Soap for eczema
If you have eczema, you know how important it is to choose the right soap for your skin. Eczema is a condition that causes dryness, itchiness, and inflammation of the skin. It can affect any part of the body, but it is more common on the face, hands, elbows, and knees. Eczema can be triggered by many factors, such as allergens, irritants, stress, weather, and hormones.
Soap is one of the most common irritants for eczema. Many soaps contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, dyes, and detergents that can strip away the natural oils and moisture from your skin. This can worsen your eczema symptoms and make your skin more prone to infections.
So how do you choose a soap that is gentle and soothing for your eczema? Here are some tips and recommendations to help you find the best soap for your skin.
What to look for in a soap for eczema
When shopping for a soap for eczema, you should look for the following features:
- Mild and gentle. Avoid soaps that are too alkaline, as they can disrupt the skin's natural pH balance and damage the skin barrier. Look for soaps that are pH balanced or slightly acidic, as they can help maintain the skin's acidity and protect it from bacteria.
- Moisturising. Look for soaps that contain hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin, shea butter, coconut oil, or avocado oil. These ingredients can help replenish the moisture that is lost during washing and prevent your skin from drying out.
- Hypoallergenic. Look for soaps that are free of common allergens, such as fragrance, dye, formaldehyde, propylene glycol, salicylic acid, or sulfates. These ingredients can cause allergic reactions or irritation on sensitive skin.
- Anti-inflammatory. Look for soaps that contain ingredients that can reduce inflammation and soothe your skin, such as oatmeal, aloe vera, chamomile, calendula, or neem oil. These ingredients can help calm redness, itching, and swelling associated with eczema.
- Third-party endorsement. Look for soaps that have been tested and approved by reputable organizations, such as the National Eczema Association (NEA), which offers a seal of acceptance to products that meet their criteria for safety and effectiveness.
What to avoid in a soap for eczema
When shopping for a soap for eczema, you should avoid the following features:
- Deodorant. Avoid deodorant soaps, as they usually contain added scents and chemicals that can irritate your skin. Deodorant soaps are also more alkaline than regular soaps and can disrupt your skin's pH balance.
- Antibacterial. Avoid antibacterial soaps, as they can kill both good and bad bacteria on your skin. This can disrupt your skin's microbiome and make it more susceptible to infections. Antibacterial soaps also contain triclosan or triclocarban, which are chemicals that can cause hormonal imbalances and environmental damage.
- Exfoliating. Avoid exfoliating soaps, as they can be too abrasive and scratchy for your skin. Exfoliating soaps can also contain microbeads or walnut shells, which are plastic particles or hard materials that can damage your skin and pollute the waterways.
How to use soap for eczema
Even if you choose a soap that is suitable for eczema, you should still use it with caution and care. Here are some tips on how to use soap for eczema:
- Patch test. Before using a new soap on your whole body, you should do a patch test on a small area of your skin to see how it reacts. Apply a small amount of soap on your inner elbow or behind your ear and wait for 24 hours. If you notice any signs of irritation or allergy, such as redness, itching, burning, or swelling, stop using the soap immediately.
- Use lukewarm water. When washing with soap, you should use lukewarm water instead of hot water. Hot water can dry out your skin and aggravate your eczema symptoms. Lukewarm water can help open up your pores and cleanse your skin without stripping away its natural oils.
- Use gentle motions. When washing with soap, you should use gentle circular motions instead of rubbing or scrubbing your skin. Rubbing or scrubbing can cause friction and irritation on your skin and worsen your eczema symptoms.
- Rinse well. After washing with soap, you should rinse your skin well with clean water to remove any soap residue. Soap residue can clog your pores and cause inflammation and infection on your skin.
- Pat dry. After rinsing your skin, you should pat it dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing or wiping it. Rubbing or wiping can cause friction and irritation on your skin and remove its natural moisture. Patting can help retain some moisture on your skin and prevent it from drying out.
- Moisturise. After patting your skin dry, you should apply a moisturizer that is suitable for eczema within three minutes. This can help lock in the moisture that is left on your skin and create a protective barrier against environmental irritants. Moisturising can also help reduce inflammation and itching on your skin.
In conclusion
Eczema is a common skin condition that can cause dryness, itching, and inflammation. Soap can either help or worsen these symptoms, depending on the ingredients. To avoid irritating your skin, look for soap that is natural, gentle, and moisturising. Avoid soap that contains harsh chemicals, fragrances, or dyes. Natural soap and whipped soap are good options for eczema because they are made with nourishing oils and butters that hydrate and soothe the skin. By choosing the right soap for your eczema, you can enjoy a cleaner and healthier skin.