For many who have eczema, it’s a daily struggle—against itchiness, redness and irritation. Often, it can feel like a losing battle. Eczema is common, but with just a few changes to your routine, nourished, healthier skin can be yours.
What can you do to get to the root of your eczema and finally feel relief?
We’re sharing how to fight eczema naturally with ingredients proven to soothe this skin condition, and ways to help keep flare-ups at bay.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE ECZEMA?
Eczema is one of a handful of skin conditions that can have similar symptoms: psoriasis, rosacea and even hives can take on those characteristics of itchiness and redness. To give your skin targeted treatment, it’s important to know for sure what you’re facing.
Eczema in all its forms—severe eczema, atopic eczema and atopic dermatitis—is an autoimmune disease. While we don’t know what exactly causes it, we know what’s happening: the body’s immune system is overreacting to an irritant. Likely, the skin’s barriers aren’t working the way they’re supposed to, letting in allergens and causing inflammation.
Eczema symptoms can include:
- Itchy and inflamed skin
- Dryness and flakiness (mild)
- Red, cracking sores that can ooze (severe)
It tends to be more present if you have allergies and asthma, or if your parents did.
WHAT CAN CAUSE ECZEMA FLARE-UPS?
Eczema is often the immune system’s outward reaction to irritants such as:
Diet-related
- Food allergy
- Food intolerance
- Alcohol
Lifestyle-related
- Stress, which can activate internal inflammations
- Lack of sleep, since this is the time when your body does its healing
Chemical-related
- Chemical fragrance in personal care and cleaning products
Weather-related
- Sudden weather changes, especially the onset of wind and dry winter conditions can take a toll on your skin’s ability to lock in hydration
HOW CAN YOU KEEP FLARE-UPS AT BAY?
Since eczema is an autoimmune disease, there’s a lot you can do internally to support your immune system and find relief.
Here are our top tips for treating eczema:
1. Use organic skincare and cleaning products. Using natural, gentle ingredients on your skin rather than harsh chemicals that strip away natural oils and defences can go a long way in supporting your skin health. Look specifically to nature’s best soothing ingredient: aloe vera.
A few Om skincare products that can help:
Get a boost of hydration with:
Wild Plum Cypress Aromatic Body Oil
Pink Coconut Aromatic Body Oil
With olive squalene acting as a natural guard against irritants and pollutants, and meadowfoam oil balancing overall skin function, both of these oils are ideal nourishers for those with eczema.
Reduce inflammation with:
Blue Azul Soothing Cleansing Emulsion
Blue tansy oil is the star of our Blue Azul cleanser. With strong anti-inflammatory properties, blue tansy calms even the most irritated skin. In the Blue Azul mist, aloe vera juice instantly soothes and rehydrates. Both the mist and cleaning emulsion are packed with an array of herbs used specifically for soothing inflamed skin.
For maximum potency, we’ve avoided all heat in our process. Soap free and emulsifier free to leave skin soft, hydrated and refreshed.
Do you have sensitive skin as well as eczema? Learn other ways to soothe and protect your skin in our article Treat Your Sensitive Skin with the Delicate Care It Deserves.
2. Eat organic, anti-inflammatory foods. Try eating more cooling foods, like cucumber, and leafy greens rich in vitamin B and E. You may want to talk to a practitioner for help identifying foods that could be triggering your eczema reactions.
Recommendations may include a diet rich in foods that support gut health, cutting back on alcohol and sugar and reducing processed foods. Why organic? There’s a better chance your eczema won’t be exacerbated when preservatives and pesticides aren’t causing your immune system to overreact.
A professional may also recommend allergy testing in case something bigger is causing your eczema, like a peanut or dairy allergy, or a gluten intolerance.
3. Get sleep and peace of mind. Whatever you can do to minimize stress and get a full night’s rest will help your immune system do its job and avoid overreactions.
4. Take an oatmeal bath. Oatmeal flakes have an almost magical way of soothing and moisturizing. Pro tip: Be sure to use a body oil as soon as you get out of the bath to lock in moisture.
5. Keep washing water lukewarm. Avoid temperature extremes when you’re showering or washing your face.
6. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated and nourishing your skin is key.
7. Get herbal support.
Here are some supplements that can help support your body’s stress response in the liver and adrenal glands and bring soothing relief:
- Dandelion root
- Turmeric
- Marshmallow root
- Quercetin
- Comfrey
- Calendula
OM IS A LINE OF PURE, PLANT-BASED, TOTALLY CLEAN SKIN AND BODY CARE DESIGNED TO HELP YOU FEEL MORE CONFIDENT, NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL AND BODY-POSITIVE. SHOP OM PRODUCTS.