How to Incorporate Eczema Creams into a Comprehensive Skincare Routine 

Skin dryness, scaly patches, sores, itches - eczema can prompt a hoard of discomforting skin issues. Even though this chronic condition is set off by environmental triggers, there are ways to manage the symptoms by embracing an eczema-friendly skincare routine.

Yes, by simply incorporating eczema creams into your daily skincare, you can mitigate some of the major eczema symptoms. At the same time, you need to assess all the other products you are using and eliminate anything that may be affecting your eczema.

While eczema is a skin condition, the reason why it’s caused is due to internal underlying health problems. The most common cause of skin issues is an unhealthy gut. So, along with eczema creams, you should also consider treating your gut by taking natural probiotics regularly.

Do you want relief from dry skin, itchiness and irritation? You need to keep your skin clean, increase hydration, treat existing eczema patches, and also protect your skin from UV rays. Here’s how:

Cleansing for Eczema

No matter how many steps your skincare entails, cleansing should always be the first. The same also applies to you if you have eczema. Washing the skin regularly is not only hygienic but also helps remove bacteria and dead skin from the skin's surface. At the same time, cleansing can relieve dryness by replenishing your skin’s moisture level.

However, you must keep a few things in mind while cleaning your eczema-ridden skin. To avoid this skincare step from drying your skin, use lukewarm or warm water instead of hot water. Do not scrub, as scrubbing can worsen eczema. Take short showers and pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing it.

It is also important to choose which products you are using as a cleanser. Only use mild face wash and cleansers that are free of harsh surfactants and synthetic fragrances. The cleanser should also have the correct pH level. You might consider using either a cream or a hydrating gel cleanser.

Moisturise Your Skin

When it comes to managing eczema, there is no alternative to moisturising your skin. It is essential to keep your skin consistently moisturised. Eczema obstructs your skin’s ability to retain moisture. To trap moisture in your skin, you can choose natural moisturising creams and lotions with a thicker composition.

Plant oils and ceramides are great ingredients to look for if you want your moisturiser to support the skin barrier and strengthen it. When you have eczema flare-ups, you can use petroleum ointments on the affected areas so as to protect the damaged area from irritation and water loss. Avoid anything with parabens, fragrances, or drying alcohols. You may also want to avoid those with ingredients such as urea, retinoids, Cocamidopropyl betaine, propylene glycol, and lanolin. These are problematic ingredients for people with eczema.

Choose instead an effective moisturiser that contains active natural ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, retinol, aloe vera, oats, shea butter, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. Every time you wash your skin, bathe, or shower, use a moisturiser immediately to lock in the moisture. Use an eczema-friendly moisturiser at least twice each day if you are aiming to reduce eczema symptoms.

Treat with Eczema Creams

After you cleanse and moisturise, it is time to treat any patches of skin affected by eczema. The problem areas can be treated with a rich oil-based cream. You can use natural eczema creams containing Calendula.

Calendula helps reduce inflammation and repairs the skin in no time. Apply the cream thrice a day. Once the eczema reaction has healed, you can use the cream occasionally to prevent future eczema flares.

Oatmeal baths and Epsom salt baths are also effective in treating eczema.

Exfoliation for Eczema-prone Skin

If you have eczema, exfoliation can be tricky. You need to be very careful when exfoliating. However, exfoliation is important. Eczema can make your skin dry and flaky, making it difficult for moisture to seep through. By removing some of the dry skin, you can boost your skin’s hydration.

Opt for gentle exfoliants that will not irritate your skin and will also help maintain hydration. Do not exfoliate more than two times a week if you have eczema, and refrain from exfoliating if your skin feels irritated.

When your eczema is calm and controlled, you can choose light exfoliation. If you have any current flare-ups, scrubbing may not be a good idea. Especially avoid exfoliation if you have any oozing skin, open sores, or any signs of infection.

One of the most gentle ways to exfoliate is to use a pure Konjac Sponge. Soak it in hot water for a few minutes, and it is ready for use. Gently massage the sponge all over your face and body to loosen dry patches and lift flaky skin.

Protection from UV Rays

Like most other skin care steps for eczema sufferers, sun protection can feel tricky. Obviously, protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays is mandatory, even during eczema flare-ups. In fact, sun exposure can have more severe consequences on irritated and damaged skin.

Moreover, eczema often leaves patches of hyperpigmentation after it heals. This will only worsen if you expose your skin to the sun without proper UV protection. Unfortunately, you might find that most regular sunscreens will irritate your eczema patches.

The best thing to do would be to avoid direct sunlight. Stay away from sunlight during peak hours. If sun exposure is unavoidable, cover the affected areas. You can wear hats or loose clothing. While most sunscreens will cause skin irritation, you can consider using mineral sunscreens instead. The active ingredients in these sunscreens include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

When selecting a sunscreen, check the label to avoid products with known irritants and allergens, such as fragrances and alcohol. Be mindful to only buy sun protection with SPF 30 or more so that the sunscreen can offer heightened protection.

Conclusion

Combating eczema is an unending battle. By adopting an eczema-friendly skincare routine, you can easily manage this chronic condition. Your skincare will remain the same at its core, but you need to pay heed to what products you are choosing for each step.

The goal is to improve and maintain moisture in your skin throughout the day, and each product you use should align with this aim. Keep in mind that your cleanser, moisturiser, and even exfoliator should all be very gentle and moisturising. To treat existing patches of eczema, you can use spot treatments. 

There are also a few extra steps you would need to take. Use a good mineral sunscreen to protect your skin and prevent patches of hyperpigmentation from worsening. Furthermore, avoid anything that could irritate your skin - this includes scratching, harsh products, and hot water. Also, using all-natural products is always recommended when it comes to treating and managing eczema or any other skin condition.