If you’re here, chances are you or someone you love is battling eczema. First off, let me just say—I understand how overwhelming it can be. Eczema isn’t just “dry skin.” It’s itchy, painful, and frustrating, especially when flare-ups seem to pop up out of nowhere.
As someone who’s been in your shoes, I know the emotional toll eczema can take. Watching my child suffer from constant scratching and inflamed patches broke my heart. That’s what pushed me to spend years researching and creating gentle, natural skincare solutions. I am not a doctor, and this article is not a medical advice, I’m sharing what I’ve learned so that you, too, can find relief for eczema-prone skin.
What Causes Eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes red, itchy, and inflamed patches on the skin. The truth is, there’s no single cause for eczema—it’s often the result of a combination of factors. Understanding these triggers can help you manage flare-ups more effectively.
1. Environmental Triggers
The world around us plays a huge role in eczema flare-ups. Sensitive skin reacts to environmental irritants that most people don’t think twice about:
- Unfiltered Water: Many cities add chlorine and other chemicals to treat tap water, which can strip your skin of its natural oils. This is especially harmful to those with eczema, as it leaves the skin dry, irritated, and prone to flare-ups.
- Solution: Invest in a showerhead water filter or a whole-house filtration system. This simple step can significantly reduce chlorine and other irritants in your water.
- Seasonal Allergies and Airborne Irritants: Dust mites, mold, pollen, and pet dander can act as hidden eczema triggers. If you notice flare-ups during allergy season, this could be why.
- Solution: Use a high-quality air purifier, especially in bedrooms, and wash bedding regularly in hot water.
- Weather Extremes: Dry, cold winters or hot, humid summers can worsen eczema. Low humidity in winter can dry out the skin, while excessive sweating in summer can lead to irritation.
- Solution: Use a humidifier during winter and wear loose, breathable fabrics like cotton in summer.
- Harsh Products: Synthetic fragrances, dyes, and sulfates in skincare and cleaning products can trigger eczema.
- Solution: Switch to fragrance-free, dye-free, and hypoallergenic products designed for sensitive skin.
2. Lifestyle and Dietary Factors
- Dietary Triggers: Certain foods, like dairy, gluten, soy, and processed sugars, can exacerbate eczema symptoms.
- Solution: Focus on an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3s (from salmon, walnuts, or chia seeds), leafy greens, and gut-healing foods like bone broth and fermented vegetables. Always consult with your doctor before making diet changes.
- Stress: High-stress levels can lead to eczema flare-ups, as stress hormones like cortisol weaken the skin’s barrier.
- Solution: Incorporate relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, grounding, and deep breathing exercises into your routine.
- Clothing Materials: Rough fabrics like nylon or synthetic materials can irritate the skin. Tight-fitting clothing can also rub against eczema patches, making them worse.
- Solution: Opt for soft, natural fabrics like cotton or linen, and ensure your bedsheets are breathable and gentle on the skin.
3. Internal Health Factors: The Gut-Skin Connection
Many people don’t realize that gut health and skin health are deeply interconnected. If your gut microbiome is out of balance, it can lead to inflammation that shows up as eczema.
- Leaky Gut Syndrome: When the lining of your gut is damaged, it allows toxins and undigested food particles to enter your bloodstream, triggering an inflammatory response.
- Gut Dysbiosis: An imbalance of gut bacteria can weaken your immune system, making you more prone to eczema.
- Solution: Support your gut by eating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. Adding prebiotics (like garlic, onions, and bananas) can also nourish your gut flora. And always consult with your doctor.
Why Is Skincare So Important for Eczema?
Our skin is the body’s largest organ, and eczema weakens its natural barrier. Without proper care, the skin becomes more vulnerable to external irritants, leading to a vicious cycle of flare-ups.
A good skincare routine acts like food for your skin. It nourishes, hydrates, and strengthens the skin’s barrier, making it more resilient. However, not all products are safe for eczema-prone skin. That’s why I’ve dedicated 9 years to formulating gentle, natural skincare products that work with your skin, not against it.
A Gentle Routine for Eczema Relief
If you’re looking for a simple way to manage eczema symptoms, here’s a routine I’ve developed to support sensitive skin:
Step 1: Gentle Cleansing with Calendula & Aloe Soap
Start your day with a soap that cleans without stripping your skin. Our Calendula & Aloe Soap is gentle enough for eczema-prone skin, helping to hydrate while maintaining your skin’s pH balance.
Step 2: Lock in Moisture with Eczema Skin Care Moisturizer
After bathing, pat your skin gently—don’t dry it completely. Apply the moisturizer while your skin is still damp. This step is key to locking in hydration.
The Eczema Skin Care Moisturizer is formulated with:
- Grass-fed and finished tallow (rich in fatty acids)
- Raw organic unrefined shea butter for deep hydration (sourced from Ghana)
- Calendula oil to calm inflammation especially during flare ups.
- Essential oils like: Palmarosa Oil, Lavender Oil, Cedarwood Himalaya Oil, Geranium Oil, Coriander Seed Oil, Patchouli Oil: Moisturizes and promotes skin regeneration. (carefully selected Essential oils)
For Vegan moisturizer, try our organic-raw-unrefined butters: Cocoa butter (sourced from Peru) and Mango butter (sourced from India)
Step 3: Quick Relief with the Itch Stick
For those moments when itching becomes unbearable, the Itch Stick made with colloidal oatmeal provides instant, targeted relief.
Step 4: Extra Care with Calendula salve
During severe flare-ups, this salve helps repair and calm the skin, providing an extra layer of protection.
Small Changes, Big Results
Dealing with eczema can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that small, consistent changes can make a big difference. Whether it’s filtering your water, choosing the right skincare, or supporting your gut health, these steps add up. Keep a simple journal to note all changes.
If you’re ready to try a new skin care line, the Eczema Skin Care Collection is ready to heal your skin. It’s gentle and made with premium ingredients.
You’ve got this, and I’m here rooting for you.
Here’s to healthier, happier skin—one step at a time.
Kiran
