Living with eczema can be a struggle. If you or someone you know has eczema, you likely know it also means spending a lot of time and energy. There is no doubt that dealing with eczema flares and triggers is exhausting; what is even more exhausting is vetting skin products that won’t trigger or cause flare-ups for everyday use!

This blog takes you through some quick facts about eczema, causes, preventive measures, conventional remedies, and our featured skin care product for eczema.

According to the National Eczema Association (NEA), 1 in 10 people in the United States has some form of eczema. Whether you are a patient, partner, or caregiver to someone with it, know that there are ways to live life well despite eczema. The good news is natural remedies, dietary tweaks, and adopting stress-easing habits may help make eczema manageable and even improved. Read on to find out more about this skin condition, conventional over-the-counter products, and natural products that are nourishing to the skin that may be able to help you.

What is eczema?

Eczema is a collective term for a group of skin conditions and is not a specific disorder. Skin conditions like chronic dryness, redness, inflammation, and scaling are grouped under eczema.

Eczema causes dry, itchy skin, often characterized by redness, rashes, and inflammation. According to data from the National Eczema Association, about 31 million people in the U.S. are affected by eczema. People of all age groups can get eczema; however, it is more common in babies and younger kids because their skin tends to be sensitive. Eczema symptoms such as inflammation occur because the top layer of the skin is damaged due to less moisture or harsh chemicals.

What causes eczema?

Eczema can occur due to a combination of factors, such as genetics and environmental factors. For some, allergies, exposure to irritants, and allergens may trigger eczema. In some people, exposure to water for prolonged hours, temperature changes, food habits, and stress may lead to eczema.

Here are some well-known risk factors for eczema:

• Poor immune function
• Living in climatic conditions with low humidity
• Living in a polluted environment
• Allergens such as synthetic fibers, certain soaps, perfumes, and cosmetics.
• Poor gut health and overuse of antibiotics

Symptoms of eczema

Eczema can occur in any part of your body, and the symptoms vary from person to person. It often appears on the folds and bends of your body parts, like your inner elbow or behind your knees. Eczema can also appear on your chest, back, arms, legs, neck, wrists, and ankles.

Almost always, itchy skin is a common condition for all types of eczema. You may have one or all of the following symptoms:

• Dryness
• Itch
• Red/inflamed skin
• Discolored skin
• Sensitive skin
• Scaly, rough, or leathery skin, appearing as patches;
• Swelling in skin patches
• Oozing or crusting.

Eczema symptoms for inflammation vary with the skin tone of an individual. People with lighter skin tone show redness, whereas people of color may show eczema as grey skin, ashen skin, darker brown, or purple.

Prevention

• Always use gentle and mild skin care products.
• Keep your skin moisturized and hydrated.
• Avoid sudden changes in temperature and or humidity.
• Avoid allergy-triggering foods, colorants, and synthetic flavors. Common allergens include gluten, peanuts, dairy, and shellfish.
• Avoid fried foods and sugar.
• Reduce stress and anxiety through holistic approaches such as mind-body techniques (yoga or pursuing a hobby) and take time to relax.
• Include plenty of anti-inflammatory foods such as cruciferous vegetables and berries.
• Use a humidifier in your bedroom.
• Avoid long showers. Too long of a shower time will strip your body of its natural oils, leaving the skin dry and more prone to eczema itch.
• Dry pat your skin after the shower and avoid rubbing the skin dry.
• Develop a comprehensive skincare routine. Identifying triggers and avoiding triggers is a large part of any treatment plan.

Some natural ways for eczema relief

• Moisturize affected areas at least twice a day with vitamin E-infused oils.
• Apply a cool, wet compress to lessen the itch. Do not use a wet compress on oozing blisters.
• Improve your gut flora by adding probiotics.
• Add omega-3-rich foods like chia seeds and wild-caught fish as they help to curb inflammation.
• Boost your fiber intake, which helps improve gut bacteria and skin health.

Some conventional Over-the-counter remedies for eczema

Topical hydrocortisone:

Over-the-counter products are low potency steroids, generally suggested by providers for itch relief. Hydrocortisone products may cause side effects such as dry or cracked skin, burning, and changes in skin color after long-term use.

Antihistamines and pain killers:

helps curb inflammation and reduce itchiness.

Although they do not stop flare-ups, antihistamines can reduce the immune reaction to allergic triggers and provide short-term relief. Chronic painkillers can cause ulcers as they can upset the stomach lining.

Mild anti-itch creams:

Caladryl or Calamine may soothe mild, dry, scaly patches.

Moisturizers:

Moisturizers help restore the water in your skin and keep it moist. Typically recommended being used right after bath or shower to lock in the moisture. Examples include products containing petroleum jelly or mineral oil because they form a thick barrier over your skin. The problem with these products is that they tend to clog pores and increase the risk of breakouts. These products may sometimes contain contaminants that can do more harm than good.

Although healthcare providers routinely prescribe the above topical steroids and lotions, these products tend to trigger complications and side effects for people with already sensitive skin. This is one of the many challenges people suffering from eczema face. Finding the right product to try and test to see if it works can be a long and tedious process. The fact that there may be some potential allergens in conventional products which may cause flare-ups or even worsen the condition is a considerable concern.

The right combination of prescription medications and effective skincare products can lead to lasting relief. Hence, vetting personal-care products carefully scanning the ingredients could be your gateway to freedom and impeccable skin health. The National Eczema Association (NEA) recommends using skincare products that are natural, gentle, and contain ingredients that are less likely to worsen or trigger eczema is crucial.

