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 are many things 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 develops first on the cheeks, chin and scalp. In teenagers and adults, eczema patches most often appear in areas that bend, such as elbows, knees, leg creases, ankles, wrists and neck. Atopic eczema has become a broad term. It is usually patchy red and can be dry, wet or infected patches, large and small, red and less red patches as well as dark patches on the skin. If it looks like mosquito bites or hives, then 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 content
To understand what triggers eczema and how to get rid of eczema flare-ups requires careful monitoring of allergens and all outbreaks when they occur
What can I do?
Manage any stress. Focus on relaxation.
Don't wear tight clothing. Change immediately after school or work to soft, loose-fitting clothes.
Wash all new clothes before use, as they contain chemicals that can worsen the problems.
Protect the skin against wind and cold with warm clothes.
Avoid synthetic fragrances and chemicals both in skincare and cleaning products.
Keep the skin supple with natural skincare products that let the skin breathe.
Drink water.
Eat healthy vegetable oils and anti-inflammatory food. What you eat plays a very important role.
To prevent future eczema flare-ups, you should avoid common triggering factors and allergens such as eggs, soy, gluten, dairy products, shellfish, fried food, sugar, peanuts, trans fats and artificial sweeteners.
What skincare products can I use?
Regardless of what type of eczema you have, it is important to keep the skin supple and moisturized without irritating substances. Many times you can avoid eczema by moisturizing the skin frequently. Unlike cortisone, it rarely helps to only apply to an affected area. When the entire skin is kept soft and moisturized, you simply get fewer skin problems. The skin problems also don't spread as easily, but are kept in check. You should therefore not only apply spot treatment to the worst areas but moisturize a larger skin area or preferably the entire 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 moisturize with?
Lotions
Natural lotions are suitable for you with:
Moist and wet eczema.
Summer time or for those who sweat a lot.
For those who exercise a lot.
Extremely dry skin that feels tight and has difficulty absorbing rich products.
Lotions are advantageous as they are easy to apply, something to prefer if you moisturize frequently, every day. Natural lotions contain herbs and essential oils that soothe the skin and usually provide faster positive effects.
Odylique Repair Lotion
A very thin lotion that penetrates deep into the skin (may sting a little on some people). It is designed to soothe dry and itchy skin as well as eczema and supports the repair of damaged skin.A great 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 together with a richer product is preferable. Has a fresh scent.
Tip:
If you have very dry and tight skin, first apply a lotion or thin oil and then finish with a somewhat richer cream. Note that lotions can sting on very dry and thin skin. However, it usually stops stinging when you apply something richer on top. If not, mix your lotion with a richer product before applying it.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 2 times a day) you notice an improved skin condition.
If Repair lotion stings on the skin, it usually stops stinging when you have applied Calendula balm to the skin. Since Calendula balm is not the cheapest in its category, it becomes expensive to moisturize the entire body with the balm. The tip is then to apply evening primrose oil to the entire skin on top of Repair Lotion and then use Calendula Balm on problem areas.
Thin oils
Instead of lotions, you can use a thin oil. The advantage is that you only use one ingredient, which is preferable if you tend to react to products easily. Oils are also economical and cost-effective choices. Oil works best when applied with a little water or directly on damp skin, for example directly after shower or bath. A thin oil that doesn't feel sticky also works under the eyes.
Evening primrose oil or Hemp seed oil are two examples of oils that build up the skin's barrier with repairing properties.
They are very mild without fragrances and don't irritate sensitive skin. Hemp oil can also be used in cooking.
Richer creams or rich oils
Richer creams or rich oils are suitable for you with:
Dry eczema.
Winter time.
Very dry skin.
Those who use cortisone.
A richer product prevents the skin from losing moisture, while also providing 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
Soothing on very dry and tight skin. Calms irritated and itchy skin. Contains lanolin (not vegan) which is soothing on damaged skin and also provides good weather protection. Somewhat sticky in consistency with a fresh scent.
Zoya Goes Pretty Sheasmör Argan
A shea butter that melts on the skin.Doesn't feel sticky once it has absorbed and is good for dry eczema. Also provides very good weather protection.
Odylique Calendula Balm
A water-free, soft, wonderful balm that really soothes itching and repairs damaged skin. It suits really dry, cracked and irritated skin, eczema and psoriasis. Has a light fresh scent.
Odylique Ultra Rich
Ultra Rich was created from the beginning as a moisturizer and softener for eczema and psoriasis. It absorbs deep into the skin's layers. It moisturizes and supports the skin's own protective barrier without clogging pores.Can be used on its own or after Repair Lotion.
Ekendahls ringblomsalva is versatile and works well for dry and cracked skin. It contains both shea butter, beeswax, jojoba oil and calendula.
Jojoba oil is a semi-rich oil with a somewhat waxy feel on the skin. Jojoba oil provides good protection, has a healing and protective effect on the skin, good for itchy skin and good for dry eczema. Also suitable for massage.
Want to make your own body butter? You can find recipes for homemade body butter.
How do I reduce itching?
Something that stops itching for most people is apple cider vinegar.
Dilute the vinegar with water or use it undiluted and dab it on the affected area.
Note that it can sting quite a bit on broken skin (for example 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 about treating eczema in small children.
Do supplements help?
Yes, they can really support skin problems and eczema. While also reviewing your dietary choices. Here are some tips on which supplements you can focus on.
Probiotics can make a difference since the skin often reflects gut health.
Vitamin D has given good results for people with eczema. Take preferably 2000 IU per day.
Zinc helps with skin problems.
Omega-3 fatty acids. To prevent eczema, you should consider eating foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids or supplements.
Do you have a dry scalp? We have information that can help you.
Feel free to comment and tell us what you think works well for your eczema skin!
