undoubtedly the most widespread of the family with its presence in many over-the-counter skincare treatments. Hence, our encounters with salicylates are a daily matter.
Not many of us are aware that high exposures to salicylates can lead to a toxic overload, which can cause anything from asthma to eczema, stomachache to severe reactions and ultimately anaphylaxis. Studies show that up to 20% of us could be suffering from it, without even knowing, and medical professionals have identified salicylates as an ingredient that might be the cause of sensitive skin.
A recent national survey found that sensitive skin is an increasing concern among the UK population with 60-70% of women and 50%-60% of men reporting skin issues linked to sensitivity.
About FaceWise Skincare And Range
FaceWise is an alternative to mainstream skincare and it has been to contrast the increasing amount of salicylate in our daily life starting from well-being products. Formulated to nourish the skin gently and leave it glowy and supple without harmful additives, it is suitable for all genders, skin types and ages.
Melting Cleansing Balm
The Melting Cleansing Balm (£39.95) reacts to body heat to revive skin and cleanse away dirt and makeup. Sweet almond oil ensures skin remains moisturised without clogging pores. Cocoa Butter and rock samphire extract ensure this gentle cleanser leaves skin feeling both clean and supple.
Essential Eye Cream
A must-have in your daily routine, FaceWise Essential Eye Cream (£18.95) offers a lift to tired eyes. A combination of vitamins A, E and F, all found in shea butter, aid the skin in producing collagen. Hyaluronic acid hydrates, helping to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin feeling refreshed.
Moisturising Day Cream
A face cream (£21.95) formulated for all skin types to deliver a nourishing daily boost. Hyaluronic acid ensures skin feels hydrated and plumped and can help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Shea butter intensely moisturises, leaving skin soft and smooth. Rock samphire promotes brightness uniformity and cell renewal leaving skin feeling refreshed.
Revitalising Face Oil
This luxurious face oil (£19.95) is blended with intensely nutritious Kalahari melon seed oil, which is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, and rock samphire extract. Ingredients known for their ability to thrive in some of the world’s harshest environments.
From her personal experience, Sharon aims to empower consumers to decide what to use and show how to be kind to their skin.
Find the FaceWise skincare range and read more online.
