‘tis the season for flare-ups
What is eczema
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters and skin infections as defined by The National Eczema Association. Eczema is common, affecting more than 23% of the world population, causing discomfort to all that deal with the condition but the condition is manageable through topical treatments and lifestyle changes.
Why eczema flares up more in the winter
As we enter into the colder months of the year where the air is crisp and drains moisture from the skin eczema flare ups will become more prevalent. According to Heathline, dry air combined with indoor heating systems can dry out your skin. Eczema flares up because the skin can’t stay moist on its own. In addition, the colder air forces us to layer our clothing. This causes us to sweat more, and while sweat is natural, if it sits on the skin for an extended period it can become a skin irritant.
What you can do
As defined by Healthline, there are steps you can take to combat eczema flare up as the weather gets colder such as :
Skipping hot baths
Hot water can skip your skin of its natural moisture and essential nutrients. Avoid taking extremely hot baths during the winter unless absolutely necessary. If you do opt for using products during or after your bath that replenish and nourish the skin.
Using a gentle soap
Using gentle cleansers with natural ingredients and antibacterial properties like oats, and herbs like chamomile and calendula, can be soothing and calming to the skin. Oats are also a natural moisturizer and emollient making them great for sensitive skin. Chamomile provides essential oils and antioxidants and is hypoallergenic, anti - inflammatory, anti fungal , antibacterial, and antiseptic.
Thick moisturizers
Layering your moisturizer like oils, and body butters can help hydrate, protect, and lock moisture into the skin. The active ingredients in your moisturizers work together to best nourish your skin and increase absorption.
Avoiding skin irritants
Avoiding skin irritants like sweat, chemicals, low quality products, and overall itchy materials that can further irritate the skin causing flare ups is vital to managing the symptoms of eczema.
Healthline also recommends a humidifier to rehydrate the skin, staying hydrated, and plenty of vitamin D.
We recommend
During this season herb’neden urges you to take the extra steps to nourish and moisturize your skin. To help manage the symptoms of eczema try our eczema salve. This salve is an herbal blend of chickweed, red clover, calendula, and other gentle ingredients, to soothe and calm the skin.
For supreme hydration, layer on one of our rich and ultra moisturizing body butters. Our butters are made with the rich butters of Shea and Cocoa making them creamy and easily absorbed leaving your skin hydrated. We use therapeutic grade essential oils for scent and solar infused oils for healing benefits.
Increase your moisture routine for the colder months ahead.
