My passion for skincare began when both of my children suffered from eczema when they were little. I turned to organic natural skincare, soaps and sulphate free shampoos to try and help their flare ups. Here I share what I have learned along the way.
What is eczema?
Eczema is a common skin condition and living with it can be distressing. Think dry, red, inflamed and itchy skin and often not being able to pin down the cause. It is often a long term condition, but by avoiding certain triggers and by keeping the skin moisturised you can go a long way to improve it.
What are the main causes of eczema?
While we don’t always know what causes eczema, genes and the environment are both said to play a part, and certain triggers can cause a flare up. Dry skin will make the condition worse. It is more common in children, but can also occur in adulthood.
Eczema triggers
Common triggers include irritants from soaps, shampoos and bubble bath. Environmental factors such as cold weather can worsen symptoms by drying out the skin. Pollen, pet fur and dust mites can also be irritants.
Natural skincare
Eczema can be triggered by different ingredients. Often artificial fragrances and colours are the culprits, so it’s worth avoiding products with these. Use natural skincare brands that avoid the use of sulphates (the ingredient that makes your product foam, but can dry your skin out). Use natural soaps and shampoo bars which will be made with oils and butters to nourish your skin. Shampoo soap bars are increasing in popularity, and many are 100% natural. Avoid biological washing powders and fabric conditioners opting for non-biological products and no fabric conditioner.
Does moisturiser help eczema?
Applying a moisturising cream or lotion every day will keep the skin hydrated and create a protective film. For very dry skin, ointments are available. These contain more oil than lotions and creams. You can speak to your pharmacist about the different options. Inflamed skin may need a topical corticosteroid, these can be prescribed in different strengths and can help with a flare up.
For further reading please visit:
https://patient.info/health/atopic-eczema