For the 15 million sufferers in the UK , eczema is a condition that requires constant management . Something as insignificant as forgetting to wear gloves on a cold day can render eczema-prone hands tight and sore for days or even weeks after , so finding the right products is paramount to keeping the dryness and severe urge to itch under control .
WHAT TO LOOK FOR Eczema is a condition that can affect anyone , not just infants as first thought , and initially occurs when the body responds to an irritant that has come into contact with the skin . It can also present in skin where the epidermal barrier has been compromised and water loss is high , which is why the skin becomes red , flaky , itchy and dry during a flare up . It often runs in the family and , unfortunately , there is no cure , only products to keep the symptoms under control and less of a burden for sufferers . When looking for a new topical treatment to help soothe or prevent irritation , focus on a few key ingredients . Ceramides are naturally present in the body and make up the majority of the epidermal layer , but in skin care , they can help to repair a weak or damaged skin barrier . Acting as a kind of glue , ceramides help the skin cells stick together so that any gaps in the top layer of the skin can be closed . By essentially sealing the skin , the epidermal barrier can function properly ; environmental irritants are kept out and vital moisture is kept in . As the skin is healing , it is important to protect it from outside interference , which is where occlusive ingredients can work their magic . Waxes , balms and certain oils form an invisible layer over the surface of the skin , shielding it from bacteria and other irritants that the skin comes into contact with on a daily basis . The most common ingredient used for this in topical eczema products is petrolatum , a greasy jelly that is water-repellent and able to prevent the skin from losing moisture . It doesn ’ t actively do anything to improve the condition of the skin , but it can prove invaluable when used alongside other ingredients as it ensures they can do their job without outside interference . However , some people ’ s eczema doesn ’ t respond well to this ingredient so avoid it if it makes your symptoms worse and , due to its barrier-sealing properties , avoid using it on the face as it can block the pores – this goes for all occlusives . Eczema always makes the skin feel dry , tight and sore , and it ’ s this inflexibility that makes cracking so common ( and so painful ). Keeping the skin hydrated and supple will mean any future flare ups will become less severe , so look for conditioning agents like Shea Butter , Avocado Oil and Glycerin in creams and lotions .
WHAT TO AVOID Everyone will have their own triggers when it comes to eczema . Red , itchy skin can develop due to a wide range of causes , from using a certain type of washing up liquid to walking near a field on a sunny day when pollen levels are high . However , there are some ingredient families that are well-known for their irritating side effects , even in healthy skin , so keep an eye out for these the next time you go skin care shopping . As the skin barrier is already damaged , avoid using any exfoliating acids or scrubbing beads on the skin . You should also give Retinol a wide berth as this can exacerbate dry , inflamed skin . Parabens , artificial fragrances and alcohol also spell bad news for sensitive skin , as do soaps and sulphates ( often listed as SLS in the ingredients lists of foaming cleansers and shampoos ) which can thin the epidermal layer and increase water loss . While some experts recommend essential oils to treat eczema , most will irritate the skin , with lavender , peppermint , tea tree and ylang-ylang being some of the most problematic . In very low concentrations , where the ingredient is surrounded by appropriate extracts , irritation may not occur , but when they feature prominently in the ingredients list , it is best to do a patch test before committing . If you feel like every over-the-counter product you have tried has proved ineffective , visit your GP for more advice on prescription-only treatments that might help .
ISSUE # 06 | 2018 | SkinHealthMagazine . com 23