10 Clean Ingredients That Help Eczema Sufferers

Whether it’s acne, rosacea, or psoriasis, dealing with any kind of skin-related issue is never ideal. And unfortunately, it’s often the worst in winter when your skin is at odds with the elements.

Eczema is no different! With its itching, redness, and swelling, eczema is a recipe for discomfort. It may even leave you feeling a bit less like yourself.

While it doesn’t always feel like it, it is possible to get your symptoms under control so you can feel comfortable in your skin again. And that’s what we’re going to talk about today! But first, let’s talk more about what eczema looks and feels like.

According to Mayo Clinic, eczema is a generic term for atopic dermatitis, which is known for making your skin red and itchy. And while it’s particularly common in children, symptoms can appear at any age.

Such symptoms include:

Dry, patchy skin

An itching sensation

Small raised bumps, which may weep or ooze

Scaliness

Raw, swollen skin caused by scratching

Eczema is a chronic condition with periodic flare-ups. While there is no cure for it, there are both clinical treatments and self-care measures that may help ease itching while preventing new outbreaks.

If your symptoms become so unbearable that they affect sleep or daily activities, or if they show signs of infection (red streaks, yellow scabs, pus), it’s best to see a doctor. That being said, there are natural ingredients that can be helpful on the daily. And today, we’re going to talk about the best ingredients in clean skin care for eczema.

#1: Oatmeal
As a naturally soothing emollient, oatmeal is one of the best-known natural ingredients for eczema. Oats are anti-inflammatory and gently exfoliating, which can help relieve itchy skin and help rebuild the skin barrier. Oats can be used in a bath or applied directly to the skin with warm water.

#2: Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace element found in our bodies. It’s essential for many functions like metabolism and immune health. But on top of that, zinc may also help relieve inflammation in the skin, and even promote resurfacing.

#3: Shea Butter
As an especially rich emollient, shea butter is known to create a protective layer over the skin while deeply hydrating it. Plus, it can reduce swelling. You can find shea butter in a wide variety of moisturizers, like our Coconut Hand Buttercream!

#4: Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter may be most popular among pregnant and postpartum women for helping heal their stretch marks, but it may also help heal rashes! As an ingredient rich in fatty acids, cocoa butter is touted for its hydrating and nourishing properties. Our Cocoa Butter Moisture Mask delivers an extra punch of skin-soothing hydration.

#5: Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a mild acid. Since people with eczema have higher pH levels, it’s theorized that apple cider vinegar may help balance it out. Keep in mind, though, that because it’s acidic, it may be irritating to some individuals. So, make sure to do a swatch test and dilute it with water beforehand!

#6: Calendula Flower Extract
Calendula is exceptionally gentle, yet it’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent, antifungal, antiviral, and an immunostimulant. Those attributes make it a powerful ingredient for eczema. Calendula is used for a number of skin issues, and it’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types.

#7: Witch Hazel
As an ingredient, witch hazel is an extract taken from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel shrub. It’s been used as an astringent for centuries. While research on witch hazel for eczema is still limited, it’s often used topically for inflamed, oozing skin.

#8: Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is great for just about anything, so it’s no surprise that you can use it for eczema, too! Due to its emollient and antimicrobial properties, extra-virgin cold-pressed coconut oil may help reduce discomfort while killing bacteria on skin. You can use coconut oil straight out of the jar, though it’s more preferable to do so right after bathing when the skin is still damp.

#9: Baking Soda
If you have cracked, extra dry eczema, baking soda’s antibacterial properties can be helpful, especially in a 15-minute lukewarm bath. Before soaking, though, make sure to do a patch test, since some individuals are allergic to baking soda.

#10: Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is nature’s go-to for burns and bites, so it makes sense that it might help soothe eczema, too! While research is still limited, aloe vera’s been shown to have antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, its high antioxidant content may help speed up the healing process.

When it comes to soothing eczema symptoms and preventing flare-ups, using clean, beneficial ingredients is really only half the battle. The other half is avoiding the ingredients that might irritate the skin and trigger an eczema outbreak. If you have eczema, the following ingredients may worsen it and should be avoided.

Lanolin

Retinoids

Propylene glycol

Ethanol

Urea

Essential oils

Fragrances

Lanolin is an emollient derived from sheep’s wool. And while it may provide excellent moisturization, many patients with eczema have been found to have an allergy to it. And we’re not fans of it, personally, since it’s sourced from animals.

Ethanol
Ethanol is essentially an alcohol that’s lightweight, fast-absorbing, and leaves a cooling sensation. Because of these properties, ethanol is often found in gel-based products like body washes, shaving gels, and gel deodorants. But for many individuals with eczema, ethanol can sting and burn, leaving the skin irritated. Plus, they dry out the skin, which can quickly trigger a flare-up.

Luckily, our Shower Gels are ethanol-free!

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
If you’ve noticed your new body wash is making you feel a bit itchier with each use, sodium lauryl sulfate might be to blame. Sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS, is an agent used in products to make it lather, making it popular in body washes, bubble bath, and car-washing solutions.

Sulfates in general are best avoided, but those with eczema should especially look out for this irritating suds maker.