Best Body Care Routine to Soothe Eczema Symptoms

In our last article about ways to soothe your eczema, we outlined a number of things you can do to help keep inflammation at bay. And if you have eczema, you know how challenging it can be to manage. In this follow up, we'll cover how to create a body care routine to get your eczema under control. Our 5-step routine for soothing eczema incorporates elements that help reduce inflammation and irritation. 

Your 5-Step Body Care Routine to Soothe Your Eczema:

1. Gentle Cleansing:
• We suggest using a gentle and fragrance-free cleanser specifically formulated for sensitive skin or eczema. You want to avoid harsh sulfates that can strip the skin's natural oils. Look for natural soap with moisturizing properties like our Naked Body Wash or Naked Bar Soap. You can also look for cleansers that contain natural surfactants such as coco betaine or coco or decyl glucoside.
• We recommend taking short, warm (not hot) showers or baths, as hot water can dry your skin and worsen your eczema symptoms.
• When you get out of the shower, gently pat the skin dry with a soft towel, leaving some moisture on the skin before applying moisturizer. Leaving water on your skin and using occlusives protects your skin from irritation.
2. Moisturize Frequently:
• We always recommend applying your moisturizer immediately after bathing while the skin is still damp. The extra water helps lock in moisture and keeps the skin hydrated throughout the day.
• Look for natural moisturizers that soothe your skin, such as shea butter and cocoa butter. Oils of jojoba, coconut, or sunflower oil, are also beneficial for eczema-prone skin.
3. Spot Treat Irritated Areas:
• If you have extra inflamed or itchy skin, consider spot treating with our Naked Skin Cream. It has some ingredients that have been shown to soothe eczema including Shea Butter and Cocoa butter as well as natural fruit wax that locks in moisture and prevent skin from drying.
• Avoid scratching your skin which can cause irritation and worsen your symptoms.
4. Protect Your Skin:
• During the summer and anytime you'll be out in direct sunlight, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Use sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection and avoid too much sun exposure, which can aggravate eczema.
• Wear breathable, soft clothing to protect your skin from harsh conditions.
5. Hydrating Baths:
• If your eczema is really flaring up, try adding colloidal oatmeal or Epsom salts to your bathwater to help soothe and hydrate the skin.
• Avoid bubble baths as they often contain harsh ingredients that are needed to produce consistent foaming.
6. Consult a Dermatologist:
• If you try these 5 steps and your eczema is still persistent, it's time to visit a dermatologist. They can provide additional recommendations for your specific situation. 

As with most things, consistency is key to your skincare routine. Stick to the routine daily and monitor how your skin responds to the products you use. Be patient, as it may take some time to find the right combination of products that work best for your eczema-prone skin. We also recommend you always patch-test new products to prevent adverse skin reactions. Hopefully, with time and attention, this routine can help you to soothe your eczema and bring you calm and glowing skin!