It's bad enough when we experience eczema as adults, but this uncomfortable skin condition often begins in childhood. Fortunately, we now know how best to treat our little ones' symptoms, as well as our own. The adjustments needed to treat your eczema are relatively simple. Avoid certain foods and laundry products, adjust your bathing habits, and use natural skin care products.
Another eczema-triggering factor is stress. When you can't find the right products, you waste time and money seeking healthy solutions. This detracts from your comfort and confidence when eczema symptoms arise.
That's why Natralus created a comprehensive, all-natural skincare line of products perfectly-suited for babies, kids, and adults living with eczema.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a general term used to diagnose skin irritation, including rashes and dry, flaky skin. Atopic dermatitis is a more severe and persistent form of eczema. Those who suffer the more serious and chronic symptoms usually adopt the latter term, as it's more easily recognized and, of course, easier to say.
Each of us is unique, and we may experience different eczema symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, these typically include:
• Dry, itchy skin which may become cracked or scaly
• Small, reddish bumps, which may scab up or ooze fluid
• Itching, which may be severe, especially at night
• Red to brownish-grey rashes on any part of our bodies, but commonly experienced in the inner bends of our knees and elbows
• Symptoms in children usually first occur on their faces or scalps
• Small, raised bumps, which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched
• Thickened, cracked, scaly skin
• Raw, sensitive, swollen skin from scratching
Why Is Your Bathing Routine So Important?
You may have correctly heard that frequent bathing can contribute to dry skin. This is true, but it's a minor issue. Overuse of harsh detergents and aggressively towelling off when you step out of the shower are the real problems.
• Avoid bar soaps, body washes and shampoo for eczema that contain potentially toxic fragrances and chemical additives.
• Use lukewarm water, and don't bathe for more than 15 minutes.
• Pat your skin and scalp dry with a soft, absorbent towel, preferably one laundered with natural detergents. Skip the anti-cling sheets!
• Avoid using scrubbing washes, loofahs, scrubbing pads, or rough wash clothes on your skin.
• Consider using a natural shampoo for eczema, rather than bar soap.
• "Seal" in moisture with high-quality natural moisturizing creams and lotions.
You may have been following these steps with care, but still, your eczema won't go away... and you're ready to give up. Perhaps it's time to take a closer look at your skincare product labels.
Understanding Skincare Ingredients
It's possible you're picking your skincare products for the wrong reasons. It's easy to do; your family doctor has likely told you to avoid using products that don't contain alcohol.
GPs mean well, but they don't have the knowledge that dermatologists do when it comes to the importance of natural skin care products. You as a consumer are best served if you conduct your own research on the products you use. This way, you can become an active decision-maker in your overall wellness.
Many "natural" products mislead consumers with their labelling. Your misconceptions about ingredients can mislead you when shopping for healthy eczema treatments, like those offered by Natralus.
How can you tell which ingredients are harmful, and which actually help your skin? Here's a breakdown of common chemicals found in skincare products. This will help you understand which ingredients are safe, and which ones live up to the saying, "if you can't pronounce it, don't use it."
Alcohol
You might pass up on quality skincare products because you've heard that alcohol is bad for your skin, and you've seen the word written clearly in the list of ingredients.
There are several types of alcohol found in cosmetics and skincare products. Some actually help provide the "waxiness" needed to seal in moisture. Manufacturers use the harmful ethanol alcohols to give your skin a "clean", non-sticky feel after use. However, the trade-off means the product may dry out your skin. Some of the harmful alcohols used to penetrate the skin are carcinogenic.
Avoid these types of alcohol:
• Alcohol Denat.
• SD Alcohol 3-A
• SD Alcohol 30
• SD Alcohol 39
• SD Alcohol 39-B
• SD Alcohol 39-C
• SD Alcohol 40
• SD Alcohol 40-B
• SD Alcohol 40-C
• The general term "alcohol"
Don't be scared off by these beneficial, fatty alcohols:
• cetyl alcohol
• cetearyl alcohol
• stearyl alcohol
• behenyl alcohol
• arachidyl alcohol
• myristyl alcohol
Ethylene Oxide, 1,4-Dioxane, and the "Eth Words"
Some of the most harmful chemicals won't appear in the ingredients list. This is because they're technically byproducts of manufacturing or other ingredients.
