MY BEST TIPS FOR ECZEMA #AVOID

Hello everyone, to continue on my best tips for dealing with eczema series, I am going to discuss more changes to try out in your routine as well as things that can increase the risk of dry skin and eczema breakouts.

Avoid skin irritants like the plague, honestly it is not worth the skin reaction afterwards. I also have sensitive skin so when I see perfume-based products I tend to avoid them. 

For make-up wipes I use Simple or Johnson's baby wipes. For cleansers and toners I check to see whether it is artificial fragrance-free or if there is natural ingredients (they can also be labelled dermatology tested), for this reason I highly recommend Lush and The Body Shop products. I also love trying out new moisturisers aimed for sensitive dry skin, and I can then use the learning to love thy self excuse to treat myself. It can be an enjoyable thing learning to treat yourself for the sake of your skin problems.

Other important things to try include: using non-biological washing powder for your clothes such as fairy, as the enzymes found in the biological detergent are a skin irritant and is it something that not everyone thinks of when trying to relieve eczema problems. If are are unlucky like me, and do not own a dishwater always wear gloves when using dish washing liquid as it is very common for there to be alcohol based chemicals and perfumes in the mixture that will more than likely irritate your skin. I think I am similar to many others as due to health & safety reasons when volunteering with the Cats Protection I have to use an alcohol based sanitising gel, I advise others that have to use a similar product day-to-day to try and keep a decent hand lotion to put in your handbag. This way you can use it on the go. 

Stress is just another factor that plays a big role in the condition of my skin. I always try to avoid itching as a nervous habitat as eczema is more likely to break out during these times. There are many ways to help the skin during these times that are also great for mental well-being too. Some suggestions are exercises like Tai Chi or Yoga, meditation and breathing techniques. 

This brings me to my next point - sweating during vigorous exercise can have negative consequences on the skin. It is important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during exercise, it is also advisable to take breaks in order to cool down to reduce sweat as a skin irritant.

Common allergies to dust, pollen and pet fur can also increase itching so it can be in your interest to buy hypo-allergenic bedding, avoid feather pillows and generally keep your environment clean. It is in your interest to become a domestic goddess and you can look good for it. 

The important message here is to learn what your triggers are as we are all different, and know what to look out for in products that will come in contact with your skin!