Natural Skincare Studies: Eczema Flare Up 411

How's your skin doing?

Any flare up recently? I have been dealing with the climate changing as well as my skin - dry patches are beginning to form on my hands, feet and legs. The dreaded ever-present itching has surfaced and no matter how much I lotion up, I continue to battle dry skin on a daily basis. Luckily I've come to the end of my nature skincare formulation class and am now armed with some new knowledge on keeping flare up's at bay. Check out my short list below; try out a suggestion or two and check in with how they worked in the comment section.

Stop!

1.STRESSING - it is one of the biggest causes of a flare up. Find a way to find your peace- in all situations. I started meditating and practicing yoga daily to calm my inner anxieties. Be aware that stress will show on your skin and keep it at bay. Daily, journaling, exercising or crafting can take away the edge of life and keep your skin calm and clear.

2. WEARING IRRITATING FABRICS-Stock up on breathable fabrics. Yes it is freezing outside and you want to be warm. However, you need to ditch any stiff synthetic fibers like polyester; it cuts off air flow to your skin, causing irritation and the dreaded itch. Try cotton/cotton blends or natural fibers like silk and layer it up to stay cozy and comfy.

3.SCRATCHING - This is so hard for me, but it is imperative we find a less aggressive alternative for when eczema patches get to itching. A few natural remedies I've been using are chamomile baths. Add some chamomile oil to your bath and soak for no longer than 20 minutes. Try a cold compress on the areas that begin to itch.

Start!

1. USING NATURAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS- Speaking from experience your skin will notice the difference immediately. Natural products lack nasty chemicals that claim to enhance skin's characteristics when in actuality they zap out moisture leaving skin more susceptible to cracks, bleeding and pain. I suggest trying out a soap like my Taila.Made Lil King Carrot Soap. It is gentle enough to use on your babies and is jam packed with antioxidants, vitamins A & C, and will moisturize and clean your face without drying it out.

2. INVESTING IN A BODY BUTTER - Lotions are ehh when it comes to dry, super dry and eczema enduring skin types. You need a thicker consistency that will hydrate and create a barrier to lock in the newly added moisture. I'm currently using and swear by Queen Elizabeth's Cocoa Butter, which you can get online or in a local African/Caribbean goods store. Within the month, after I submit my formulations for my natural skincare certification, I plan on adding two super moisturizing body butters to the Taila.Made site that I have found to help my eczema and dry patches stay moisturized.

3. BE AWARE OF TRIGGERS - Out of all the people suffering from eczema not many have the same combination of triggers. I tend to notice the most of my flare ups begin during extreme cold climate periods where my allergies are worst, when my skin is exposed to excessive water, certain detergents, when I'm stressed, or when I haven't moisturized properly. The more aware I am of what causes my breakouts the more I avoid them like the plague.

So put some thought into each of my suggestions and use them as you see fit. This is a tough season for dry skin and eczema. Be educated, aware, and keep your gorgeous skin glowing!