Your Guide to Effective Skincare Routines for Eczema
A proper skincare routine is key for eczema sufferers as it can help manage symptoms and promote healing. There can be a lot of trial-and-error with products, but once you’ve found what works for you, skincare can be a great tool to keep flare-ups at bay. Follow these steps to create a personalised eczema skincare routine that works for you.
The Eczema Sufferer’s Guide to Skincare
Maintaining a good skincare routine with eczema can be tricky. Eczema sufferers need to be extra careful when selecting which products to use. Harsh soaps and chemicals can cause irritation, and you could end up doing a lot more harm than good. Moisturising should be your top priority.
Your Daily Eczema Skincare Routine
Remove Make-Up
Removing makeup before bed is a beauty necessity for everyone, but even more so for eczema sufferers. Sleeping with makeup on can lead to clogged pores and irritation. Make-up wipes may be convenient, but they aren’t the best option for your skin. They also involve harsh rubbing on your skin which can cause irritation. Most of these wipes contain harsh chemicals and alcohol. If you do occasionally use them, wash your face immediately afterward. Coconut oil is a great, natural way to remove makeup. Simply wipe the oil across your face with a soft cloth, and follow up by cleansing.
Choose the Right Cleanser
The first step in any eczema skincare routine is to use a gentle cleanser that won't strip the skin of its natural oils. When it comes to eczema, choosing the right cleanser is crucial. Look for a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer that contains ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers that contain sulphates, which can irritate eczema-prone skin. Opt for a cream or oil-based cleanser that will help hydrate and soothe your skin while cleansing it. Cleanse your face every morning and evening. Be careful when selecting your cleanser, choose something gentle, hypoallergenic, and/or designed for sensitive skin. Don’t use hot water, this may irritate and redden your skin. This can also strip your skin of its natural oils. Go for lukewarm, or if you can face it, cold water.
Our top cleansers for eczema:
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, £9.50
Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion - for Hypersensitive + Irritated Skin, £10.15
Tone
Using a toner will help remove any residue left on your skin, without stripping it of vital oils. This prepares the skin for moisturiser as you will absorb it more efficiently. Simply wipe the toner across your face gently with a cotton pad. If you have been wearing make-up, you may notice some left on the cotton pad- even after removing it and cleansing it, which is a sign your toner is an important step. Many toners contain alcohol, which dries the skin out. Make sure you select a fragrance-free, alcohol-free option. Leave to soak in for about 2 minutes before applying your chosen moisturiser. You may wish to use a mist toner. If your skin has been irritated, this has a nice cooling effect.
Toner options for eczema:
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner- Alcohol-Free, £19.00
Avene Therma Spring Water Mist, £9.39
Garnier Natural Rose Water Toner for Sensitive Skin, £6.00
Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise
Moisturising is key to managing eczema. Look for a thick, fragrance-free moisturiser that contains ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter and glycerin. Apply a thick layer of moisturiser at least twice a day. Use a lighter, non-greasy moisturiser on any oily areas you may have. Use a richer formula or night cream for dry patches.
Apply your moisturiser immediately after bathing or showering to lock in moisture. You may also want to consider using a humidifier in your home to help keep your skin hydrated. Don't forget to reapply your moisturiser throughout the day as needed.
Recommended moisturisers for eczema:
La Roche Posay Toleraine Sensitive, £13.99
Avene Skin Recovery Cream, £11.66
Eucerin Dry Skin Face Cream, £7.99
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
If you are going to be exposed to direct sunlight for more than 15-20 minutes, you need an SPF. Sun exposure can be a trigger for eczema flare-ups, so it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 (or even better, 50) and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and hats, and try to avoid being outside during peak sun hours (10am-4pm). If you do need to be outside, seek shade whenever possible.
Use Topical Steroids as Directed
If your eczema is severe, your doctor may prescribe a topical medication like a steroid cream or ointment. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and use the medication only as directed. If you have been prescribed any ointments, creams, etc, apply them approximately 15 minutes after your moisturiser/SPF.
Topical steroids can be an effective treatment for eczema, but it’s important to use them as directed by your doctor. Overuse or misuse of topical steroids can lead to skin thinning, discoloration, and other unpleasant side effects. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about how to use your medication. If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor straight away.
