Eczema, a chronic skin condition that affects millions worldwide, can be a frustrating and often debilitating experience. As someone who has personally struggled with the ups and downs of managing eczema, I know first hand the importance of finding effective, natural solutions to soothe and nourish the skin.
I have suffered with eczema throughout childhood and into adulthood. But a few years ago I had a bad flare up on my hands, which made them look dark, with scratch marks from all the itching. I once caught someone looking at my hands with their face looking like what's up with her hands? This made me very self conscious and ate away at my self-confidence particularly at work where I had to regularly meet customers.
That's why I had to do something about it when every cream (and those prescribed!) failed to deliver on their promises. It is important to note that the skin is self-repairing, self-maintaining and made from the nutrients provided in the diet. Our luxurious Wild Roots Body Butter helps to support your skin in calming, soothing and healing itself.
I'm excited to share my top tips and insights on how to manage eczema naturally. I have gathered all my learnings over the past 25+ years to hopefully help speed up your journey to healthy skin.
Understanding Eczema
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed patches. It's often triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and can be exacerbated by stress, certain foods, and harsh skincare products. While there's no one-size-fits-all cure, there are many natural ways to manage the symptoms and improve the overall health of your skin.
Identifying Triggers
One of the key steps in managing eczema is understanding your personal triggers. Common triggers can include stress, certain fabrics, changes in temperature or humidity, and even certain foods. By keeping a detailed journal of your flare-ups and the factors that precede them, you can start to identify your unique triggers and take steps to avoid or minimize them.
Nourishing the Skin
Proper skin nourishment is crucial for managing eczema. Our luxurious Wild Roots Body Butters are formulated with a blend of premium, organic ingredients that work to soothe, hydrate, and protect the skin. Ingredients like shea butter, sea buckthorn, and vitamin E deeply nourish and replenish the skin, helping to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Incorporating Natural Remedies
In addition to using high-quality skincare products, there are many natural remedies that can help alleviate eczema symptoms. Here are some of my top recommendations:
Oatmeal Baths
Colloidal oatmeal has long been used as a natural remedy for eczema, as it can help to soothe and calm irritated skin. Adding a cup of colloidal oatmeal to your bathwater can provide relief and help to reduce itching.
Herbal Teas
Certain herbal teas, such as chamomile and green tea, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce eczema flare-ups. Drinking these teas regularly can provide a soothing and calming effect.
Probiotics
Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is important for overall skin health, and research has shown that probiotics can be beneficial for managing eczema. Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements into your diet.
Stress Management
Stress can be a major trigger for eczema. Stress can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to inflammation. This can exacerbate skin conditions like eczema. Stress also activates the fight-or-flight response, releasing hormones such as cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels can disrupt skin barrier function and lead to flare-ups. Stress also affects the skin barrier function making it less effective at retaining moisture. So it's important to find healthy ways to manage it. Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help to reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
Developing a Skincare Routine
Creating a consistent, gentle skincare routine is essential for managing eczema. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Cleansing
Use a gentle cleanser, that does not contain artificial fragrances that won't strip the skin of its natural oils. Avoid harsh soaps and scrubbing, as this can further irritate the skin.
Moisturizing
Applying a rich, nourishing moisturizer like our body butters from Wild and Rooted Skincare is crucial for keeping the skin hydrated and reducing inflammation.
Avoiding Irritants
Steer clear of harsh chemicals, fragrances, and other potential irritants that can exacerbate eczema. Opt for natural, gentle products whenever possible.
One of the best thing you can do is to read the label of your products
Ingredients to Avoid in your skincare:
- Fragrances - Synthetic fragrances can trigger allergic reactions and irritate sensitive skin.
- Silicones - this is like being wrapped in plastic. Cheap ingredient made to make your skin and the formula feel silky.
- Mineral oil - derived from petroleum , cheap ingredient that coats the skin and clogs pores.
- Paraffins - derived from petroleum. A cheap version that act as a softener and moisturizer that does not actually moisturise or support the body in healing. Harmful if ingested.
- Urea - Can be irritating for eczema sufferers.
- Lanolin - Derived from sheep's wool, lanolin can cause allergic reactions in some people with eczema.
- Retinoids - These vitamin A derivatives, often used in anti-aging products, can be too harsh and trigger eczema flares.
- Ethanol - This alcohol can dry out the skin and exacerbate eczema symptoms.
- Propylene Glycol and butylene glycol - used as humectants and emollients. Tendency to cause irritation and allergic reactions.
- Parabens - A preservative that can cause allergic reactions and skin irritations in sensitive individuals.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - a harsh detergent found in many cleansers and shampoos, it can strip the skin of natural oils and cause irritation.
- Phenoxyethanol - A preservative used in cosmetic products and also a stabilizer in perfumes and soaps. Exposure can cause allergic reactions and skin irritations.
- Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisthiazolinone - may be hard to pronounce but they can be even harder on the body. They have been linked to toxicity, found to be 2 most predominant contact allergens found in cosmetic products. The American Contact Dermatitis Society named MIT Allergen of the Year for 2013.
- Benzyl Alcohol - may cause irritation in those with sensitive skin.
- Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers - used as preservatives, these can be highly irritating and known allergens
- Isopropyl Alcohol - Often found in toners and astringents, it can dry out and irritate the skin.
Finding Balance and Self-Care
Managing eczema is a journey, and it's important to be patient and kind to yourself throughout the process. Remember to listen to your body, experiment with different natural remedies, and find ways to incorporate self-care into your daily routine. With the right approach and the support of high-quality, natural skincare products like those from Wild and Rooted Skincare, you can find relief and achieve healthier, more radiant skin.