Podcast
Eczema is a common skin condition that causes redness, itching, and irritation. It affects people of all ages, but symptoms can vary from mild dryness to severe flare-ups with cracked, inflamed skin.Â
Managing eczema requires more than just applying lotion—it involves choosing the right skincare products, avoiding triggers, and protecting the skin barrier from further damage.
Since eczema-prone skin is extremely sensitive, the wrong products can make symptoms worse. A well-structured skincare routine can soothe irritation, reduce flare-ups, and keep the skin moisturized.Â
This guide breaks down the best ways to care for eczema-prone skin, covering everything from daily cleansing to key ingredients that support long-term skin health.
Key Notes
- Use fragrance-free, non-soap cleansers to prevent dryness and irritation.
- Daily moisturizing with ceramides and hyaluronic acid helps strengthen the skin barrier.
- Hot showers, harsh fabrics, and stress can trigger eczema flare-ups.
- Colloidal oatmeal and petroleum jelly help soothe itching and lock in moisture.
- Identifying personal triggers like certain foods or weather changes can prevent future flare-ups.
- Understanding Eczema
What Is Eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by dryness, redness, itching, and inflammation. It often comes and goes in cycles, with periods of calm followed by flare-ups. The skin’s natural barrier is weakened, making it more prone to irritation, moisture loss, and bacterial infections.
Common symptoms include:
- Dry, rough, or scaly skin
- Itching, sometimes severe
- Red or inflamed patches
- Cracks, oozing, or crusting in severe cases
Common Triggers
Eczema flare-ups are often triggered by external factors. Identifying personal triggers can help reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.
Common triggers include:
- Fragrances and harsh skincare ingredients
- Cold, dry weather
- Hot showers and excessive bathing
- Rough fabrics like wool
- Stress and lack of sleep
- Certain foods in some individuals
Avoiding known triggers and using gentle, hydrating products can help prevent irritation and keep the skin barrier intact.
- Building an Eczema-Friendly Skincare Routine
Gentle Cleansing
Cleansing is an essential step, but the wrong cleanser can strip the skin, causing more dryness and irritation. Harsh soaps, sulfates, and foaming agents should be avoided. Instead, a mild, fragrance-free cleanser helps remove dirt without disrupting the skin’s natural oils.
What to Look For:
✔ Creamy or hydrating cleansers that maintain moisture balance
✔ Fragrance-free and pH-balanced formulas
✔ Non-soap, non-foaming cleansers
Targeted Solution: The Willa Krause Firma Lift Cleanser
The Firma Lift Cleanser is a lipid-rich cream cleanser formulated with advanced emulsifiers to gently cleanse while keeping the skin smooth and hydrated. It removes makeup and impurities without drying out the skin, making it ideal for normal to dry, combination, and mature skin types—including those prone to eczema.
Using a hydrating cleanser like Firma Lift helps maintain moisture levels and reduces the risk of post-cleansing tightness or irritation.
Targeted Solution: Earth Natural Skin Care Rooibos and Aloe Cleanser – pH-Balancing Cleanser
For a gentle daily cleanse that preserves the skin’s pH balance, the Rooibos and Aloe Cleanser is a perfect choice.
- Rooibos extract provides powerful antioxidants, helping to protect and nourish sensitive skin.
- Aloe Vera soothes irritation and enhances skin suppleness, reducing redness and dryness.
Plant fusion technology deeply cleanses while preventing irritation and preserving skin hydration.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the Rooibos and Aloe Cleanser morning and night to gently cleanse while maintaining skin balance—perfect for those with eczema-prone or sensitive skin.
By choosing soothing, pH-balanced cleansers like Firma Lift and Rooibos & Aloe Cleanser, you can effectively cleanse without stripping moisture, keeping eczema-prone skin calm and comfortable.
Moisturising to Strengthen the Skin Barrier
Eczema-prone skin needs continuous hydration to prevent flare-ups. Since the skin barrier is already compromised, a good moisturizer helps lock in moisture, protect against irritants, and support healing.
What to Look For:
✔ Ceramides to restore the skin’s natural barrier
✔ Hyaluronic acid for lightweight hydration
✔ Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulas
Targeted Solution: Willa Krause Ceramide Collagen Repair Oil
The Willa Krause Ceramide Collagen Repair Oil is a lightweight, fast-absorbing oil designed to restore moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, and support collagen production. Enriched with ceramides, it helps reduce redness, soothe irritation, and improve skin elasticity.
Ceramides are naturally found in all four layers of the epidermis and play a critical role in retaining moisture and preventing infection. A reduction in ceramides can lead to dry, irritated skin, making eczema-prone skin more vulnerable to flare-ups. This oil replenishes lost ceramides, keeping the skin hydrated, plump, and more resilient.
For those struggling with eczema, the Ceramide Collagen Repair Oil acts as a protective shield, helping to reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Suitable for dry, combination, and damaged skin types, it provides long-lasting hydration and relief from discomfort while keeping the skin firmer, smoother, and more youthful.
