How to Find Confidence in the Right Products | Honest Review From Chi

When it comes to building confidence in eczema products, it can be a hit or miss.
Having eczema since I was a young girl, I know firsthand the challenges of finding products that actually work—especially for Black and Brown skin.

Not every day do you wake up feeling like the best version of yourself. In fact, some days, you have to work twice as hard just to function as a “normal” human.

It’s only right that your products help you feel like your absolute best self—nothing less!

I was introduced to Phoilex Active Releaf Spot Gel in 2024, and here’s how it became one of my top trusted products:

1. Trial Period: Slowly Introducing the Product to Your Skin

When trying a new product, I like to warm up to it. I patch test it over a few weeks while researching the brand, checking the ingredients, and exploring their socials and website. Seeing skin of color representation on their platforms is always a huge plus for me.

If there are no weird reactions after patch testing and the brand aligns with my skin type, I’ll give it a proper go! That’s exactly what happened with Phoilex Releaf Spot Gel—I had it for a few weeks, using it here and there. I remember applying it to a few small eczema flares and being surprised by how effective it was.

The ingredient list, the brand’s mission—it all aligned with what I look for in a product. That gave me the confidence to move on to the next step.

2. Product Placement: Deciding Where It Fits in Your Routine

Now that I had the green light, I needed to decide when and where to use it. Would it be a part of my morning or nighttime routine?
Would it be a daily go-to or something I use as needed?

For me, Phoilex Active Releaf Spot Gel is an as-needed product. I apply it at the first sign of a flare or when I have a stubborn flare that needs extra support.

It helps with inflammation, hydrates dry, itchy skin, and soothes thick eczema flares. I suffer from lichenification, a condition common in Black skin where chronic scratching or rubbing causes the skin to thicken, becoming leathery and sometimes darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation).

Finding products that are both soothing and effective for thickened skin can be difficult because they need to penetrate the skin barrier. I’ve learned that a combination of hydration and anti-inflammatory properties works best, and Phoilex Active Releaf Spot Gel is one of my top recommendations for this!

3. Observe and Stay Flexible as Your Skin Changes

Ever heard the phrase, “Don’t you ever get too comfortable”? That should be eczema’s motto.

Even when we find confidence in a product, we have to stay in tune with our skin’s changing needs. Checking in on how our skin responds over time is key.
Does it still feel good?
Is it improving symptoms?
Does your routine need adjusting?

For example, you might realize it works better in the morning than at night, or that it pairs well with another product. And sometimes, no matter how well a product works, taking a break and revisiting it later is perfectly okay.

Once you’ve established a trusted relationship with a product, it becomes a staple—something you know you can count on when you need it most. That’s exactly what Phoilex Active Releaf Spot Gel has been for me.

I hope these tips help guide you in building trust and long-lasting confidence in the right products for your skin!

FAQs:

Q: How long should I patch test Phoilex Active Releaf Spot Gel before full application?
A: It's recommended to patch test the product for 2-3 weeks on a small area of skin to ensure no adverse reactions occur. During this time, apply a small amount to a discrete area and monitor for any irritation, redness, or discomfort.

Q: Can Phoilex Active Releaf Spot Gel help with hyperpigmentation from eczema?
A: The gel is specifically formulated to address both active eczema flares and their aftermath, including hyperpigmentation common in melanated skin. While primarily focused on soothing active flares, regular use can help support the skin's natural healing process for areas affected by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Q: How often should I apply the Releaf Spot Gel during an active eczema flare?
A: The gel can be applied as needed when you notice the first signs of a flare or on stubborn areas that need extra attention. For best results, apply to clean, slightly damp skin at the first sign of itching or inflammation, and reapply up to 2-3 times daily during active flares.

Q: Is the Releaf Spot Gel suitable for treating lichenification in darker skin tones?
A: Yes, the gel is specifically formulated to address lichenification, which is particularly common in Black and Brown skin. The product helps soothe thickened, leathery skin areas while providing hydration and anti-inflammatory benefits to support the healing process.

Q: How can I incorporate Phoilex Active Releaf Spot Gel into my existing skincare routine?
A: The gel works best as an "as-needed" treatment that can be applied either during your morning or evening skincare routine. Apply it after cleansing but before heavier moisturizers, focusing on specific areas experiencing flares or showing signs of eczema activity.

Q: What makes Phoilex Active Releaf Spot Gel different for melanated skin?
A: The formula is specifically designed with consideration for the unique challenges faced by Black and Brown skin, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and lichenification. The product's effectiveness has been demonstrated on diverse skin tones, with particular attention to addressing the specific ways eczema manifests in melanated skin.