Natural Care for Eczema

WHAT IS ECZEMA?

Eczema, medically known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by dry, itchy, and red patches on the skin. It is believed to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors that disrupt the skin's barrier, leading to sensitivity and susceptibility to irritants and allergens. Eczema can be triggered by various factors, including stress, weather changes, exposure to certain allergens, and hormonal changes.

WHY IS ECZEMA SO COMMON IN HONG KONG?

Given eczema can be triggered by a series of genetic and environmental factors, Hong Kong people are more likely to suffer from eczema due to 3 main factors:

Humidity

Hong Kong has a subtropical and relatively humid climate. When it comes to summer, hot weather along with high humidity could further trigger eczema.

Stress

Many people in Hong Kong are overwhelmed by the heavy workload and fast-paced living. With stress and tension as one of the social norms, our health and therefore the skin barrier would be more likely disrupted and causes corresponding issues. Some eczema patients could have increasing stress with concerns coming along with eczema, which makes it even harder to get rid of the issue.

Genetic

Given the condition in Hong Kong as above, eczema could also be passed down to the children and contribute a genetic factor to determine whether the next generations would be more likely to suffer from eczema.

SO, HOW SHOULD WE DEAL WITH IT?

Unfortunately, we still don’t have a cure for eczema, and as the cause varies, battling eczema is like being a skincare detective by figuring out what soothes your skin's grumbles. Locking moisture with the use of fragrance and paraben-free moisturizers will help, while staying cool and stress-free could keep the itch at bay, avoiding contact with harsh soaps and chemicals is your key to keeping peace with your skin's delicate nature.

HOW DO CLEAN BEAUTY PRODUCTS HELP?

While eczema is about weakened natural barrier of skin and unknown irritations, and it is a chronic skin complication that has no cure and could reappear, clean beauty products that are formulated without ingredients that are suspected or known to be harmful, without parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and sulphates, they are gentle and effective while promoting overall wellness in a sustained period. While medicated products can soothe and tackle immediate syndromes, clean beauty products can heal up your skin and prevent flare-ups, rashes and itches in the long run.

To tackle eczema, self care is always the best way to do skin care. Definitely try to slow down and take care of your physical and mental self. Physical products can help to and as always, we suggest going natural when possible.

We have a range of soothing products at Slowood which are perfect for sensitive skin, you can check them our here.