TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF! BACKGROUND, CAREER, BUSINESS?

Hello, my name is Jenn. I'm from Miami, Florida. I am Haitian-American. I am an Actress, Singer and Model. I recently graduated with my Bachelor's Degree in Theatre, something I never even thought was possible. I used to think that having sensitive skin wouldn't allow me to see myself working in a world that moved faster than my skin could heal. My brand is @Mer_mami. A brand that promotes self-love through healing skin. The name is derived from the mermaid, who inspires us to admire our scales and find beauty in them.

WHEN DID YOU START NOTICING YOU HAD SENSITIVE SKIN/ECZEMA?

Around the age of 8, I noticed I started having sensitive skin and eczema in the 3rd grade. I got my hair done in braids for the first time and the next morning I woke up with swollen eyes. I ended up being allergic to the braiding hair. I vividly remember my eczema patch on the back of my left leg starting small and slowly spreading.

WHAT HAS HELPED YOU CALM A FLARE-UP? ANY PARTICULAR PRACTICE, MEDICATION, OINTMENT, CREAM? 

During a flare I often use nothing in the first few days. When my skin is in a state of defense mode, my skin responds well to NMT, No Moisturizing Treatment. I still take showers and they usually last more than 30 minutes lol! I let my skin do it's own healing then I slowly add in ointment-based products.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR TRIGGERS ARE?

Some of my triggers include dairy, corn and shea butter.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ANOTHER ECZEMA WARRIOR?

The advice I have for managing a difficult flare-up are letting your skin breathe. A flare-up needs time to cool off whatever may have triggered it. Some things I do are massages around the area showing your skin love can be helpful to healing. I believe listening to what your body wants is essential as well. I allowed myself to be ostracized and robbed of the simple things in life because of how much a flare-up can be an inconvenience. Always speak kindly to yourself and remember that you are beautiful regardless of a flare-up!