Key Takeaways:
- What is Eczema: Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by redness, itching, and irritation.
- Common Triggers: Environmental factors like dry air, pollen, and food sensitivities can exacerbate eczema symptoms.
- Steps to Soothe: A holistic approach includes using gentle moisturizers, anti-inflammatory foods, and identifying triggers.
- Things to Avoid: Hot water, harsh soaps, and stress are common contributors to eczema flare-ups.
I recently have been under a ton of stress and whenever that happens, I tend to see it in my skin which is never fun but this time, it jumped to my face and now I have a small spot of eczema on my right eyebrow so, I figured I would take you along for the ride on how I plan to tackle this, naturally of course! I also wanted to go through what eczema is, what causes it and how to prevent it as best you can so if you’re an eczema prone guy or gal, keep reading for our top tips for kicking your eczema to the curb!
What Is Eczema?!
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes redness, itching, dryness, and irritation. It happens when the skin barrier becomes compromised, making it harder to retain moisture and easier for irritants and allergens to penetrate. This triggers an overactive immune response, which leads to inflammation and flare-ups. While eczema can affect anyone, even those who live a holistic and natural lifestyle, it often involves a combination of genetics, immune system sensitivity, and environmental factors.
What Triggers Eczema?!
There are several common triggers that can cause or worsen eczema. Environmental factors such as dry air, pollen, mold, pet dander, and seasonal changes are common culprits. Heat, sweating, and rapid shifts in humidity can also irritate the skin. Even natural skincare products that may be a hair too potent can also trigger flare-ups, especially those containing essential oils, botanical extracts, or fragrances. Food sensitivities may play a role for some people, with common triggers including dairy, gluten, soy, eggs, and histamine-rich foods like fermented products and aged cheeses. Stress and hormonal fluctuations can also worsen eczema because they influence the body’s inflammatory response. So for me, it could be any of the above and it’s almost impossible to pinpoint because your body could react days or weeks later to something!
Steps to Soothe-
From a holistic perspective, managing eczema focuses on soothing the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and identifying potential triggers. Using gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers containing ceramides, squalane, or colloidal oatmeal can help restore hydration and strengthen the skin. Supporting the body from within through anti-inflammatory foods, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics may also help minimize flare-ups. Identifying food or environmental triggers through elimination diets or testing can be valuable for long-term management. Additionally, calming remedies like aloe vera gel, calendula, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) sprays, and cold compresses can provide relief without harsh chemicals. Here is exactly what Alex, the Organic Bunny Esthetician has me doing!
Step 1: Cleanse
This Om Organics Blue Azul Soothing Cleanser is designed to calm and support eczema-prone skin by combining hydrating oils, soothing plant extracts, and barrier-repairing ingredients. Safflower, sunflower, kukui, and rosehip oils replenish the skin barrier, restore moisture, and reduce dryness and irritation. Aloe vera and chamomile provide cooling, anti-inflammatory relief, while blue tansy and sandalwood extracts further soothe irritation and promote healing. Elderberry offers antioxidant protection to help reduce inflammation, and horse chestnut supports circulation and eases swelling. Lactobacillus ferment balances the skin’s microbiome, while caprylic/capric triglycerides lock in lasting hydration. Together, these ingredients create a gentle, nourishing formula that helps repair the skin barrier, calm irritation, and support the skin’s natural healing process! If you have super sensitive or reactive skin and worry about this cleanser, our best cleanser for the most sensitive skin is the Aleavia Facial Cleanser!
Best For- Most skin types, especially those prone to dryness, irritation, or eczema.
Step 2: Tone
The Aleavia Restore Soothing Mist is formulated to calm, hydrate, and support the healing of irritated or sensitive skin, making it especially helpful for eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and dryness. It combines lightweight hydration from coconut oil with the soothing, cooling properties of aloe vera to reduce redness and irritation. Acadian sea kelp provides minerals, antioxidants, and nutrients that nourish the skin and promote regeneration, while citric acid helps balance the skin’s natural pH, supporting barrier repair and reducing further sensitivity. Its gentle, lightweight formula makes it ideal for calming inflammation, relieving itchiness, and accelerating skin repair, especially when used after cleansing to restore balance and prepare the skin for deeper hydration. I use this spray for EVERYTHING, including my scalp or body whenever I have flare-ups, it’s the best. We also carry it in mini size with their face cleanser here.
