How I Learned to Control My Eczema

This is my eczema story… 

It all started in grade 10. I began to get flares of eczema on my eyelids, neck and forearms to the point where people thought I was either burnt in a fire, had hickies all over my neck or was wearing blotchy red eye shadow! 

My eczema was constantly itchy, and I would scratch so hard I would bleed! Since I was so insecure about my eczema, I hid it in every photo. These are the most comparable photos that I could find on the internet.

The only photo I could find where you can see a little bit of my eczema! Yes this is me in grade 10. hehe!

Examples of eczema on different skin tones:

As I maneuvered through high school my eczema became worse! So, naturally I sought out professional help. Every single doctor and dermatologist I went to prescribed me the same thing, Hydrocortisone Cream.

What is Hydrocortisone Cream?

Hydrocortisone Cream is a topical steroid that reduces itching, redness and swelling. It can be purchased over the counter or prescribed by a doctor depending on the strength of the cream. 

Although the Hydrocortisone Cream does help slightly it is not a product you want to use in the long run as it can weaken your skin, making it thinner resulting in scarring/ white patches. Hydrocortisone Cream cannot be used for a prolonged period of time and you should not put it around the eye area.  

So how did I learn how to control my eczema?

First things first, take note of your eczema triggers! Eczema can be triggered by numerous factors such as; food, activity, stress, allergies, climate and cosmetics. 

Common foods that trigger eczema:

• Eggs

• Gluten/wheat 

• Dairy

• Soy

Personally I notice that  gluten, dairy and high sugar foods trigger my eczema. Currently, I am looking into food sensitivity testing so that I can pinpoint my exact triggers. I’ll keep you updated!

Stress

Stress is also a huge trigger for many people. When dealing with chronic and ongoing stress, cortisol increases inflammation throughout the body. This can lead to skin inflammation and an eczema flare. I found stress is the worst cause of my eczema flare ups.

Photos from 2021: Eczema flare up strictly caused from stress

Climate

Climate and seasonal changes play a big role in triggering eczema. Especially, for those living in Canada or places where the weather is constantly changing! 

Winter in Canada can be cold and dry. In combination with indoor heating your skin's natural moisture will decrease causing eczema flare ups and irritation. 

Tip: I always use a humidifier during the cold winter season to help restore moisture into the air and my skin. 

If you have seasonal allergies, beware of the Spring season! I highly recommend getting an air purifier during this season to reduce your allergies and eczema flare ups. 

Cosmetics

Everyone reacts differently to cosmetics but here are a few ingredients that can aggravate eczema:

• Chemical sunscreens (learn more about the dangers of chemical sunscreen) 

• Fragrance

• Essential oils 

• Retinol (only use when eczema is under control)

• AHA/BHA (only in moderation)

Personally, I do not have any issues with fragrance and essential oils but it is a common trigger, so be aware and note how your skin is feeling when applying your cosmetics/ skincare .

What actually works for eczema prone skin:

Let’s start with ingredients!

• Zinc- Accelerates the renewal of the skin cells. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm redness and irritation.

• Colloidal Oatmeal- Proven to relieve itchiness and inflammation caused by extreme dry skin. It forms a protective layer, holding moisture to the skin to provide effective hydration. 

• Occlusive products- Ingredients that create a physical barrier on the skin to prevent TEWL (Trans Epidermal Water Loss; loss of water that passes through the epidermis and evaporates into the air)and lock in hydration.

• Probiotic- Live probiotics help restore the skin’s natural barrier function, maintain moisture levels, and reduce irritation.

• Arnica- Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties.

• Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid- Niacinamide is anti-inflammatory and Hyaluronic acid is super hydrating. Although these ingredients are fantastic it can be hard to find products that are formulated properly for the skin. If products that contain these ingredients peel off your skin, that is a red flag! So beware what brand you buy from! 

Products Recommendation for Eczema Prone Skin Types!

What serums are good for eczema?

• Dermaquest Delicate Soothing Serum: Helps reduce redness and inflammation associated with eczema, acne, rosacea and is especially an amazing treatment for those struggling with a barrier dysfunction. It’s formulated with Arnica, BMX complex and CoEnzymeQ10 for immediate hydration, protection and soothing. 

How can I cleanse without irritation?

Cleanser

• Delicate Cleansing Cream: This gentle creamy cleanser purifies your skin without stripping essential oils or over-drying. Provides a comfortable layer of hydration on the skin that can double as a face mask.

What is the best face cream for eczema?

• Dermaquest Nourishing Peptide Rich Cream: is particularly formulated for dry skin types. It has a thick texture that creates a barrier on the skin to provide long lasting hydration on the skin. The cream contains both Niacinamide and  20% Hyaluronic Acid to help hydrate the skin. In addition, the cream contains Matrixyl 3000 which Improves signs of aging by promoting the development of collagen and elastin.

What sunscreen is best for eczema?

• Dermaquest SheerZinc SPF30: has become our holy grail product. Not only is it a safe & effective way to protect against UV damage, it is also a treatment for the skin.

  This product is pregnancy safe, and beneficial for both acneic & sensitive skin types. This is due to their formulation of micronized zinc. Micronized zinc is extremely soothing for the skin which can aid in reducing inflammation for cystic acne and eczema!

  *A little goes a long way! All you need is a teaspoon for the face!  

Supplements

Lastly, I wanted to touch on a few supplements I take to prevent flare ups. We are not doctors so please consult a doctor before taking any of these recommendations, but this is what worked for me. 

What supplements help eczema?

• P5P- Helps with broken capillaries 

• Zinc & Copper- Many people who suffer with eczema are zinc deficient thus taking an oral supplement is key. Zinc depletes your copper and vice versa, so it is best to opt for supplements that contain both zinc and copper.  

• Omega 3 & Vitamin D- Helps reduce inflammation. 

Overall, eczema is an ongoing battle; it cannot be cured but it can be controlled. Even I get flare ups to this day but now I know what to do when it happens. 

I hope this helps anyone struggling with eczema!