Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition causing painful, itchy, dry patches on your skin. When you are struggling with eczema, using the wrong skincare products can cause irritating flare-ups, making it difficult to clear up painful breakouts.
Body wash is a skincare product that is used daily by many, but is often overlooked when considering product irritation. You can avoid further irritation and help soothe your skin by picking the right natural products to cleanse your sensitive skin.
In this blog you'll find out the first step in cleansing and treating eczema, including:
- The causes of eczema
- The best body wash for eczema sufferers
- Homemade body wash for eczema
Keep reading to find out what types of body wash you should be using if you suffer from eczema.
Understanding Eczema
1 in 10 people struggle with eczema. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. There are many different types of eczema and many things that can contribute to eczema. It is caused by an overreaction of your immune system to small irritants and allergens. A few other things can contribute to your eczema are:
- Your genetics and family history
- Irritants in your environment such as air pollutants
- Harsh soaps and other skincare products
If you’re struggling with eczema, proper skin care is essential in preventing and managing painful symptoms of eczema.
Treating your Eczema
The first step to caring for your eczema is properly washing your skin. If you have eczema, we recommend avoiding drying soaps and harsh detergents. Most soaps you find on the shelf are made with an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a common irritant of eczema.
Some other potentially harmful ingredients found in common soaps and washes are scents, fragrances and dyes. Because all of these things can further irritate your eczema-prone skin, it is super important to choose a soothing and moisturizing body cleanser free of these harsh chemicals and exfoliants.
Best Body Cleansers for Eczema
When picking what cleanser to use on your body, it is important to find ones that have wholesome and natural ingredients that are going to soothe your skin, while also giving it the moisture it needs.
Here are a few that we recommend, all of which are safe to use on adults and babies alike:
Tallow Bar Soap With Zinc
This fatty, soothing bar nourishes the skin and also contains zinc to calm redness and inflammation. It is also anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and helps heal wounds. Tallow is known for being very hypoallergenic and gentle on the most sensitive skin.
Coconut and Sunflower Oil Soap Bar
This bar will provide gentle cleansing without causing further irritation or dryness. Sunflower oil boosts the skin's barrier function, helping it to retain moisture. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Emily Liquid Soap Soother
If you prefer a liquid soap in a bottle instead of a bar, this is the option for you! Made with Chinese Herbs as well as organic oils, it moisturizes the driest of skins without stripping it of its natural oils. In fact, it can even be used as a shampoo for those dealing with dandruff, cradle cap or seborrheic dermatitis.
In addition to these products, there are many simple homemade recipes for eczema body wash that you can make yourself! We’ve included our favorite below.
Homemade Body Wash for Eczema
One common ingredient you may have come across when researching eczema is oatmeal. Oatmeal is very beneficial in relieving eczema symptoms. Oatmeal is classified as an emollient, meaning it holds moisture against the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory qualities and reduces itching.
You can make an easy oatmeal body wash at home to help relieve eczema symptoms. This recipe includes other eczema fighting ingredients like lavender essential oil, and almond oil. You can make this body wash in a few simple steps:
- Bring 3 cups of water to a boil and add ¼ cup of oatmeal to it. Let sit for 1-2 hours and then strain to remove oats from water. Set water aside and discard the oats.
- In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of your choice of a natural liquid cleanser, 6-12 drops of lavender essential oil, 1 tsp vitamin e oil, and 2 tsp almond oil. Whisk together to fully combine.
- Pour enough of the mixture to fill 10-15% of a soap dispenser. Fill the rest of the way with oatmeal water.
Start Treating your Eczema Today
Properly cleansing your skin is an essential step in preventing and treating eczema. Start treating your eczema today with these natural body wash options or try making your own by following this simple and effective recipe for a homemade body wash.
