Top Tips for Eczema Skin Care & Maintaining Healthy Skin Overall
Eczema is a skin condition that causes dryness and itching. It can be difficult to manage this condition, especially if the weather is dry or cold. What are some of the top tips for people with eczema? Read to know more.
People with eczema understand that all-too-familiar feeling–the itchiness that comes along with dry weather as well as scaliness, redness, and dryness of the skin. The skin condition can be quite a challenge to manage, especially if you are working or living in places where there’s not much moisture in the air.
But you don’t always have to hide by wearing sleeves, coats, and long pants. With proper care and daily maintenance, you can experience fewer flare-ups, even during dry seasons. Here are some useful tips you can incorporate in your daily routine to fight eczema and keep your skin feeling and looking good.
Invest in a humidifier
If you have a heating or air conditioning system in your home, it may suck the humidity from the air and make your skin dry. This may cause flare-ups of your skin condition. While eczema is often linked to genetic factors, environmental factors may also aggravate the condition.
There are different types of humidifiers. Some include aromatherapeutic features, while some just perform the basic function of a humidifier, which is to add moisture to the air. You can choose between humidifiers that release a warm mist or a cool mist into the air. Make sure you purchase a machine large enough to humidify your living spaces and one that is easy to clean. Also be sure to check effectiveness reviews for the machines, especially if you are purchasing online.
Pick oil-based, organic moisturizers
Another useful tip that you can include in your eczema care routine is using an oil-based moisturizer. The difference between oil-based moisturizers compared to water-based lotions and creams is oil-based formulas’ ability to lock in moisture for longer periods of time.
If you have sensitive skin as well as eczema, consider using organic moisturizers such as sunflower oil, tea tree essential oil, or coconut oil. Apply such oils generously, especially to body parts that are exposed to dry air. Not only are these good for keeping your skin healthy but they’re also great for natural detoxification of the skin and body. For eczema on the face, you can also find organic oil-based moisturizers with pure ingredients to prevent further irritation. Do not apply such oils to areas that tend to get hot and sweaty, as this may aggravate your skin condition.
Do not forget to use sunscreen when heading outside
You may not live somewhere that has cold and dry weather, but you may live in a hot area with low humidity. Such conditions may be a trigger for eczema if your skin is exposed.
Regardless of where you live, then, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher as well as UVA/UVB protection. Pick lightening sunscreens that contain oil-based ingredients or those that feature extra moisture. Your skin will thank you.
Wear layers of clothing in cold weather
Another common trigger of eczema flare-ups is wearing thick pieces of clothing over dry skin. The combination of heat and sweat may make the skin sensitive. Those may cause scaling and redness when the person scratches.
To prevent this problem, invest in cold weather apparel that you can wear in layers. For example, pair a long-sleeved shirt with a cardigan, and then wear a coat on top of them. Dressing this way allows you to remove individual layers of clothing if you feel too warm. This may be a better option than wearing a single thick layer that you cannot remove. It will leave you any options to cool down. Although maintaining moisture is essential in preventing eczema flare-ups. It is important to let the skin breathe and prevent it from overheating.
Remove sweaty or wet clothes right away
If you are engaged in physical activity, it may be common to keep wearing sweaty clothes as you complete the activity. But this prolongs the time the sweaty clothes are in contact with your skin. This can be a trigger that may also cause your eczema flare-ups.
Take off all sweaty or wet clothes as soon as possible. Sweat contains salts, dirt, and other substances that may cause irritation to open skin, which may cause eczema to spread. If you notice skin itchiness and redness, but you cannot remove your clothing right away, try to slightly lift your clothing to free your skin a little and prevent further itchiness.
Don’t neglect your hygiene
Proper hygiene is also crucial for those who want to minimize their eczema flare-ups. As mentioned earlier, it is best to use gentle skin products. Use soaps that have low pH levels and are gentle on the skin.
Additionally, look for products that claim that they provide additional moisture. Such products can provide additional moisture and anti-eczema benefits aside from the moisturizers and other oils you may be applying.
Good daily habits may produce eczema-free skin
Eczema can be managed successfully by incorporating these simple tips. The key to eczema care is learning how your skin responds to dryness and providing the appropriate moisture and hygiene that it needs.