The Ultimate Guide to Eczema: Causes, Treatments & Effective Ingredients

If your skin is suffering from itchiness, dryness, inflammation, and other skin irregularities, you’re not alone. The truth is about 30% of the population suffer from Atopic Dermatitis, widely known as eczema. This common skin condition features a complex mix of causes, including genetics, skin barrier function, and environmental factors, and can affect individuals at any age, appearing on various parts of the body, commonly on the face, neck, arms, back, elbows, knees, hands, and feet. A chronic skin condition in most adults, flares occur when the skin is triggered by things such as diet, skin products and hormones. But help is here! With a little information and some ideas on how to care for your skin on a consistent basis, the healing can begin—sometimes before the flare ups even start. 

 

Understanding What Causes Eczema

The causes of eczema are not always clear. From genetics, to compromised skin barrier or the environment, it can be difficult to determine the root causes and then the triggers. While many individuals first encounter eczema during childhood, it can develop at any stage of life. Think of it this way—eczema is caused by a stressed immune system and inflammation, while a flare up is the physical manifestation of that inflammation. The symptoms can range from redness and dry, itchy patches to inflamed, discolored skin.

 

Treatments for Eczema

When dealing with eczema, seeking professional advice should be the first step. Mild to moderate eczema may respond well to over-the-counter topical creams, but if you have severe eczema, you may need to take additional measures to limit exposure to certain triggers. Your skin can also benefit from consistent visits to an esthetician who is trained to care for clients with eczema. They can help you keep your skin in check both in the treatment room and at home with proper skincare routines and options to manage flare ups.

 

Effective Ingredients for Eczema Treatment

When it comes to preventing and managing eczema flare ups, we rely on botanical ingredients. Products that contain lavender, chamomile, and geranium offer a powerful mix of vitamins and nutrients to treat eczema flare ups. The goal with ingredients is to look for those that are both anti-inflammatory and will gently exfoliate, all while calming red skin. Other ingredient faves include Canadian willow bark to aid in exfoliation, arnica and green tea to nourish with antioxidants, aloe vera to hydrate, and avocado oil, rich in fatty acids, to help in restoring the skin's barrier function.

 

Your Relief Routine

ECZEMA SKINCARE ROUTINE

1. With clean hands, start with our Deep Pore Cleansing Duo that aligns with your skin type. The cleansing oil adheres and loosens the dead skin on your face, while the toner adds hydration and makes the cleansing oil water soluble.  This leaves your skin  ready to accept the other products in your skincare routine with the added bonus of rinsing off dead skin buildup without changing the ph.
2. Once your skin is cleansed thoroughly, it’s time to apply your serums. Start with C Power Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum, which will help brighten areas that might be darkened by scarring from flare-ups. 
3. Follow up with our Hydrate Super Moisture Serum, which adds a huge hyaluronic acid and antioxidant boost that instantaneously penetrates the skin with much needed moisture.  
4. Next apply a Calm Soothing Moisture Cream that includes ingredients that will soothe the skin such as green tea, aloe vera, and avocado to heal and condition while algae hydrates and replenishes.  
5. Seal in your routine with the ultimate moisture aid. Super Soothe 2 in 1 Calming Mask works to relieve redness and inflammation not only caused by eczema, but other conditions as well. 
6. If you’re going outside, never forget your sun protection. Too much sun exposure can exacerbate eczema and result in a flare-up. 

 ECZEMA BODY CARE ROUTINE

1. Start your body routine with our Green Clean Invigorating Body Wash. Containing the perfect trio of glycolic acid, bladderwrack seaweed and pine essential oil, this body wash is prime for naturally relieving inflammation while doing away with dead skin buildup. The use of pumice gloves in a body wash exfoliation kit will provide added benefits. 
2. Next, go in with our Triple Splash 3 in 1 Body Serum while your skin is still damp. This body serum containing hyaluronic acid, eucalyptus oil and hydrolyzed protein will lock in moisture and further aid in strengthening the skin barrier. 
3. Lastly, lock in your routine with Botanical Blast Ultra Rich Body Lotion, which adds even more conditioning to the skin with its unique blend of antioxidants and botanical extracts. If more protection is needed, you can also use our Super Soothe 2 in 1 Calming Mask on more affected areas of the body, just as you would for your face.