Quick, Natural Remedies for Eczema

I frequently get eczema (atopic dermatitis) breakouts around my nose, chin and eyes. Not only does this demolish my self confidence, but as an esthetician it’s a bit embarrassing to have anything short of perfect skin. While I do get hard-to-manage breakouts that last for a few days, I’ve finally found a couple of things that work every time. Understanding the triggers, monitoring my general health and stocking ingredients that soothe and heal my skin were key to healing breakouts quick.

First, I want to start with a quick explanation of what Eczema actually is…

What is Eczema?

There are a couple different types of Eczema, but generally we are referring to “Atopic Dermatitis”, which is a topical breakout of an itchy rash and/or scaly bumps.

What Causes Eczema?

Eczema is an immune system response and allergies are often the root cause; breakouts are typically caused by nuts, dairy, smoke, pollen, harsh chemicals or drying products, but they can also be the result of hormonal imbalance or chronic stress.

Managing Eczema Naturally

Managing eczema is difficult since it’s a reaction or a symptom - for me, drying products, excessive makeup, stress and lack of sleep all result in a face rash that can last up to 2 weeks. When this happens, I know it’s time to focus on getting proper sleep, hydration, stress management and properly caring for my skin.

Skin Care Routine for Eczema

Aside from proper wellness and emotional balance - you’ll want to develop a plan for topical relief. Eczema prone areas are sensitive, so you’ll want to gently cleanse the area, calm the skin and properly hydrate it. I stick to this routine for 2 full weeks, using a mask every other day:

1. Gently cleanse with a light oil or balm
2. Remove with a lukewarm soaked towel
3. Use a toner
4. Gently exfoliate with brown rice flour, ground botanicals or clay mix
5. Remove gently with soaked lukewarm towel 6. Apply a mask with natural cooling ingredients (listed below) to soothe the inflammation and help heal the area faster. You can soak a cloth, paper towel or rag in the mix and hold it onto the area, or apply directly like a face mask.

Masks for Eczema

• Aloe Vera Gel + Green Tea + Calendula infused oil or tea infusion
• Greek Yogurt or Aloe Gel + Turmeric Powder
• Hemp Oil + Aloe Vera  
• Ground (Colloidal) Oats, aloe, calendula and hemp seed oil

Natural Ingredients to Treat Eczema

When choosing ingredients to treat an inflammatory condition like eczema, you want to focus on anything cooling, drying, calming, nourishing.

• Aloe Vera (gel or liquid)

  • Cooling, Nourishing, Moisturizing,
  • Apply directly or diluted
  • Add to face masks, create a topical poultice pack by soaking a cloth in aloe vera and applying it directly, freeze and use for burns

• Apple Cider Vinegar

  • Toning, Astringent, Cooling
  • Apply diluted in water or light green tea, works best in a bath, *never use if you have open cuts, it will burn*
  • Add ¹/₂ cup to a lukewarm bath to stop itching and crusting on larger body patches, Infuse with calendula to increase potency.

• Chamomile

  • Soothing, Calming
  • Infuse in jojoba or hemp oil, make a tea or apply directly as a powder
  • Note: may cause reactions if you have hay allergies

• Calendula

  • Soothing, Calming
  • Infuse in jojoba or hemp oil, make a tea or apply directly as a powder

• Green Tea

  • Healing, Toning, Nourishing
  • Infuse in jojoba or hemp oil, make a tea or apply directly as a powder

• Oats

  • Soothing, Calming, Nourishing
  • Place inside a cotton bag or sock and put into a lukewarm bath and apply compress directly to breakouts

• Honey

  • Nourishing, Soothing
  • Infuse in jojoba or hemp oil, make a tea or apply directly as a powder

• Jojoba Oil

  • Moisturizing, Calming
  • Infuse with herbs, use directly to moisturize the skin, especially affected areas prone to dryness like elbows, ankles, knees.

• Hemp Seed Oil

  • Moisturizing, Calming, Anti-Inflammatory
  • Infuse with herbs, add tea tree oil (10 drops per 1 oz maximum for sensitive skin), or use directly

• Witch Hazel

  • Cleansing, Toning, Drying, Itch-Relief
  • Infuse with herbs, use after cleansing or exfoliating to rebalance the skins pH levels and prevent damage to the skins oil barrier.

• Turmeric

  • Anti-Inflammatory, Calming, Brightening
  • Mix powder into yogurt, oil, balm, with water and apply directly to the affected area, or use as a mask.
  • Note: turmeric will stain everything, the skin will stain temporarily, so use at night

These ingredients make up my full arsenal against eczema. As irritating as it is to have these breakouts, I’m grateful that my body automatically warns me when I’m out of balance. Eczema has made me value my health, ingredients I use and the environment so much more; it’s my constant reminder to stay calm and healthy.