If you suffer from eczema, you have probably devoted the same amount of time as someone writing a thesis on finding a solution to your skin woes. Not to mention, you might have spent a small fortune on products that claim to heal your eczema, but to no avail.
Unfortunately, a cure for eczema hasn’t yet been found so the emphasis must be on daily management of the condition, even if your eczema is prone to sporadic flares. The reason is that there are many, many triggers for eczema and vigilance is the best defence against skin inflammation.
You may already be aware of a number of triggers for your inflamed skin, from low humidity and sun exposure to certain foods. You’re also probably well aware that body care ingredients such as sodium laureth sulfate and fragrance can trigger inflammation. Yet did you know that sometimes products that are marketed to help soothe and heal your eczema, can contain ingredients that are key triggers for skin inflammation?
Let’s take a look at them here.
Petroleum jelly
We’re advised to use it on babies’ bottoms as a barrier cream, to protect lips from chaffing and to soothe problem skin, yet petroleum-based products are not a good option for people with skin conditions. That’s because it can block pores, trap dirt and creates an create an impenetrable barrier on the skin which inhibit the skin’s ability to breathe and results in skin that is even drier and more damaged. Opt for natural emollients and barriers such as beeswax that allow the skin to breathe and maintain its own moisture balance.
Aqueous creams
Made from a combination of emulsifiers (which contain paraffin oils) and water, with phenoxyethanol as an antimicrobial preservative. Paraffin is a by-product of petroleum and is known to cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. If paraffin oil is left on the skin for long periods, irritation may result.
Parabens
Eczema sufferers should be sure to use products that explicitly state “No Parabens”. Parabens are known to have potentially toxic effects such as reproductive toxicity, hormone disruption and skin irritation – which is the last thing eczema sufferers are looking for in a skincare solution.
Propylene Glycol (PPG)
Despite being listed by the FDA in the US on its list of substances considered Generally Recognized As Safe, PPG was awarded the 2018 Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society, which goes to show the true nature of this made-man chemical ingredient. PPG is widely used in body care products from liquid foundation, moisturisers and lipsticks to sun cream, shampoo and conditioner. The problem is that prolonged skin exposure has caused irritation, possibly due to its dehydrating effect on the skin, despite being used in skin care products that advertise to do the opposite. PPG can also cause an allergic response on contact with the skin (allergic contact dermatitis), particularly in people that suffer with eczema, fungal infections and in people with lower sun exposure and vitamin D stores. You might be interested to know that PPG is also used in antifreeze, brake and hydraulic fluid, floor wax and paints, while it is used to create artificial smoke or fog used in fire-fighting training and in theatrical productions.
Lanolin
Lanolin may sound natural enough as a derivative of the oil glands of sheep however eczema sufferers are proven to have a higher likelihood of sensitivity to this ingredient. One study of more than 1,000 children with eczema found that 66% of them reacted to lanolin alcohol while another investigation that looked at allergic reactions in patients with chronic wounds found 11% reacted to lanolin. Eczema sufferers should consider their risk before using lanolin and seek another natural alternative with less propensity for a skin reaction.
Give Bee Loved a go for eczema relief
You might feel as if you’ve tried everything and boy, do we hear you. That’s precisely why our founder Mercedes began mixing her own creams for clients in her acupuncture and herbal clinic many moons ago, to help them find relief after they’d tried everything else.
Bee Loved uses a beeswax base for its skincare creams. Beeswax is ideal for treating eczema symptoms because it creates a natural barrier for the skin to protecting it from external irritants while allowing it the skin breathe. Beeswax has proven anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties to help treat even the angriest of skin conditions. Beeswax is also rich in Vitamin A for softening and rehydrating skin, and acts as an emollient and humectant, sealing moisture in the skin.
Bee Loved’s beeswax based creams have also brought relief to children, with one mum finding our all-natural, beeswax-based Baby Lotion having the same amazing effect on eczema symptoms as a beeswax cream she found abroad while on holiday.
“All I can say is ‘WOW’ it is fantastic and my little boy’s elbows have never looked better! There is no redness or dryness and his skin looks perfect.”
Bee Loved’s Body Lotion has brought particular relief to eczema suffers thanks to its blend of key ingredients including Rosemary, Cocoa Seed Butter and Aloe.
With gentle anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating properties Rosemary oil is known to kill bacteria, fungi and viruses on the skin, and combined with properties that encourage cell rejuvenation, is ideal for sufferers of dermatitis, acne, eczema or psoriasis.
Cocoa Seed Butter has been found to be especially helpful to people suffering from eczema because it is gentle enough to be used as a rash remedy while also containing antioxidants known as polyphenols which in some studies have been found to soothe angry, red and inflamed skin.
Bee Loved also uses the thick, nutritious juice in a number of its natural skincare products to stimulate the skin’s circulation, which supports the skin to preserve its natural moisture. In Ayurvedic medicine, Aloe is used to effectively heal chronic skin problems, such as psoriasis, acne and eczema. The Aloe plant is made up of 99% water with the remaining 1% comprising a magnificent mixture of protein, enzymes, amino acids, polysaccharides, minerals and antioxidants beta-carotene and Vitamin A, C and E. It is this rich level of nutrients that gives Aloe its spectacular health-giving effects, from the acceleration of burns healing and the prevention of wrinkles to the reduction of acne, blemishes and stretch marks and its nourishing effect on dry, taut skin.
Bee Loved is specifically designed to nourish and soothe the skin so why not give it a go for your itchy, inflamed, eczema prone skin.
Shop Bee Loved’s free-from products here and don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you want to know more about how Bee Loved can work on your skin.