Best For- Anyone with dry, sensitive, inflamed, or compromised skin, as well as those dealing with conditions like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, or acne-prone sensitivity.
Step 3: Moisturize
This Mermaid Milk moisturizer hydrates, soothes, and repairs the skin barrier with a blend of botanical extracts, antioxidants, and nourishing oils making it perfect for irritated or sensitive skin! Aloe vera, coconut oil, and olive oil provide deep moisture and calming relief, while vegan hyaluronic acid boosts hydration and elasticity. Matcha, spirulina, turmeric, and seaweed supply antioxidants that fight inflammation and support healing, making it suitable for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Blue tansy, neem, tulsi, and basil extracts calm irritation, while papaya and passionfruit deliver gentle nutrients to enhance overall skin health. The formula works to restore balance, reduce redness, and promote smoother, stronger, and healthier skin! We have two sizes a 1 ounce and a 2 ounce!
Best For- This moisturizer is best for dry, sensitive, inflamed, and eczema-prone skin, but it can also benefit anyone looking to repair their skin barrier and improve hydration, teens included!
Step 4: Support the Body
Supporting your skin from the inside out can make a big difference in how fast your eczema passes! Probiotics are one of the most studied supplements for eczema, as they help balance the gut microbiome, which plays a key role in regulating inflammation. Research shows that probiotics can improve symptoms and overall quality of life for adults with eczema. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil or flaxseed oil, are also beneficial because they reduce inflammation, ease itchiness, and help restore skin hydration! I will be taking both!
Vitamin D can also support the immune system and reduce skin inflammation, while vitamin E offers antioxidant protection that helps repair the skin barrier and minimize flare-ups. Evening primrose oil, which is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), may also help calm irritation and improve mild eczema symptoms, though its effects can vary.
Focusing on these nutrients can naturally help soothe inflammation, improve skin barrier function, and promote healing without relying solely on steroid creams. However, since everyone’s triggers are different, it’s best to work with a holistic practitioner or dermatologist to personalize your plan!
View the products for all 4 steps here!
Things To Avoid-
Environmental Triggers
- Hot showers, baths, or washing with very hot water (use lukewarm instead).
- Extremely dry air or low humidity (use a humidifier in winter if needed).
- Sudden temperature changes or overheating.
- Harsh soaps, detergents, or fragranced cleaning products.
- Chlorine or saltwater exposure without rinsing afterward.
Skincare & Product Triggers
- Products with synthetic fragrances, dyes, or harsh preservatives.
- Strong exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or retinoids.
- Heavy essential oils or botanicals that can cause irritation.
- Alcohol-heavy skincare products that strip the skin’s natural oils.
Dietary Triggers
- Gluten, dairy, soy, and eggs are common sensitivities linked to eczema flare-ups.
- Processed foods high in additives and preservatives.
- Sugar and refined carbohydrates, which can promote inflammation.
- Histamine-rich foods such as aged cheeses, fermented foods, and alcohol.
Lifestyle & Other Triggers
- Stress and anxiety, which can cause inflammation and worsen symptoms.
- Lack of quality sleep.
- Synthetic fabrics like polyester or wool directly against the skin (choose soft, breathable cotton instead).
- Scratching or picking at the skin, which can worsen irritation and lead to infections.
Because eczema triggers can be highly individual, it can help to keep a flare-up journal to track patterns between diet, lifestyle, and skin reactions. Mine seems to be a little bit of all of the above I would assume! If you are struggling with eczema prone skin or breakouts, try the above routine or book a FREE consult with our holistic Esthetician today to create a custom routine, just for you!
Overall, we hope these tips help calm your skin and as always, I will keep you posted on my journey and how quickly I can get this to heal up!