Cleansing soaps are a great way to soothe some of the symptoms of eczema whilst keeping the skin clean and healthy. When looking for soap for eczema, consider how the skin reacts to avoid future irritation and outbreaks. Many soaps contain harsh ingredients and scents which can make skin feel drier and itchier than before.
If you or someone you know suffers from eczema, you know how difficult it can be to find the right sensitive skin soap. With so many natural soap bars options on the market, it's hard to know which one will work best. Here's are some of our tips to help you find the best soap for eczema.
What causes eczema?
Eczema is the skin’s reaction to an irritant caused by the skins reaction to invasive bacteria getting past the initial epidermis layer of skin. The term eczema is an umbrella term for dry skin conditions caused by a number of factors. There are many different types of eczema, each with its own set of symptoms and triggers.
Atopic Dermatits
The most common form of eczema, atopic dermatitis, is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Environmental triggers include irritants like soap, pollen, and dust mites, dry air, extremes of temperature, and stress. The most common form typically starts in childhood and is characterised by dry, itchy skin that can flare up in response to stress or other triggers.
Contact dermatitis
This occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant, such as a chemical, soap, or detergent. The reaction can be immediate, or it may take a few hours for the rash to appear. Contact dermatitis often causes a red, itchy rash, and can be very uncomfortable. In some cases, the skin may blister or weep.
Seborrhoeic eczema
This type of eczema is thought to be caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia. This yeast is found on the skin and in the hair follicles, and is normally kept in check by the immune system. However, in people with seborrhoeic eczema, the yeast overgrows and causes inflammation and flaking of the skin.
Seborrheic eczema can be a chronic condition, meaning it can last for months or even years. It often improves and then worsens again, in a cycle known as flares.
What to look for (and what to avoid)
Avoid:
Surfactants
Surface active agents contribute to the degradation of the skin barrier. Products that contain sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), are particularly harsh and should be avoided. SLS is a common foaming agent found in many cleansing products. It can strip away the natural oils from the skin, leaving it feeling dry and irritated.
Harsh cleansers
Harsh cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. If you have eczema, it’s important to avoid harsh cleansers. Instead, opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser. Look for a cleanser that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. These types of cleansers will be less likely to irritate your skin.
When choosing a cleanser, avoid anything that contains alcohol or other harsh chemicals. These ingredients can further dry out your skin and cause irritation. Instead, look for soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.
Look for:
pH balanced formulas
When choosing a product to help with eczema, it is important to look for one that is pH balanced.
Products that are pH balanced have been shown to be more effective at helping to manage eczema. This is because they help to maintain the skin's natural balance and prevent further irritation. Eczema sufferers should look for products that contain ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile, which are known for their soothing properties.
When used correctly, products that are pH balanced can help to improve the appearance of eczema and provide relief from the symptoms.
Finding the right soap for eczema
Every person's skin is different, which means it won't respond the same way to every product. If you have eczema, you might have to try a few different soaps before you find one that works for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a soap for eczema:
- Look for a soap that is unscented or has a mild scent. Strong fragrances can irritate the skin and make eczema flare-ups worse.
- Choose a soap that is hypoallergenic and free of harsh chemicals. These ingredients can further irritate the skin and make eczema worse.
- It’s always recommended to contact a doctor or dermatologist to discover what soaps will work for you.
Testing a new soap
If you have eczema, you know how important it is to find a soap that doesn’t irritate your skin. You’ve probably tried a lot of different brands and formulas, with mixed results. So, when you find a new soap that claims to be gentle on sensitive skin, it’s natural to want to try it out.
But before you use any new product on your skin, it’s important to do a patch test first. This simple test can confirm whether or not you’ll have an allergic reaction to the soap.
To do a patch test, apply a small amount of the soap to a small area of your skin (usually the inside of your elbow). Then wait 24 hours to see if there is any redness, swelling, or other irritation.
Why natural soap is best for eczema
There are many reasons to love natural soap, but if you have eczema, it's especially important to choose a soap that will be gentle on your skin.
These soaps are made without any synthetic ingredients or fragrances. This means that it is less likely to irritate your skin. In addition, natural soap often contains ingredients that can help to soothe and protect your skin. Each ingredient in these soaps is naturally derived, which means it's gentle and won't aggravate your skin. You can also be sure that there are no harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances that could trigger a flare-up.
A natural soap is also typically made with moisturising ingredients like olive oil, which can help to soothe and protect dry, sensitive skin. If you're looking for an extra boost of hydration, you can even find these soaps that are made with hydrating honey or aloe vera.
Best soap for eczema
Aloe Vera Soap Bar
If you're looking for a soap that will moisturise your skin and not irritate your eczema, try our aloe vera soap bar. Aloe vera is a natural plant that has been used for centuries to treat various skin conditions. The plant contains several compounds that are beneficial for the skin, including vitamins A, C, and E. Aloe vera also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
When used in soap, aloe vera can help to soothe and moisturise dry, irritated skin. It's also gentle enough for use on sensitive skin. There are many different aloe vera soap bars on the market, but not all of them are created equal. To get the most benefit from an Aloe Vera Soap Bar, look for one that is made with organic ingredients and that does not contain any synthetic fragrances or colours.