"Ethoxylated ingredients on their own are of low concern, however, the process of ethoxylation may leave behind trace amounts of carcinogens." — Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
The process required to make the following chemicals result in potentially carcinogenic ethylene oxide and 1,4 dioxane:
• Laureth
• Steareth
• Ceteareth
• Polypropylene glycol (PPG)
• Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
• Polysorbate
• Propylene glycol
• Fragrances
Scientific American wrote a compelling article about the hazards of artificial fragrances commonly found in skincare products, compiled from research by The Environmental Working Group (EWG). "(They) typically contain a dozen or more potentially hazardous synthetic chemicals, some of which are derived from petroleum. To protect trade secrets, makers are allowed to withhold fragrance ingredients."
Results from a University of Melbourne study condemn cosmetic fragrances. Nicola Webber interviewed study author Anne Steinemann for the university's online magazine, Pursuit.
"This is an epidemic. Fragranced products are creating health problems and the effects can be immediate, severe, and potentially disabling." — Professor Anne Steinemann, University of Melbourne
The study surveyed 1098 subjects selected for a broad representation of Australia's population. Of these participants, roughly 33% reported experiencing symptoms as a result of exposure to artificial fragrances, including:
• Dizziness
• Migraines
• Asthma attacks and other breathing impairment
• Skin rashes (eczema)
The study also addressed "second-hand" effects of fragrances. How do your perfumed products affect you, your family and pets? Many of our customers choose us for our line of infant skincare products. After, they embrace our nourishing products designed to suit the whole family.
Choose a skin care product because it works... not because it makes you smell like a rose garden.
Is Natralus Australia's Line of Skincare Products The Right Choice for My Family?
Yes! And for eczema, we recommend using our most gentle cleansers and hydration products for your sensitive skin from our My Little One line.
We use natural & organic ingredients like papaya & shea butter to provide the healthy elements you need to treat your irritated skin. Natralus sometimes uses the beneficial alcohols that help lock moisture under your skin's surface.
My Little One Gentle Cleanse Shampoo & Body Wash is the best shampoo for eczema for babies, children, and adults. It serves as the perfect eczema shampoo for rashes and flakes on your scalp and body. It works by cleansing your skin without requiring harmful, scrubbing washcloths. Remember, many soaps add chemicals to add the satisfying "sudsy" effect, which harms your skin's surface and your overall health.
Though our baby shampoo is the best shampoo for eczema for patients of every age, we have a wonderful selection of natural baby products to give you everything you need to care for your child's skin:
• GENTLE CLEANSE Shampoo & Body Wash
• JOYFUL BUBBLES Bubble Bath
• LOVING CARE Nourishing Skin Lotion
• RELAXING TOUCH Massage Oil
• MAKE IT BETTER Soothing Repair Balm
• HAPPY BOTTOM Nappy Barrier Cream
• MAKE IT BETTER Soothing Repair Balm Tub
You can learn more about our baby skincare products, as well as a full list of ingredients, on the My Little One page.
Don't forget that grownups and older kids have options at Natralus too. For our eczema patients, we recommend our Essential Paw Paw Ointment and Balm, our aloe-rich Soothing Skin Relief Gels and Spray, and our Ultra Skin Repair Gels and Spray.
Moisturizing Tips: After patting your skin dry, immediately apply your choice of Natralus Australia all-over body moisturiser. Follow up with a heavy balm or ointment for concentrated moisturising, and be sure to re-apply throughout the day. Our spray-on products are easy to use on ultra-sensitive skin, eliminating even the lightest friction associated with rubbing in moisturisers.
Our products are certified "Toxic Free", and many are also certified "Organic". We are proud to be cruelty-free skin care producers. Our products are tested and approved by paediatricians and dermatologists. We don't add harmful fragrances to our products because we believe our natural scents help us bond with the ones we love, especially our newborns.
We believe that our customers should make informed decisions about the products they use for their family. So, we're transparent about our ingredients and manufacturing processes. We're happy to answer your questions, so please contact us if you want to know more.
Our skin is our largest organ. It absorbs nutrients and toxins from our environment and from the products we apply with the intention of achieving optimal skin health. When we understand how environmental toxins trigger eczema rashes, it's easier to make the healthiest choices for our skincare products and routines.
And don't forget to relax! After all, we have you—and your skin—covered.
