Managing Eczema: A Layered Approach to Skin Care
How to Manage Eczema: A Holistic, Layered Approach to Skin Care
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Characterised by red, itchy, and inflamed patches, it disrupts daily life and causes significant discomfort. Managing eczema requires understanding its causes, addressing its triggers, and taking a comprehensive approach to protect and repair the skin’s natural barrier.
What Causes Eczema?
Eczema arises from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. To manage it effectively, it’s essential to understand these triggers:
Genetics:
Eczema often runs in families. If a parent or sibling has eczema, asthma, or hay fever, there is a significantly higher likelihood of developing the condition.Skin Barrier Dysfunction:
People with eczema typically have a weakened skin barrier. This allows moisture to escape (leading to dryness) and lets irritants, allergens, and bacteria penetrate the skin, triggering inflammation and irritation.Environmental Factors:
Modern lifestyles expose individuals to irritants like harsh soaps, detergents, pollution, and stress. Pesticides, chemicals in foods, and synthetic products further disrupt the skin and increase the prevalence of eczema, especially in children.
The Role of the Skin Barrier in Eczema
The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin, acting as a shield to:
Retain Moisture: Prevent water loss, keeping the skin hydrated and plump.
Block Irritants: Stop harmful substances like bacteria, allergens, and pollutants from entering.
When the barrier is healthy, the skin is smooth, hydrated, and resilient. However, as shown in the Healthy Barrier vs. Damaged Barrier diagram:
Healthy Skin Barrier:
Prevents water loss and keeps irritants out.
Skin remains hydrated, smooth, and radiant.
Damaged Skin Barrier:
Moisture escapes, leading to dry, rough, and flaky skin.
Irritants and allergens penetrate, causing redness, sensitivity, and inflammation.
For individuals with eczema, rebuilding and maintaining a strong skin barrier is critical to reducing flare-ups and protecting against external triggers.
How to Manage Eczema with a Layered Approach
Managing eczema effectively requires a layered skincare routine that focuses on:
1. Gentle Cleansing
Why It’s Important:
Cleansing is the foundation of skin health, but many soaps and shower gels strip the skin of natural oils, worsening dryness and irritation.
Solution:
Use a self-emulsifying Shower Oil that gently cleanses without disrupting the skin barrier. This type of oil transforms into a milky emulsion, removing impurities while locking in hydration.
Key Benefits:
Protects the skin barrier while deeply cleansing.
Soothes irritation with natural oils like Calendula, Hemp, and Chamomile.
Replaces harsh, drying supermarket gels with a nourishing alternative.
2. Hydrate and Soothe
Why It’s Important:
Dehydration worsens eczema symptoms by increasing tightness and sensitivity. Hydration is the key to plumping the skin and supporting its elasticity.
Solution:
Incorporate a Prebiotic Hydrating Mist into your routine. This lightweight spray replenishes water in the skin and calms irritation while rebuilding the skin barrier with prebiotics.
Key Benefits:
Adds hydration with Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera.
Soothes redness and itching with Witch Hazel and Licorice Extract.
Supports barrier repair with Prebiotics, improving resilience to external irritants.
Can be used as a leave-on hydration mist or cleansing toner.
3. Moisturise and Protect
Why It’s Important:
Moisturisation locks in hydration and creates a protective layer over the skin, preventing water loss and shielding it from allergens and irritants.
Solution:
Choose between a Body Oil or Body Butter, depending on your preference:
Body Butter: A rich, occlusive option for intense nourishment.
Body Oil: A lightweight, easily spreadable alternative for daily use.
Key Benefits:
Rich oils like Pomegranate, Tamanu, and Jojoba restore moisture and repair the barrier.
Occlusive ingredients create a thin protective layer to lock in hydration and block external irritants.
Calms sensitive, irritated areas with Calendula and Chamomile extracts.
Lifestyle Changes to Support Eczema Management
While skincare is essential, a holistic approach includes lifestyle adjustments:
Minimise Toxins: Avoid harsh soaps, synthetic skincare, and pesticide-laden foods.
Hydrate from Within: Drink plenty of water to maintain skin hydration.
Manage Stress: Incorporate relaxation techniques to reduce stress-related flare-ups.
Eat Clean: Focus on whole, nutrient-rich foods that minimise inflammation.
Your Eczema Management System
Managing eczema doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following a simple, effective skincare system—Cleanse, Hydrate, Moisturise, and Protect—you can restore your skin’s balance, rebuild its barrier, and enjoy long-lasting relief.
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