Ah, there’s nothing quite like a fresh shower to wipe away the worries of the day and help you feel clean and happy in your skin. But when you’re dealing with a skin condition like eczema, taking a shower may not be that simple.
The temperature of the water can have a significant effect on your skin, potentially even making you feel more itchy and irritated than before. We’ve heard about the drying effects hot water can have on your eczema-prone skin by stripping the skin of its moisture, but what about cold water?
In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about cold water and eczema, including:
- Does cold water help eczema?
- The best natural bathing products for eczema
- Best practices for showering with eczema
Read on for everything you need to know about showering or bathing with eczema.
Does Cold Water Help Eczema?
There’s no doubt that showering is an essential part of maintaining good hygiene. While a hot shower may feel nice on your body in the moment, it can actually make you feel more irritated and itchy afterwards. But what about cold water? Dermatologists believe that cold water is the better alternative as it won’t strip the skin of its natural moisture as hot water does. In addition, cold water can help calm itchy skin and help you overcome the sensation to scratch. Not to mention, a cold shower is great for increasing circulation and waking you up! Now if you dread the feel of cold water on your skin, opt for lukewarm water instead to avoid the damaging effects of hot water.
The Best Natural Bathing Products
It’s time to treat your skin to some gentle spa time with these natural bathing products for eczema-prone skin:
Shampoo & Natural Body Wash
Liquid soap that doubles as a shampoo provides a silky soft bathing experience. It was specially formulated using the principles of Chinese medicine to soothe, soften, and moisturize your skin.
Tallow Bar Soap with Zinc
A fatty, soothing soap bar is the perfect addition to your paleo skincare routine. The addition of zinc helps it calm irritated, red, and itchy rashes from eczema or psoriasis. Its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties also help it reduce inflammation. Tallow is a really great, simple moisturizer for all skin types.
Organic Calendula Oil
A fast-absorbing oil full of vitamins, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, plant compounds and natural enzymes that gives your skin a boost of moisture. If you prefer baths over showers, it’s great to add to the water for a moisturizing experience. Or you can add it directly to your skin.
Tips for Washing with Eczema
- Reduce washing times to 5-10 minutes
- Avoid scrubbing your skin with a loofah or washcloth
- Use gentle and natural bathing products to avoid aggravating your skin
- Pat skin dry with a towel to avoid exacerbating your eczema with harsh rubbing
Post-Washing Aftercare
Your eczema care doesn’t stop as soon as you step out of the shower. Even if you take a cold or lukewarm shower, it’s important to moisturize your skin to replenish any lost moisture immediately after washing.
We recommend hydrating your skin with this Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream within the first three minutes of drying off. It’s made with just 6 natural ingredients, including the powerful manuka honey. An oil-based balm, it’s sure to hydrate even the driest of skin.
Start Showering Better Today
We hope you found these tips and tricks for showering or bathing with eczema helpful. Get started today and enjoy the positive effects on your skin.
Bio: Kazandra is a contributor and content developer for The Eczema Company with a flair for creative storytelling rooted in strategy. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes.