Ultra Nurturing Balm by Apiceuticals

CAMFormula’s lineup of Apiceuticals products offers a safe, non-toxic, and bee ecosystem-friendly skin product for eczema-affected skin. The healing remedy is a medley of nourishing organic ingredients like propolis oil, calendula, bioactive grapeseed oil, and organic beeswax, along with vitamin E, a major antioxidant and skin nourisher. The powerful multipurpose balm lends a combination of defense that includes anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties for your whole body. The result is quick relief from dry, stressed, and irritated skin. The nurturing ingredients also promote a healing process, protecting your skin from external aggressions without clogging the pores while still bestowing a breathable, protective skin barrier. 

Here is a look at each ingredient and how it can help improve eczema and promote skin health.

Organic calendula:

Calendula is a flower of the plant called pot marigold. The herb is popular in skincare due to its antimicrobial, antibacterial, antioxidant, and healing qualities. Calendula helps improve skin firmness and hydration by increasing blood flow and oxygen to affected areas. This helps in new tissue growth and rapid wound healing. Calendula is rich in carotenoids and flavonoids, which show strong anti-inflammatory effects. The two dominant fatty acids, calendic, and linoleic acids may help form a protective skin barrier; because of this reason, it is popular in skin creams.

Bioactive grapeseed oil:

Grapeseed oil contains the beneficial compound called pycnogenol, which is responsible for its cosmetic effects, such as hydration and healing. Pycnogenol is known to improve skin hydration and elasticity which accounts for grapeseed oil’s ability to lessen the severity of scars, reduce dryness, and leave the skin smooth and healthy.

Organic propolis oil:

Propolis is the resinous mixture that results when the saliva from honey bees combines with beeswax and other exuded substances like tree saps, buds, and botanicals. Because of its waxy nature, bees use propolis to repair and construct their hives, especially to seal cracks and smoothen the internal walls. The same properties apply to human skin as well. Propolis smooths out wrinkles, heals and nourishes stressed skin. The antioxidant and antibacterial properties of propolis neutralize the damaging free radicals and exhibit anti-aging effects. Due to its remarkable antiseptic properties, Propolis is widely used in dermatology to treat staphylococcal, fungal infections, purulent skin infections, cheilosis, thrush, and others. It is also helpful in treating skin burns.

Organic beeswax:

Beeswax is primarily used as an emulsifying agent and is widely used in cosmetics to provide elasticity, plasticity, and skin adhesiveness. It forms an excellent base for lipsticks and creams. Its lubricating, softening effect reduces water loss from the skin and creates a protective barrier without clogging the pores. Betacarotene in beeswax is a valuable vitamin A. Vitamin A delays collagen degradation, stimulates tissue repair, and promotes faster regeneration of skin prone to damage. Beeswax helps attract moisture and allows your skin to absorb water molecules while keeping it soft and nourished.

Vitamin E:

Vitamin E is a ubiquitous part of skin care. As a fat-soluble antioxidant, it exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that promote skin health. In humans, vitamin E is the most abundant antioxidant in the skin. It is more concentrated in the epidermal layer than the dermal layer of the skin. Exposure to UV light, ozone, and the body’s natural aging lower the levels of vitamin E in the skin; hence it is beneficial to use skincare products that contain vitamin E. Vitamin E penetrates your skin and preserves the skin’s natural lipids to promote a healthy skin-cell growth.

To sum it all up, you will love Ultra Nurturing Balm by Apiceuticals for these reasons,

• Its honey-like texture is easily absorbed by the skin
• Does not clog the skin pores and lets the skin breathe
• It is dermatologically tested on dry, itchy, irritated skin with great results
• Suitable for all skin types
• It does not contain silicons, parabens, or mineral oils.
• Promotes healthy skin-cell growth and supports healthy skin microflora.
• It offers a breathable protective barrier.

If you prefer natural ingredients and love chemical-free skincare products, the beeswax and propolis combination is right for you. It is an excellent alternative to treating skin and rejuvenating without the use of harsh chemicals. CAMFormula’s lineup of Apiceuticals products offers both beeswax and propolis for comprehensive skin nourishment. These beeswax and propolis balms come in three combinations - argan oil, calendula, or coconut oil to suit your needs. The combinations work together to hydrate, soften, and soothe your skin while delivering essential nutrients. All of these products are safe, non-toxic, and bee-ecosystem friendly.

Since its introduction, the product has garnered praise and attention from our patrons. Chris Ann B, one of our customers, writes that this is the first product that has brought some relief to their eczema. “by far the best” and “worth the expense” is how this satisfied customer describes Ultra Nurturing Balm by Apeceuticals. Here is the original testimony satisfied below.

“I have to tell you that it is the first product that brings some relief for my eczema. I have tried everything, and this is by far the best. So, I guess it is worth the expense.”

APICEUTICALS™ trade secret formula has been developed with carefully selected bioactive ingredients in really high concentrations, which act synergistically with each other. The absolute lack of water makes this synergistic action supremely effective, providing your skin with many benefits. It has a higher viscosity than a cream or a lotion and is richer and more intense. This is why it lasts at least three times longer than a typical water-based (cream), as a tiny quantity is enough to cover a satisfying skin surface with maximum efficacy.

References

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19601397/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19374166/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3560196/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22270036/

Sawicka D., Borawska M.H. The use of propolis in skin diseases. Derm. Estet. 2013;1:13–17

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7036894/

https://doi.org/10.15374%2FLR2014016

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5141539/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7036894

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11710935/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9579541/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11710935/

Blog Creator

Mahalakshmi Babu, MS Food science & Nutrition; Certified on ''Plant-based Nutrition'' from T Colin Campbell Foundation.