Targeted Solution: Earth Natural Skin Care – Marula & Baobab Lush African Oils
Harnessing the power of African botanical oils, this luxurious facial blend provides deep nourishment and skin barrier repair. Infused with Ximenia, Lesotho Rosehip, Marula, and Baobab oils, it is packed with antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental stressors while delivering intense hydration.
- Marula & Baobab oils: Rich in omega fatty acids, they deeply moisturize dry, sensitive skin and help reduce inflammation.
- Ximenia & Lesotho Rosehip oils: Known for their skin-repairing properties, these oils restore elasticity and support healing.
Acmella flower extracts: A natural alternative to Botox, this extract helps visibly reduce wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin.
💡 Pro Tip: Apply a few drops of this antioxidant-rich oil over your moisturizer to seal in hydration and provide long-lasting comfort for eczema-prone skin.
By incorporating Earth Natural Skin Care – Marula & Baobab Lush African Oils into your routine, you can enhance skin resilience, reduce irritation, and achieve a smoother, more hydrated complexion.
Bathing Practices for Eczema Relief
Bathing is an opportunity to hydrate and soothe the skin, but certain habits can make eczema worse.
Best practices for eczema-prone skin:
✔ Use lukewarm water – Hot water dries out the skin.
✔ Limit bath time to 10-15 minutes – Long exposure to water can strip moisture.
✔ Pat skin dry with a soft towel – Avoid rubbing.
✔ Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing – This locks in hydration.
Adding colloidal oatmeal to bathwater can help relieve itching and inflammation.
- Key Ingredients to Look For
Certain ingredients are particularly effective in hydrating, soothing, and repairing eczema-prone skin.
Ceramides
Ceramides help repair and strengthen the skin barrier, reducing moisture loss and protecting against irritants.
Hyaluronic Acid
A powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated without feeling greasy.
Colloidal Oatmeal
Soothes itchy, inflamed skin and provides a protective barrier against environmental irritants.
- Ingredients to Avoid
Eczema-prone skin is highly reactive, so avoiding irritating ingredients is just as important as using the right ones.
Avoid:
✘ Fragrances and essential oils – Common allergens.
✘ Sulfates and harsh soaps – Strip moisture and weaken the skin barrier.
✘ Alcohol-based products – Can dry out and irritate the skin.
Patch testing new products before full application can help prevent unexpected reactions.
- Lifestyle and Dietary Considerations
Skincare alone isn’t always enough—certain lifestyle habits can help manage eczema symptoms.
Identifying Personal Triggers
Keeping a skincare and diet journal can help pinpoint specific triggers that cause flare-ups.
Clothing Choices
Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton are best for sensitive skin. Wool and synthetic materials can cause irritation and should be avoided.
Stress Management
Stress is a known eczema trigger. Mindfulness techniques, deep breathing, and regular exercise can help reduce flare-ups.
- Over-the-Counter and Prescription Treatments
For moderate to severe eczema, additional treatments may be necessary.
Topical Steroids
Prescribed for short-term use to reduce inflammation and itching.
Calcineurin Inhibitors
Non-steroidal creams that help control eczema-related inflammation without thinning the skin.
Antihistamines
Can provide relief from itching, especially at night.
- When to Consult a Dermatologist
If eczema symptoms persist despite proper skincare, or if there are signs of infection (oozing, swelling, or warmth), a dermatologist should be consulted. Severe cases may require prescription treatments or advanced therapies like biologic injections.
FAQs
1. Can eczema spread to other parts of the body?
Eczema itself is not contagious, but it can spread to new areas due to scratching, irritation, or exposure to triggers. Keeping the skin moisturized and avoiding scratching can help prevent flare-ups from expanding.
2. Does hard water make eczema worse?
Yes, hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can strip moisture from the skin and weaken the skin barrier. Using a water softener or a gentle, hydrating cleanser can help minimize irritation.
3. Can sweat trigger an eczema flare-up?
Sweat contains salt and other minerals that can irritate sensitive skin, leading to itching and redness. Showering after sweating and wearing breathable fabrics can help prevent irritation.
4. Is petroleum jelly a good moisturizer for eczema?
Petroleum jelly is an occlusive, meaning it locks in moisture, but it does not provide hydration on its own. For best results, apply a hydrating moisturizer first, then seal it with petroleum jelly to prevent water loss.
5. Can diet affect eczema symptoms?
Some people notice flare-ups after eating dairy, gluten, eggs, or processed foods, but this varies by individual. Keeping a food journal can help identify any potential dietary triggers.
6. Does eczema get worse in winter?
Cold weather and low humidity levels can dry out the skin, making eczema worse. Using a humidifier indoors, applying richer moisturizers, and avoiding long, hot showers can help keep symptoms under control.
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Conclusion
Managing eczema requires gentle cleansing, deep hydration, and avoiding common triggers. Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal help maintain the skin barrier and reduce flare-ups. Daily habits, including bathing techniques, clothing choices, and stress management, play an essential role in keeping symptoms under control.
For expert, personalized advice on choosing the best products for eczema-prone skin, visit your nearest Willa Krause Consultant today.