Skincare Tips For Restoring the Skin Barrier in Eczema-Prone Skin

If you have red blotchy skin and dry patches on your body, you are not alone. Nearly 1 in 10 individuals will develop eczema during their lifetime. Since 1970, the cases of eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, have almost tripled.

A healthy skin barrier shields your fragile skin from external stressors. However, eczema causes a breakdown in barrier function, resulting in dry, rough, and scaly skin. It is also accompanied by a hellish itch, which leads to discomfort, frustration, and embarrassment. The daily annoyance of eczema rashes has a negative impact on the quality of life. In this article, we explain how the right skincare can help support skin barrier function for those suffering from eczema.

Skin Barrier Dysfunction And Eczema

According to the National Healthcare Group in Singapore, nearly 10% of adults in Singapore suffer from eczema, and close to 20% of babies and children also have eczema. Eczema is a non-contagious skin condition and is often associated with red, itchy, and scaly skin, which can appear anywhere on the body and in multiple places simultaneously. It is often referred to as atopic dermatitis, a condition that has no defined cause. Eczema can literally be triggered by anything, from allergens, irritants, chemicals, or bacteria to environmental factors such as humidity levels.

Dermalogists suspect that it is indirectly related to allergies, which activate an immune response to external irritants, causing the first signs of eczema such as dry skin or red patches. This causes a skin barrier dysfunction in which the protective outer layer fails to retain moisture in the skin and provide protection from allergens and environmental stressors.

Bathing Tips for Eczema-Prone Skin

Reinforcing the skin barrier is the key strategy for treating eczema. Hot baths and showers should be avoided because they strip away the skin’s natural oil, making it dry and irritated. Instead, take short, lukewarm showers and baths and use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser once a day or less. It is also best not to use any body sponges or washing nets to rub your skin. Instead, gently wash and pat skin dry afterwards. All the cleansing tips mentioned above can prevent the thinning of your inflamed skin while also relieving intense itchiness.

Mild, Non-Irritating, Hypoallergenic Formula

Although any day-to-day stressor can potentially provoke flare-ups, harsh chemicals are notorious for exacerbating bad eczema episodes. Many dermatologists suggest that sufferers should pay special attention to retinol, fragrances, alpha hydroxy acids, and salicylic acids, all of which are commonly used in soap, detergents, exfoliators, and serums. Choosing products with hypoallergenic, non-irritating formulas can protect you from triggers that might stimulate a resurgence. 

Particularly, search for humectant ingredients, such as sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, as well as ultra-nourishing and skin-protecting ingredients, such as ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, and petrolatum. Humectants are characterised by their intensive moisturising properties that can deliver a super hydration hit. Ceramides seal in that moisture layer and fortify the protective barrier, making your skin more resilient against allergens.

Powerhouse Ingredients For Eczema-Prone Skin

A study published in 2011 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology shows that hyaluronic acid–ceramide based emollient foam is effective in relieving symptoms of mild to moderate eczema by restoring a functional epidermal barrier. After two weeks of emollient therapy, patients showed a significant reduction in severity and infected areas.

Another study in 2020 also demonstrated the positive result of ceramides-containing cream. It delivered more than 24 hours of skin lipids and non-stop hydration. Compared with traditional emollients, ceramides-containing cream has clinically proven to be a sustainable skin moisturizer requiring less frequent applications in 22 participants.

meeth’s Ceraderma Essence & Morerich Essential Lotion

meeth products are formulated to be super gentle to the skin, so they can be used by people with sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Our skin barrier-boosting serum, Ceraderma Essence, packed with five different new human ceramide types and glycerin, works wonders to restore irritated skin and strengthen your natural skin barrier.

meeth’s Morerich Essential Lotion is also widely used by children, the elderly, and people with atopic skin conditions. Many customers have told us that it has improved their children’s eczema and atopic skin condition. Infused with the best water-retaining ingredients, hyaluronic acid and pentavitin, it perfectly calms and cools flare-ups.

The replenishment of the skin barrier brings your eczema-prone skin back to life.