Eczema is something that over 30 million people in the US alone suffer from and a dry winter (like in Calgary where I live) can wreak havoc on your skin whether eczema is something that you’ve suffered from before or not.
I find that eczema on the hands and joints (elbows, wrists, ankles, etc.) is some of the itchiest and worst to deal with. As someone who plays sports, I’ve seen how protective gear can irritate already vulnerable skin…and then there’s the hard (and sometimes scalding hot) water in the locker room showers!
I always prefer to use skin treatments that include natural ingredients as anything artificial or containing chemicals or perfumes can cause additional irritation (i.e. the exact opposite of what you want to accomplish!).
Here are some of the best ways I’ve found to treat eczema:
Full Eczema Relief Product Line
I was recently told about Eczema Honey and the company was gracious enough to send me their product lineup to test. Their products formulated with ingredients like honey (hence the name) and colloidal oatmeal, which are both fantastic for treating skin irritations of any kind (in my honest opinion). They also have a full list all of their ingredients right on their website, which I appreciate. Eczema Honey‘s products are natural, free of anything harmful and are quite effective. They have a light scent from the natural ingredients, but it is pleasant and calming (shouldn’t be irritating at all) all without smelling like a medication of any kind.
For me, it can be difficult to find products that you can easily integrate into your daily routine without feeling like you’re ‘treating a condition’. From cleansing and bathing to moisturizing and treating, Eczema Honey has a product that will help sooth and treat eczema each day with products you would actually be using like hand soaps, shower products and more. For more severe eczema, I would definitely recommend using their additional treatment products in addition to those mentioned above.
P.S. Their moisturizers absorb really quickly and aren’t oily/greasy at all (as I know some treatments can be like that).
Do you suffer from Psoriasis? Eczema Honey now offers Psoriasis Honey – a similar lineup but formulated to better naturally treat Psoriasis, too!
Other Eczema Treatment Products:
To Wash Skin
A gentle cleanser or hand wash are a necessity for sufferers of eczema. Avoid anything with chemicals or strong scents as that can also make things worse. Some washes can help to sooth irritated skin, too.
Pumpkin Patch Soap ($5.25, Rocky Mountain Soap Co.).
To Moisturize Skin
Keeping moisture levels high in hands is critical! Just like with cleansing, it’s important to avoid any harsh chemicals or strong perfumes in lotions that you use. I like products that contain colloidal oatmeal (Aveeno) and natural oils because they both lock in moisture and sooth the irritated skin.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($12.50, Target). This is my favorite for every day use. It isn’t greasy, has very little scent (if any) and is great for your entire body.
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Lotion ($16, Target). This one is a bit more intense and is targeted to treat eczema specifically (it does have a bit of a medicinal smell). Try this one to target a breakout and then follow up with the Daily Moisturizing Lotion for regular use.
Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Argan Body Lotion ($50, Kiehl’s). This one is a bit on the pricier side, but it is full of essential oils that add a shot of moisture to extra dry areas.
Best Oil for Extra Treatment
I have tried many different body oils but none of them seem to properly treat eczema (just regular dry skin). This one works and it works well!
Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Argan Dry Oil ($43, Kiehl’s). This oil has a dry texture and goes on really smoothly. My advice: apply this oil to affected areas, allow it to absorb (this is fairly quick) and then follow with lotion to lock it all in. This bottle of oil lasts forever and is highly effective.
This oil also has a corresponding body lotion (shown above): Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Argan Body Lotion ($50, Kiehl’s).
The Right Vitamins
Diet and nutrition can play a big role in the health of your skin. One thing that I’ve found works great is taking Biotin. This great vitamin helps boost the health of your hair, skin and nails! For more on skin health from the inside out, check out Daina’s article Nutrition for Clear Skin.
Biotin Tablets ($18, Target).
Cover photo credit: Cedarhouse Spa
