October 7th 2026
Homecare & Skincare for Managing Sjögren’s Disease
In all of the years I have had my practice, when speaking to other estheticians about autoimmune disorders I find that I rarely come across anyone in my field familiar with Sjögren’s Disease, also known as Sjögren’s Syndrome unless they have the disorder themselves.
Sjögren’s is simply an autoimmune disorder that mainly affects secretory glands of the eyes and mouth, reducing production of tears and saliva (sicca symptoms) and resulting in dry eyes (called keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and dry mouth (xerostomia). We don’t know what causes Sjögren Disease other than a theory that viruses such as the Epstein-Barr Virus may trigger SS in those with a genetic predisposition to SS. The theory is that the immune system, while trying to fight off the virus, gets confused and begins attacking the body’s own moisture-producing glands (a process known as molecular mimicry).
But don’t let those who have the condition hear you say anything about this disorder using the word “simply”. Those who have the disorder often try to make sense of their diagnosis, wondering if this disorder is a solo villain or the opening act for an entire circus of immune issues. After all, this disorder can be just a primary on it’s own, or a secondary condition that is linked to other conditions such as Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Celiac, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Scleroderma, Raynaud’s Disease and more. Having a Rheumatologist that specializes in autoimmune and rheumatic diseases will be able to accurately diagnose and help manage the condition (s).
Concerns
Those with Sjögren’s syndrome have varied conditions that manifest in the skin. Those conditions that involve blood vessels seem to have skin conditions that are more severe.
Hypergammaglobulinemic Purpura (HGP) in Sjögren’s syndrome often manifests as recurrent episodes of purpura on the lower extremities and can be associated with peripheral neuropathy. Inflamed blood vessels caused by immunologic processes, also known as vasculitis is the cause of this.
Symptoms in Sjögren’s Disease often manifests as reduced production of tears and saliva in the eyes and mouth. This includes dry mouth (xerostomia) which can cause the tongue to appear red, and cracked.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eyes): A shortage of tears creates a burning, itching, or gritty “sandy” sensation, light sensitivity, and potential damage to the cornea.
Symptoms in Sjögren’s Disease can also manifest in Parotid Gland Enlargement. Parotid gland enlargement occurs in roughly 20% to 50% of people with Sjögren’s Disease, often presenting as recurrent or persistent swelling located just in front of the ears and along the jawline.
It is also of note, that many of those who suffer with this condition report joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s-related joint inflammation is typically non-erosive, meaning it usually does not cause permanent bone destruction or severe joint deformities.
The main thing I continue to stress is with all autoimmune disorders, the underline almost always is rooted with inflammation. Even disorders that are not autoimmune like Rosacea I and II types. Anti-inflammatory diet is extremely beneficial, which I advocate for not only in my practice but also my home.
An autoimmune anti-inflammatory diet—most commonly known as the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) Diet—is designed to lower systemic inflammation, heal the gut lining, and identify specific food triggers that worsen autoimmune symptoms like those in rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Inflammation weakens your skin’s barrier. A weakened barrier lets in irritation. Irritation triggers more inflammation. Its a cycle that can be broken by using the right ingredients in your skincare that work in synergy to repair, soothe and hydrate
In the Spa at The Avalon Day Spa
For the face, neck, and décolleté, the primary goals are to gently cleanse while replenishing deep moisture and soothing inflammation in the skin without triggering sensitivity. We can do this in our 50 minute European Facials / $65.00, 80 minute European Facials/ $85.00 or our Sensitive Skin Facial 80 minute/$85.00 that includes cooling cryo tools and a hydration treatment with a machine we have from Paris called a Championnière. We simply customize your facial to include all of our products that reduce redness and inflammation in the skin, build and strengthen the skin’s barrier, provide nourishment and lock in moisture. Some ingredients we use include:
Beta-Glucan– A skin-soothing polysaccharide that supports natural healing, reinforces the skin barrier, and dramatically eases inflammation.
Glycyrrhetinic Acid – A potent active derived from licorice root known for its strong anti-inflammatory and redness-reducing properties
Allantoin – A gentle skin-conditioning agent that promotes cellular recovery, calms distress, and accelerates healing
Sodium Hyaluronate – A chirally correct, low-molecular-weight form of hyaluronic acid
Squalane– is a skin-identical emollient that helps support the skin’s natural barrier protection and skin moisturization.
Aloe Barbadensis Flower (Aloe) Extract– Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract (Aloe) has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and is known for its ability to reduce inflammation, reduce irritation, soothe, and heal the skin.
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract– Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract has been used for centuries and contains curcumin, a bioactive component with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help manage several skin issues like inflammation and redness.
Mirabilis Jalapa Extract (Four O’ Clock Flower)– Mirabilis Jalapa Extract (Four O’ Clock Flower) is known for its anti- inflammatory properties and is used in skincare products to calm reactive skin, reducing discomfort (like sensations of pain, itching and stinging) and visible redness. It also improves skin’s long-term resilience against sensitivity triggers
Urea, Lactic Acid and Fruit Enzymes- sometimes, depending on the clients needs and skin texture, we made add some of these ingredients to the facial. All three of these ingredients will help treat scaly, textured dry skin– they also help hydrate and add vibrancy back into the skin.
