Tips to improve your eczema Skincare Routine

 

Everyone dreams of having clear, smooth, and glowing skin. But, sometimes, certain skin conditions tend to hinder this dream. Eczema is one of those skin conditions.

Eczema is a skin condition that makes your skin rough, inflamed, itchy, and irritated. And if not quickly addressed, it can trigger psychological problems like depression, social isolation, low self-esteem, anxiety, and embarrassment.

Are you struggling with eczema and are earnestly looking for a lasting solution? Here are some tips on how to improve your eczema skincare routine to soothe the symptoms and prevent a flare-up. 

 

1. Prioritize Moisturizers

Eczema makes skin inflamed, itchy, irritated, and dry. Dry skin requires enough moisture to flourish. By moisturizing your skin, you are addressing one of the common symptoms of eczema.

In addition to hydrating your skin, moisturizers are considered beneficial in reducing flare-ups, which can worsen your eczema.

Try to hydrate your skin with an eczema cream with anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties to soothe the irritation and calm any flare-up that may erupt. Hydration also quells that itchy feeling, which is one of the most uncomfortable symptoms of eczema.

Expert Tip: Use moisturizer within 3 minutes post-shower. Taking this step keeps moisture in and stops water from evaporating from your skin.

 

2. Know Your Triggers

Eczema is caused by many things, ranging from irritating chemicals to fabrics, fragrances, some foods, irritants, etc. Knowing the cause of your irritation is important in preventing a recurrence and understanding the type of eczema you are dealing with.

Here are some common eczema triggers:

• Fragrances
• Dyes in clothing, leather, or temporary tattoos
• Some soap
• Fabrics (such as wool)
• Some household cleaners
• Smoke
• Bacitracin and other antibacterial ointments

Food allergies are also associated with eczema. So ensure you note the foods you are sensitive to as it’ll help prevent skin irritation, thus maintaining healthy skin. 

Common foods that trigger eczema flare-ups are nuts, dairy, and gluten. While some foods trigger an eczema flare-up, others help soothe the irritation. Such foods include fruits like strawberries, blueberries, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, etc.

Expert tip: Use your journal to monitor your trigger whenever irritation occurs.

 

3. Don’t Bath in Hot Water

After a chilly day outside or a hectic day at work, you may crave a dip in the hot bath to calm your nerves. However, if you have eczema, it’s advisable to replace that hot water with something warmer.

Hot water can rid your skin of its natural oils, leaving it prone to dryness and irritation. Reducing the temperature of your water can help your skin absorb and keep moisture.

Experts also advise that you spend less time scrubbing your body. A 5-10 minutes shower or bath is ideal for the best skin care. And after bathing, ensure you pat yourself dry with a clean towel. Afterward, apply moisturizer within 3 minutes to keep your skin hydrated and fresh.

Expert tip: Try a skin-soothing oatmeal bath for an eczema-friendly bath time.

 

Conclusion

While you take the necessary steps to improve your eczema skincare routine, try and take care of your skin to prevent a recurrence. Always practice good bath and shower etiquette, use gloves when handling certain household items, and ensure you moisturize your skin using soap or another ointment.