Eczema Relief: Tips for Managing Flare-Ups

Welcome to the ultimate guide for all you eczema warriors out there! If you've ever experienced the relentless itchiness of eczema flare-ups, you know the struggle is real. Join us to discover some game-changing strategies that will have you itching for joy (figuratively, of course)! Let's banish that itch and bring back your glow!

What is eczema?

Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes redness, itchiness, and sometimes rash-like patches on the skin. It occurs when the skin's protective barrier is weakened, making it more sensitive to irritants and allergens. Eczema can be triggered by various factors, including genetics and environmental elements, and it often requires gentle skincare and sometimes medication to manage symptoms.

How to improve eczema with skincare

Improving eczema through skincare involves a gentle and consistent routine to soothe, moisturise, and protect the skin. Here are detailed steps:

• Use Mild Cleansers

Opt for fragrance-free and gentle cleansers. Avoid hot water, as it can strip the skin's natural oils. Lukewarm water is better.

Try: BEAUTY OF JOSEON Ginseng Cleansing Oil (210ml) - £19.95

Formulated with 50% Soybean Oil and 0.5% Ginseng Seed Oil, BEAUTY OF JOSEON Ginseng Cleansing Oil provides a lightweight yet effective solution for removing dirt, sebum, makeup, and other oil-based impurities, while delivering skin protection and anti-ageing benefits.

Try: ROUNDLAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser (150ml) - £13.95

ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser, an award-winning creamy water-cleanser with Triple Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide NP, and 70+ minerals from Ulleungdo Deep Sea Water, gently removes impurities and restores moisture.

• Moisturise Regularly

Apply a thick, hypoallergenic moisturiser immediately after bathing to lock in moisture. Look for products with ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid.

Try: ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Concentreate Cream (200ml) - £21.50

ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Concentreate Cream, a Korean staple enriched with the brand's patented Ceramide Skin Complex, repairs, strengthens, and enhances skin's moisture retention, leading to overall improved skin health.

• Avoid Harsh Products

Steer clear of products with fragrances, alcohol, and harsh chemicals, as they can exacerbate eczema. Use fragrance-free and hypoallergenic skincare items.

• Short, Lukewarm Baths

Limit bath time to 10-15 minutes and use lukewarm water. Add colloidal oatmeal or bath oil to the water to soothe the skin.

• Pat, Don't Rub 

After bathing, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing, which can irritate the skin.

• Protect from the Sun

Use sunscreen with a high SPF and wear protective clothing to shield your skin from the sun, which can aggravate eczema.

Try: BENTON Mineral Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ (15g) - £22.00

Skincare ingredients for eczema

For eczema-prone skin, it's important to choose skincare products with gentle and hydrating ingredients that can help soothe and maintain the skin's moisture barrier. Here are some beneficial ingredients:

• Ceramides

Ceramides are natural lipids found in the skin that help to form a protective barrier. Eczema often involves a deficiency of ceramides, so using products containing ceramides can help repair the skin barrier and retain moisture.

Try: ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato 6.0 Top To Toe Wash (500ml) - £21.00

ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato 6.0 Top To Toe wash, infused with Ginseng Root Water, Ceramide, and Perilla Seed, offers a gentle, all-in-one cleansing experience for hair and body, providing deep moisture, anti-ageing benefits, skin barrier strengthening, and soothing properties.

• Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating molecule that can hold a significant amount of water, helping to keep the skin moisturised and reduce dryness.

Try: HADA LABO Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion - 2 Types (170ml) - £18.50

HADA LABO Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion, with its three kinds of hyaluronic acids, instantly hydrates and enhances moisture absorption, making it a long-time cult favorite for achieving optimal skin hydration.

• Mugwort

Mugwort is a viable treatment for eczema and psoriasis, thanks to its well-documented anti-inflammatory properties. It adeptly addresses dry, irritated skin, effectively diminishing both redness and itchiness.

Try: IM FROM Mugwort Essence (160ml) - £38.00

IM FROM Mugwort Essence, with its sole ingredient of 100% Mugwort extract, is a versatile product known for its natural detoxifying, healing, and protective qualities suitable for all skin types, including dry, irritated, and sensitive skin, as it helps prevent acne outbreaks and shields against external aggressors.

• Shea Butter 

Shea butter is a natural moisturiser with anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to lock in moisture and soothe irritated skin.

Try: MISSHA Airy Fit Sheet Mask (Shea Butter) - £2.50

MISSHA Airy Fit Sheet Mask (Shea Butter) prepares, repairs, and rebuilds your skin barrier with nourishing Shea Butter and Hyaluronic Acid, leaving your skin youthful and radiant by replenishing it from within and helping it retain more water.

• Glycerin

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts water to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated.

Try: AESTURA Atobarrier 365 Hydro Soothing Cream (60ml) - £38.00

AESTURA Atobarrier 365 Hydro Soothing Cream, a non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic product, is ideal for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin, instantly cooling and soothing irritation, providing ample hydration through Glycerin, Trehalose, and an exclusive BMH-11 Complex containing 11 ultra-hydrating essential ingredients.

• Calendula Extract

Calendula has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe and calm irritated skin.

Try: NACIFIC Real Floral Calendula Toner (180ml) - £16.00

NACIFIC Real Floral Calendula Toner, enriched with 91% Calendula Flower Extract, real Calendula petals, and 7 natural herbs from Jeju Island, offers lasting hydration, complexion balance, acne reduction, nourishment, pore purification, moisture barrier support, and inflammation prevention.