Avoid Triggers and Irritants
One of the most important steps in managing eczema is to avoid triggers and irritants that can worsen symptoms. Common triggers include stress, certain foods, and environmental factors like pollen or pet dander. Irritants can include harsh soaps, detergents, and fabrics. Pay attention to what triggers your eczema and take steps to avoid those triggers as much as possible. This may involve making changes to your diet, using gentle skincare products, and avoiding certain environments or activities.
If possible, try to keep a daily note of the condition of your skin, and any symptoms, along with the skincare you have used. We recommend keeping a diary or there are many amazing apps available for managing eczema. Include as much detail as possible, such as what products you’ve used, how you’ve used them, amounts and how they’ve made your skin feel.
Mini-Facial for Eczema
Every week you should give your skin a mini-facial. Think of this as your ‘me time’ and take the time to relax. Self-care is important for everyone, but especially if you are an eczema sufferer, as it can be stressful. Set the atmosphere for your at-home facial by dimming the lights, putting on soothing music, lighting candles- whatever helps you relax.
1. Cleanse – Follow your usual cleansing routine prior to your facial. Use this opportunity to give your face a little (gentle) massage to improve circulation and blood flow.
2. Exfoliate- Many eczema sufferers don’t exfoliate as they are concerned about causing further irritation. If you have any broken or weeping skin, this is certainly a step to skip. Eczema causes dead skin cells to build up, so exfoliation is beneficial for most sufferers. Harsh scrubbing should be avoided. Gentle rub your chosen exfoliator over your skin in small circles. If you are concerned about using a traditional exfoliator, make your own! Coconut oil and sugar make a great natural exfoliant.
Our favourite exfoliators for eczema:
Avene Gentle Exfoliating Gel, £8.66
La Roche Posay Cleansing Ultra Fine Scrub, £17.40
Simple Kind To Skin Smoothing Facial Scrub, £5.39
3. Face Mask- A face mask feels like a luxury, and can replenish your skin. Many products will simply not be appropriate for eczema-prone skin. Alcohol, sulfates, and fragrances should be avoided. Peels and clay masks tend to dry out the skin, so look for a creamier consistency. If you have concerns about traditional face masks, why not make your own! Check out our blog post DIY Facials for Eczema: Simple Recipes for Clearer Skin.
4. Tone- Follow your face mask by using your toner. Choose a toner free of alcohol and any harsh chemicals as this could cause irritation. Look for toners that contain natural and gentle ingredients, such as aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula. Your toner will make sure all the residue from the face mask is removed, and your skin is prepared for moisturiser.
5. Moisturise- Apply moisturiser, perhaps a little more liberally than usual. You may wish to use a more expensive/luxurious moisturiser than your daily one to use after facials to make them feel more special. This gives skin an added boost, and makes the facial feel like even more of a treat!
6. Serums- After moisturising, you may wish to apply a serum. A good serum can work wonders for very dry skin. Make sure this is applied 15-25 minutes after your moisturiser, so it has had enough time to soak in, ensuring you get all the benefits. Massage in thoroughly or use a jade roller to give your face a circulation boost.
Recommended oils + serums for eczema:
Balmonds Intensive Facial Oil, £19.94
Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Nourishing Milk, £73.00
Other tips for eczema-friendly skincare:
Don’t use products with active skincare ingredients (such as retinol and hydroxy acids) on affected areas. These ingredients can be very effective for skin health in general but will irritate areas you are experiencing flare-ups.
Remember SPF. Choose one which is mineral-based, or specially formulated for sensitive skin,
Patch test. Whenever you use a new product, place a small amount on your skin and monitor if you react over the next 24-48 hours.
Keep skincare in the fridge. This will not only make you feel more awake but will have a nice cooling effect on irritated skin. Your products may last longer too!
Don’t steam your face. Steaming is typically found in at-home facial routines. However, eczema sufferers should skip this step, if they are suffering from a flare-up. Extreme heat can cause dryness, irritation, and redness.
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Skin Care: Eczema Treatment for Beginners- Craig Donovan
