What is eczema. How eczema can be cured?

Natural Beauty starts with clean skin– especially important for eczema-prone skin.

Bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, are one of the most important triggers of eczema (they are found on over 90% of atopic skin and 5% of normal skin). Staphylococcus aureus can activate the immune system around them, which manifest as irritation on the skin. All Naturals products for sensitive skin Calming Skin Therapy contain herbs specifically active against this type of bacteria and at the concentration which has proved to actively reduce bacterial build on the skin and fight infection.

Wash hands frequently and keeps fingernails short. Keeps the skin clean using cool or warm water and use mild non-irritating natural soap bar as necessary. We recommend All Natural Eczema Soap Olive Oil and Calendula. Dry skin gently.

The skin’s lipids (fatty substances) that hold skin cells together tend to be less abundant with eczema and dermatitis. This can be due to unusually low production by the skin cells, but also may be due to excessive removal of lipids through repeated use of harsh detergents soaps ( Dove, Palmolive, Imperial Leather etc..) and body washes. It is therefore very important to avoid cleaning products that may future dry or irritate the skin. All Naturals soaps are hand-made from pure olive oil, shea butter, rosehip oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, sweet almond oil and do not have the skin-drying effect of conventional soaps. Additive and chemical-free, and very long-lasting.

Use the power of plants to alleviate itching and promote healing.

Scratching itchy skin activates the immune system in the affected area as it causes the release of chemical trigger substances, which initiate other immune reaction. Hence, the itch-scratch- cycle. The conventional answer for this problem is steroid creams, which suppress the immune system. But stopping itching and inflammation with herbs such as calendula or chamomile is kinder to the body and may offer a more long-term solution. In fact, the level of concentration of the particular calendula and Bisabolol (Active Component Of German Chamomile) we use in our Calming Skin Therapy – Body Oil and Body Balm has been shown to be at least as effective at reducing inflammation as mild hydrocortisone ( steroid), but without the negative effects. The addition of baobab, black currant, macadamia and borage oil rich in essential fatty acids in particular gamma linoleum acid (GLA) re-balances the skin by regenerating cell damage caused by skin allergy, rash but also eczema and psoriasis. Sea buckthorn, rosemary, sage extracts and vitamins calm, heal and protect sensitive skin.

Moisturise naturally

Emollients or moisturisers are extremely important to rehydrate dry, irritated skin. By penetrating between the skin cells, a good emollient helps to substitute for the lack of the skin’s own lipids, reducing dryness, moisture loss, and access by infection-causing organisms. Commonly prescribed emollients including aqueous cream are based on petroleum derivatives like paraffin wax, mineral oil and petroleum jelly, which tend to clog the skin pores because the molecules are too large to be absorbed. Whilst this petroleum barrier reduces moisture loss;  it also prevents the skin from breathing, secreting toxins and shedding the heat generated by inflammation. Generally described as “inert” with no active skin benefits, petroleum oils tend to absorb vitamins A and E from the skin, so vital for its maintenance and repair.

All Naturals products are based on organic, virgin cold-pressed plant oils, with their health-promoting vitamins and minerals intact, are readily absorbed by the skin, provide excellent moisturisation and actively encourage the natural healing process. As an added bonus, these oil-soluble vitamins protect the skin from premature ageing by combating “free radical” damage caused by exposure to the sun and pollution. Shea butter, olive, macadamia, sesame and coconut oil are particularly effective. Little and often is a key, keeping the skin moisturised at all times.

Avoid potential irritants

Searching for products, which contain natural ingredients, is a good start, but finding products without synthetic fragrances, irritant preservatives or detergents is much more difficult. Seeking out chemical-free products is highly desirable for us all, as the long-term cumulative effect of putting them on the skin is believed to be a trigger for skin sensitivity in first place but for those with eczema and allergy-prone skin it is absolutely crucial.

While this is by no means an exhaustive list, the following substances are some of the most common culprits of skin sensitivity:

Fragrance or perfume– synthetic fragrance, often listed as a perfume is widely recognised by dermatologists as being the number one cause of adverse skin reactions to cosmetics, toiletries and laundry products. Note that fragrance-free or unscented on a product label indicates the lack of perceptible smell, but the product may contain fragrance chemicals.

Parabens( butylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben) this preservatives are well-known skin sensitisers, particularly to those with eczema and have also been linked to cancer. Widely used in skincare, but also in foods.

SLS Sodium lauryl sulphate or sodium lauryleth sulphate an industrial engine-degreaser found in most shampoos and bath products. It may strip out the skin’s natural oils leaving it dry and irritated. Eczema prone skin is particularly sensitive to SLS.

Take a holistic approach.

Whilst topical applications can alleviate eczema a great deal is worth looking out for possible allergy triggers in the diet. Cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, gluten and food additives like flavourings, colours and sweeteners are common culprits, particularly in children. Breastfeeding infants are widely recommended whenever possible. Keeping a food diary may also identify the cause of sudden flare-ups. Trial and errors and a lot of patience may be well rewarded.

Studies show that a common factor among atopic eczema is lack of fatty acids and in particular GLA gamma-linolenic acid. Taking a high GLA food supplement like Evening Primrose may be a good idea.  Clothing –pure cotton or silk are the best and kindest fabrics. Opt for light layers that can be peeled off as necessary and protect affected areas from strong sunshine. Choose skin-friendly non –bio laundry wash, avoiding fragrances and softeners.