Eczema is a common skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Proper skin care, especially cleansing, plays a significant role in managing its symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Understanding how to choose and use appropriate soaps and cleansers is important for individuals with eczema-prone skin.
Understanding Eczema and Skin Cleansing
Eczema often involves a weakened skin barrier, which is the outermost layer of the skin responsible for retaining moisture and protecting against external irritants. This compromised barrier allows moisture to escape easily, leading to dryness, and makes the skin more vulnerable to allergens and irritants. Harsh soaps can further strip the skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness and irritation. Therefore, specialized cleansing is necessary to support the skin’s barrier function rather than damaging it.
What to Look for in Eczema-Friendly Cleansers
When selecting cleansers for eczema-prone skin, prioritize formulas that are gentle and supportive of the skin barrier. Look for products labeled as pH-balanced, as healthy skin maintains a slightly acidic pH, which helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Fragrance-free and dye-free products are also important because artificial fragrances and dyes are common irritants that can trigger eczema flare-ups. Many products that claim to be “unscented” may still contain masking fragrances, so “fragrance-free” is the preferred label.
Beneficial ingredients to seek out include emollients and humectants. Emollients like ceramides, shea butter, and petrolatum help to replenish the skin’s lipid barrier, locking in moisture. Ceramides, in particular, are important components of the skin’s natural protective barrier. Humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid attract water to the skin’s outer layer, helping to keep it hydrated. Cleansers are preferred over traditional bar soaps, which tend to be alkaline and can be overly drying.
Ingredients and Practices to Avoid
Many common skincare ingredients can exacerbate eczema symptoms by irritating the sensitive skin barrier. Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are foaming agents that can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Harsh detergents, artificial fragrances, and dyes are frequent triggers for irritation and allergic reactions in individuals with eczema. Parabens, often used as preservatives, essential oils, and certain alcohols like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and alcohol denat can also cause irritation or be extremely drying.
Avoid abrasives, such as urea, in cleansers, as these can sting and irritate inflamed skin. Lanolin, while an effective emollient, can trigger allergic reactions for some individuals. Patch testing new products on a small, inconspicuous area of skin, like the inner forearm, for one to two days before widespread use can help identify potential irritants and prevent widespread reactions.
Optimizing Your Cleansing Routine
Beyond choosing the right products, how you cleanse your skin significantly impacts eczema management. Use lukewarm water for baths and showers, as hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, increase inflammation, and worsen itching. Keep bath or shower times short, ideally between 5 to 10 minutes, to prevent excessive water loss from the skin. Longer exposure to water, especially without immediate moisturization, can lead to increased dryness.
Apply cleansers gently with your hands, avoiding harsh scrubbing or the use of washcloths, which can damage delicate skin. After cleansing, pat your skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing, leaving it slightly damp. The primary step immediately following cleansing is to apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer. This “soak and seal” method helps to lock in the absorbed water and prevent moisture loss, strengthening the skin barrier and reducing dryness and irritation.