Care For Home
Managing dry, sensitive skin caused by Sjögren’s Disease requires a gentle, barrier-repairing approach. Most of my clients who have this condition cite their skincare concerns for the face, neck and décolleté as being dry, sometimes scaly in texture. Yes, we treat this in the spa during our facials, but adding in homecare will give you better and faster results. There should be a 3 step method to this using simple home care instructions. Just like at the spa, focusing on ingredients that will help including humectants, emollients and occlusives. In fact, some of the below products, could very well be in the custom facial when you visit.
Hale & Hush Quiet Wash- Day & Night
*3.58oz $24.00, 6.2oz $38.00
Le Mieux Hyaluronic Serum- Day
*1 oz $70.00
This serum has 10 forms of hyaluronic acid, and if that’s not enough, it also contains Polyglutamic acid (PGA), a water soluable peptide that is a high performance humectant-
holding up to 4,000 to 5,000 times its weight in water, significantly outperforming hyaluronic acid (which holds about 1,000 times its weight)
Like all Le Mieux serums, a little bit lasts a long way. You only need 4-6 drops of this serum. It also contains Green Tea Extract, a natural antioxidant that calms, moisturizes & conditions and Panthenol, a deeply hydrating vitamin that locks in moisture.
Vital Lipid Lotion- Day & Night
*1.7oz $52.00
Le Mieix Derma Relief Serum- Night
*1oz $55.00
When I recommend this especially for health challenged, dry skin, there is a reason why. It’s made from 13 oils which all mimic skin identical lipids. I also love that you only need 3-5 drops per use, making this product really last a long time. Filled with nourishment and nutrients, this oil was made for repairing barrier function in the skin. This is a dry oil and can be used on those with acne types I and II without clogging pores.
Argania Spinosa (Argan) Seed Oil: Nourishes and softens with essential fatty acids and vitamin E.
Plukenetia Volubilis (Sacha Inchi) Seed Oil: Calms inflammation, irritation, and dryness while improving skin barrier function.
Bertholletia Excelsa (Brazil Nut) Seed Oil: Provides vitamins A, E, and fatty acids to moisturize and protect the natural barrier.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil: Soothes sensitive, reactive, and irritated skin.
Oenocarpus Bacaba Fruit Oil (Bacaba Pulp Oil): Restores moisture and maintains skin softness and elasticity.
Aleurites Moluccanus (Kukui) Nut Oil: Traditionally used to soothe sunburn and inflammation with rich linoleic and linolenic acids.
Bixa Orellana (Annatto) Seed Oil: Acts as a rich emollient and moisturizer.
Copaifera Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin Oil: Helps soothe and comfort stressed or compromised skin.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil: Delivers deep, skin-softening moisture.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil: Conditions and supports moisture retention.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil: Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids to smooth skin texture.
Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Oil: Provides antioxidant protection and nourishment.
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil: Deeply conditions and protects dry skin.
Squalane: A lightweight, skin-identical lipid that locks in moisture without feeling heavy.
Ceramide AP & Ceramide NP: Essential lipids that rebuild and reinforce the skin barrier.
Laneige Cica Repair Overnight Mask– Nights 2-3x A Week
* 2oz $35.00 Sample Size $5.00
This mask mas serious barrier repair properties and does wonders for Rosacea Type I and II. It includes ingredients Centella Repair Complex (Centella Asiatica, madecassoside), Forest Yeast (fermented extract from Jeju Island), squalane, panthenol, and glycerin.
Just simply cleanse the skin, and after while the skin is still damp add the night serum. Let the serum completely soak into the skin, and apply a thin layer of mask. Sleep in the mask and in the morning, cleanse as normal. Why is this important? Because just like the “skin slugging” trend, this is an occlusive. Having an occlusive at night protects compromised skin while locking in moisture. Trust me, your skin will thank you.
Pro Tips
Mist the face, neck and décolleté with a plain water thermal spray or water before applying hyaluronic acid or glycerin-based products to give these humectants water to bind to. Other things to take into consideration are:
Shorter, Lukewarm Showers: Limit bathing to 10 minutes or less in warm (not hot) water to avoid stripping your natural skin oils.
Use a Humidifier: Run a clean humidifier (ideally maintaining 40%–65% indoor humidity) in your bedroom or workspace, especially during dry winter months or with forced-air heating.
Avoid Fragrances and Fabric Softeners: Steer clear of perfumed lotions, harsh laundry detergents, and fabric softeners, which frequently trigger contact dermatitis and irritation on compromised Sjögren’s skin.
Research & Referrals
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/sjoegren-syndrome
https://hsctindia.com/hsct-treatment-guides/sjogrens-syndrome