WHAT IS
ECZEMA?
Eczema is a common form of dermatitis. Everyone’s skin is different but common symptoms are inflamed, red and itchy skin – often most severe on the face, backs of knees, inside of elbows, ankles and underarms.
WHY DO I HAVE ECZEMA?
While it’s often hereditary, stress as well as contact with irritating synthetic ingredients such as MI (Methylisothiazolinone) can trigger eczema. One in five children – our founder Sarah’s son included – are diagnosed with atopic eczema. While almost half grow out of it by puberty there’s still an estimated 15 million people living with eczema in the UK – you’re not alone!
How To
Soothe
Your Skin
Resisting the urge to itch will prevent a flare-up worsening. Applying cool compresses to the itch can help to suppress it. For children, they might find sleeping in cotton gloves to prevent sleep-scratching helpful too.
Pay attention to your skincare routine and only use organic, natural skincare products suitable for eczema-prone skin.
Hydrated skin feels much happier. Reapply a rich body cream regularly – at least twice per day. We recommend applying directly after showering, whilst skin is still damp to seal in moisture.
Pay attention to your skin care routine and only use organic, natural skin care products suitable for eczema-prone skin.
Figure out your eczema skin triggers. We always recommend starting by keeping a skin diary. Jot down diet, sleep patterns, products you’ve used, particularly stressful days etc. Try to do so for a minimum of one month to see patterns emerge.
Sarah recommends switching to eco laundry balls or non-bio washing detergent and only use a third of the recommended amount. Plus the longer the rinse cycle the better.
Keep skin cool by showering in warm water, not hot, and sleep in a cool, well ventilated room.
With childhood eczema try out shortie cotton pyjamas. They help to prevent sweat forming in the creases of the arms and legs, where eczema can be most prevalent.
What should
I Avoid?
Fabrics that don’t let the skin breath, as well as rough wool can bring on further itching. Cotton is friendlier to wear immediately next to skin.
Central heating can strip the skin, aggravating eczema further. Try to avoid overheating your home, particularly as you sleep.
Acidic foods – dairy, oats and refined sugar can cause eczema flare-ups. Speak to a naturopath or nutritionist for advice on diet and potential supplements that might support your immune system or tackle any deficiencies.
Dairy & meat contain arachidonic acid, a fatty acid which can build up within skin cells and cause inflammation. However we never advise cutting out whole food groups without expert advice. Particularly in children as it can be hard to wean them back on to them.
Check skincare and makeup ingredients. We suggest avoiding harsh preservatives and additives like SLS/ SLES (often found in foaming hand and body washes) as well as phenoxyethanol, parabens, Methylisothiazolinone (MI) and Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate.
THE START SIMPLE SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR ECZEMA
We recommend three products to start with. Every evening, remove the day with a calming cleanser.
Two or three nights each week after cleansing, apply a few drops of facial oil before bed to strengthen the skin’s barrier.
Each morning, splash your face with a little water then apply a day cream for all-needed hydration.
Start simple, then you might add in a serum (on the other nights to your facial oil) once skin feels settled.
We recommend three products to start with. Every evening, remove the day with a calming cleanser.
Two or three nights each week after cleansing, apply a few drops of facial oil before bed to strengthen the skin’s barrier.
We Understand Sensitive Skin
Interesting Reads
Looking to learn more? We've rounded up some reccommended reading and relevant articles from the Pai Life Blog, just for you.
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Read articleWhat I Learned from My Son’s Eczema
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Read articleHow to Stop Itching and Scratching
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Read articleWhy Pai Products Are Patch Tested
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Read articleWhy Should I Avoid Sulphates on Sensitive Skin?
Did You Know?
All our products suitable for eczema-prone skin have been clinically tested for your peace of mind.
Free Skin
Consultations
KATE : Customer Experience Team Lead @ Pai
Free Skin
Consultations
Got questions? Book a free consultation with our sensitive skin experts for specialist skincare advice and non-pushy product recommendations based on your actual needs and lifestyle.
Our 90 Day
Returns Policy.
We really want you to find the skincare that works for you. So you’ve got 90 days to really get to know your new products. If things don’t work out, just let us know here we’ll help you find a better match or give you a full refund.
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Personalise Your Routine!
Personalise Your Routine!
Concentrated actives that are kind to skin with no compromise on performance. Blend with your Pai moisturiser or serum, oil, SPF, body cream....you decide!
Concentrated actives that are kind to skin with no compromise on performance. Blend with your Pai moisturiser or serum, oil, SPF, body cream....you decide!
