Eczema is a tricky skin condition, and the primary reason behind this is that the simplest of things can aggravate it. Regular soaps, for instance! Most people suffering from Eczema experience a flare-up after using soaps and skincare products that have ingredients and scents which make the skin feel drier and itchier. For such people, only soaps that are free of fragrance, dye, and other allergens are best suitable because they don’t cause reactions.
Given that, it may become incredibly hard to find the right skin products that don’t flare up Eczema, but it’s extremely important to use the right products. Which is why we’re here to put you out of your misery and help you find the right skin products that’ll not irritate your skin.
The most suitable soaps for eczema
According to AAAI (Association of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology), it’s best for those with Eczema to use cleaners that are soap-free and sodium lauryl sulfate-free (the ingredient that produces foam). Here’s a list of cleaners that have been endorsed and approved by the NEA (National Eczema Association)
- CLn Body Wash
- CLn Facial Cleanser
- Cetaphil Pro Gentle Body Wash
- Skinfix Eczema Soothing Wash
- Cerave Soothing Body Wash
Ingredients to stay away from
The cause of Eczema flare-ups is harsh chemicals most skincare products are laced with. The main chemical found in soaps is sodium lauryl sulfate, which clears out all the natural oils on the skin, making it feel tight and dry. It’s crucial to read the labels provided on soaps and other skincare products to avoid these harsh chemicals. Here’s a list of things you must pay attention to while buying skin care products
- Fragrance – Products with fragrances tend to contain allergens that can aggravate eczema. Thus, opt for fragrance-free products.
- Ph levels – It is essential to check the ph level of the product level and the level that your skin requires. Although most cleansers and soaps have balanced pH levels, they still may not suit your skin.
- Dye – This can be a major allergen so avoid products that contain dye.
- Endorsements – Opt for products that have been approved by organizations like the NEA, it’s a much safer choice.
How to find the right soap
Finding the right products for your skin can be tricky and tiresome, for there’s no guarantee that what worked for someone else will surely work for you. Therefore, the best way to go about finding the right products is by getting your skin evaluated by a dermatologist and taking their recommendation for products, or you can perform a patch test at home.
This will require you to test out the product on a small patch of your skin, wrap the applied area with a bandage or cloth, and monitor it for over 48 hours to check for any allergic reactions or itchiness. In case there’s a reaction, remove the bandage and wash the affected area properly. You could also apply some soothing lotion to reduce the redness and itchiness.
We know this process of finding the right products can be taxing, but we hope that after reading this you’ve got some insights into choosing the right products for your skin.
