Many people suffer from eczema and dry skin, especially during the cold season. There is no cream or oil that can cure eczema, but there is a lot you can do to soothe, relieve, and prevent eczema flare-ups.
Here are tips on what is important to consider and which natural products work.
How do I know if I have eczema?
Eczema can appear anywhere, but in children it usually first develops on the cheeks, chin, and scalp. In teenagers and adults, eczema patches most often appear in bending areas such as elbows, knees, behind the knees, ankles, wrists, and neck.
Atopic eczema has become a broad term. It is usually patchy red and can be dry, weeping or oozing, large and small, red and less red patches, as well as dark spots on the skin.
If it looks like mosquito bites or hives, it is probably an allergic reaction.
Factors that can trigger eczema.
- Stress.
- Tight clothing.
- Heat.
- Various foods.
- Chemicals that irritate the skin.
- Things that cause dry skin, such as cold weather, water, and products with strong synthetic ingredients.
- To understand what triggers eczema and how to get rid of flare-ups requires careful tracking of allergens and all outbreaks when they occur.
What can I do?
- Manage any stress. Focus on relaxation.
- Do not wear tight clothing. Change immediately after school or work into soft, loose-fitting clothes.
- Wash all new clothes before use, as they contain chemicals that can worsen the problems.
- Protect the skin from wind and cold with warm clothing.
- Avoid synthetic perfumes and chemicals both in skin care and cleaning products.
- Keep the skin supple with natural skin care products that allow the skin to breathe.
- Drink water.
- Eat healthy vegetable oils and anti-inflammatory foods. What you eat plays a very big role.
- To prevent future eczema flare-ups, avoid common triggers and allergens such as eggs, soy, gluten, dairy products, shellfish, fried foods, sugar, peanuts, trans fats, and artificial sweeteners.
What skin care products can I use?
No matter what type of eczema you have, it’s important to keep the skin supple and moisturized without irritating substances. Often, eczema can be avoided by moisturizing the skin frequently.
Unlike cortisone, simply applying cream to an affected area rarely helps. When the entire skin is kept soft and hydrated, you simply experience fewer skin problems. Skin issues also don’t spread as easily and are kept under control.
Therefore, you should not only apply spot treatment on the worst areas but cover a larger skin area or preferably the whole skin. You can advantageously choose lotions for the larger parts of the body and a richer cream for the smaller, more exposed areas.
What can I apply to my skin?
Lotions
Natural lotions suit you if you have:
- Moist and weepy eczema.
- In summer or for those who sweat a lot.
- For those who exercise a lot.
- Extremely dry skin that feels tight and has difficulty absorbing richer products.
Lotions are advantageous because they are easy to apply, which is preferable if you apply products often, every day. Natural lotions contain herbs and essential oils that soothe the skin and usually provide faster positive effects.
Odylique Repair Lotion A very light lotion that penetrates deeply into the skin (may sting a little for some). It is designed to soothe dry and itchy skin as well as eczema and supports the repair of damaged skin. A big favorite. Has a light herbal scent.
Weleda Calendula Body Lotion A lotion that soothes and cares for itchy and dry skin. When the skin is extremely dry, this is best used together with a richer product. Has a fresh scent.
Tip: If you have very dry and tight skin, first apply a lotion or light oil, then finish with a slightly richer cream. Note that lotions can sting on very dry and thin skin. However, this usually stops when you apply something richer on top. If not, mix your lotion with a richer product before applying.
For really troublesome eczema or extremely dry skin, a combination of Repair Lotion followed by Calendula balm is good. They work very well together, and with regular use (at least twice a day) you will notice improved skin condition.
If Repair Lotion stings on the skin, it usually stops stinging after applying Calendula balm. Since Calendula balm is not the cheapest in its category, it can be expensive to cover the whole body with it. The tip is to apply evening primrose oil over the Repair Lotion on the whole skin, then use Calendula Balm on problem areas.
Light oils
Instead of lotions, you can use a light oil. The advantage is that you only use one ingredient, which is preferable if you tend to react easily to products.
Oils are also economical and long-lasting choices. The oil works best when applied with a little water or directly on damp skin, for example right after a shower or bath. A light oil that doesn’t feel greasy also works well under the eyes.
Evening primrose oil or hemp seed oil are two examples of oils that strengthen the skin’s barrier with reparative properties.
They are very mild without fragrances and do not irritate sensitive skin. Hemp oil can also be used in cooking.
Richer creams or rich oils
Richer creams or rich oils suit you if you have:
- Dry eczema.
- Wintertime.
- Very dry skin.
- Those who use cortisone.
A richer product prevents the skin from losing moisture while also offering some weather protection, like an extra temporary skin layer. For those with eczema, a richer product is a must during winter, with or without lotion/oil.
Weleda Calendula Body Cream Nice for very dry and tight skin. Soothes irritated and itchy skin. Contains lanolin (not vegan), which is soothing on damaged skin and also provides good weather protection. Slightly sticky in texture with a fresh scent.
Zoya Goes Pretty Shea Butter Argan
A shea butter that melts on the skin. Doesn’t feel greasy once absorbed and is good for dry eczema. Also provides excellent weather protection.
Odylique Calendula Balm
A water-free, soft, wonderful balm that truly soothes itching and repairs damaged skin. It suits very dry, cracked, and irritated skin, eczema, and psoriasis. Has a light fresh scent.
Odylique Ultra Rich
Ultra Rich was originally created as a moisturizer and softener for eczema and psoriasis. It absorbs deeply into the skin layers. It hydrates and supports the skin’s natural protective barrier without clogging pores. Can be used alone or after Repair Lotion.
Ekendahls calendula ointment is versatile and great for use on dry and cracked skin. It contains shea butter, beeswax, jojoba oil, and calendula.
Jojoba oil A semi-light oil with a slightly waxy feel on the skin. Jojoba oil provides good protection, has a healing and protective effect on the skin, is good for itchy skin, and effective for dry eczema. Also suitable for massage.
Want to make your own body butter? Here you’ll find recipes.
How do I relieve itching?
Something that stops itching for most people is apple cider vinegar.
Dilute the vinegar with water or use it undiluted and dab on the affected area.
Note that it can sting badly on broken skin (e.g., if you have scratched a lot), so be careful. Try and find a concentration that works.
Do you have a child or baby with eczema? Then read our information on treating eczema in young children.
Do supplements help?
Yes, they can really support skin problems and eczema, especially when reviewing your dietary choices. Here are some tips on which supplements to focus on.
- Lactic acid bacteria can make a difference since the skin often reflects gut health.
- Vitamin D has shown good results for people with eczema. Feel free to take 2000 IU per day.
- Zinc helps with skin problems.
- Omega-3 fatty acids. To prevent eczema, consider eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids or taking supplements.
Do you have a dry scalp? We have information that can help you.
Please feel free to comment and share what works well for your eczema-prone skin!
