Previously, I took a deep dive into the relationship between the gut microbiome and eczema (you can read more about that in my other blog post). However, I often get asked about the best eczema-friendly skincare routine, especially in the colder, drier winter months. Let’s explore the skin microbiome and how it impacts eczema.
While eczema is more than just a skin condition, addressing the skin itself is a critical part of a holistic eczema treatment plan. It’s not uncommon for the families I see in our practice to have tried dozens of topical treatments by the time they come to see me.
Here’s a simple guide to help get you started on building a skincare routine that’s both easy to follow and safe and effective for those with the most sensitive skin.
1️⃣ Gentle Cleanse
Opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleansers that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils–these are important for retaining moisture. You can also look for cleansers with a low pH (below 5.5).
Some bonus tips when it comes to gentle cleansing include:
- Don’t scrub too hard or cleanse for too long (key word here: gentle).
- Only use the cleanser on critical areas (private parts and armpits).
- Use lukewarm water, versus hot or cold.
- Avoid or limit cleansing during eczema flare-ups, which can actually lead to further irritation.
2️⃣ Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
Immediately after bathing, ideally within three minutes, apply moisturizer to lock in moisture. (For eczema on the hands, you can even sleep in cotton gloves to retain moisture.)
We utilize the Aron Regimen in our practice, which is a combination of topicals applied frequently and consistently. The technique combines a topical antibiotic, steroid, and moisturizer, which has been shown to be effective in treating atopic dermatitis, a fancy word for “eczema.”1,2
A DIY way to mimic the Aron Regimen (to some extent) at home, is to use a non-prescription topical that has activity against staph bacteria, along with a good moisturizer.
Combine the Briotech Topical Skin Spray with the YoRo Naturals Organic Manuka Skin Balm.
Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl), found in the Briotech Topical Skin Spray, is an all-natural, highly-effective, electrically-charged signaling solution that mimics the essence of your body’s natural defense system.
Plus it’s vegan, organic, and free of alcohol, oil, and additives!
Combine that with the YoRo Naturals Organic Manuka Skin Balm, to provide relief for more mild to moderate eczema.
This is a wonderful non-greasy balm, rich in emollients, and it moisturizes even the driest of skin.
Here’s a simple protocol to follow using these two products that packs a 1-2 punch.
3️⃣ Be Mindful of Other Materials & Habits (In Addition to Your Eczema-Friendly Skincare Routine)
Clothing and bedding fabric choices are important factors to keep in mind for eczema.
Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton (preferably organic cotton) are ideal. For bedding specifically, I recommend the Naturepedic brand–check out this organic crib mattress pad.
For detergents and laundry care, you’ll want to use hypoallergenic, dye-free laundry detergents designed for sensitive skin.
My go-to is Branch Basics–a natural cleaning concentrate is mixed with water to make laundry detergent plus other common household cleaning supplies like all-purpose spray, bathroom cleaner, and window spray.
Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets, which may contain irritants that can trigger eczema flare-ups.
Making these changes to your overall lifestyle can help bolster the positive impact of your daily skincare routine, helping improve eczema symptoms plus optimize your overall well-being.
✨Bonus Tip for Your Eczema-Friendly Skincare Routine
In order to take the overwhelm out of eczema, here’s how you can start addressing the root cause and start your journey to finding relief today:
1. Download my Eczema Jump Start Guide which breaks down everything you need to know when starting my integrative approach to eczema.
2. Additionally, pair the jump-start guide with the supplements from our HKHM Eczema Jump Start Kit, and you’ll have everything you need to hit the ground running.
References:
- Rajkumar, J., et al. (2021). “Combined antibiotic, steroid, and moisturizer for atopic dermatitis: A two-year case series of patient-reported outcomes.” https://doi.org/10.1111/pde.14458
- Lakhani F, Lee K, Lio PA. Case Series Study of the Efficacy of Compounded Antibacterial, Steroid, and Moisturizer in Atopic Dermatitis. Pediatr Dermatol. 2017 May;34(3):322-325. doi: 10.1111/pde.13141. PMID: 28523898.
