Eczema and Skincare: Understanding and Supporting the Skin Barrier

Eczema and Skincare: Understanding and Supporting the Skin Barrier

Eczema can affect the skin in many different ways, from dryness and sensitivity to intense itching and inflammation. Understanding how the skin barrier works, and how everyday proper eczema skincare can help support it, is an important part of managing eczema.

Understanding the skin barrier

One of the skin’s important roles is to help keep moisture in while protecting the body from things in our environment, including irritants, allergens and microorganisms.

For people living with eczema, the skin barrier may not work as effectively. This can make it easier for moisture to escape from the skin and for external irritants and allergens to enter, contributing to dryness, sensitivity and inflammation.

What is eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common inflammatory skin condition affecting both adults and children.

Common symptoms include intense itching, dry and sensitive skin, and areas of inflamed skin. Symptoms can vary from person to person and can affect different areas of the body.

Eczema can also go through periods when symptoms become worse, commonly known as flare-ups.

Managing eczema

Managing eczema usually involves a combination of caring for dry skin, managing flare-ups and itch, and reducing exposure to known triggers where possible. Regular use of gentle cleansers and moisturisers can also play an important role in keeping the skin hydrated and helping to prevent dryness.

The itch-scratch cycle

Anyone who has experienced eczema knows how difficult it can be to resist scratching an itch. Scratching may provide some temporary relief, but it can also contribute to what is known as the itch-scratch cycle.

Scratching can trigger further inflammation and another itch signal, which can lead to more scratching. Over time, persistent scratching can cause further damage to the skin barrier and increase inflammation, making the urge to scratch even stronger.

The role of gentle cleansing

Cleansing is important for everyday hygiene and can form part of an eczema skincare routine. However, not all cleansers interact with the skin in the same way.

Some harsher cleansers and surfactants can affect the skin barrier and leave the skin feeling dry, tight or irritated. Traditional soaps can also be more alkaline than the skin’s natural pH.

For eczema-prone skin, choosing a gentle daily wash can help cleanse the skin while being mindful of its sensitive skin barrier.

When choosing a cleanser for eczema-prone skin, some characteristics to consider include a gentle formulation, a mildly acidic or pH-balanced formula and ingredients that help cleanse without unnecessarily drying the skin.

The role of moisturisers

Even when eczema-prone skin does not look red or inflamed, the skin barrier can still be affected. This is why regular moisturising can be an important part of everyday eczema management.

A moisturiser can help hydrate the skin and reduce moisture loss. Moisturisers come in different forms, including lotions, creams and ointments, and regular use can help support the skin barrier.

There isn’t necessarily one moisturiser that will suit everyone. Finding one that feels comfortable and works for your individual skin can make it easier to use it regularly.

For particularly dry or cracked areas, an ointment can provide a more protective layer over the skin and help reduce moisture loss.

Skincare ingredients and the skin barrier

Different skincare ingredients can have different roles in supporting hydration and the skin barrier. The original Ego material highlights several ingredients commonly used in skincare for eczema-prone skin, including:

• Glycerin: attracts and holds moisture in the skin to help maintain hydration.
• Ceramides: are important components of the skin barrier and can help support the skin’s ability to retain moisture.
• Niacinamide: can help support the skin barrier.
• L-lactic acid: can act as a humectant while supporting the development of ceramides.

Rather than focusing on one ingredient alone, it is important to consider the overall formulation and how suitable a skincare product is for your individual skin.

Managing eczema flare-ups

Even with regular moisturising and efforts to avoid known irritants, eczema flare-ups can still happen.

Topical corticosteroids are commonly used to help manage inflammation during eczema flare-ups. The appropriate treatment can depend on the individual and the severity of their eczema.

If you have been prescribed a topical treatment, follow the instructions provided by your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. If your eczema is getting worse, is not responding to treatment, or you are unsure about how to manage a flare, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Research into skincare for mild to moderate eczema

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study involving 100 adults with clinically diagnosed mild to moderate eczema investigated the use of QV Dermcare Eczema Daily Wash and QV Dermcare Eczema Daily Cream.

The study reported significant improvements in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration and itch in participants using the QV Dermcare Eczema Daily Wash and Cream compared with the control.

Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) refers to the amount of water that is lost through the skin to the surrounding environment. It is one way of measuring how effectively the skin barrier is retaining moisture.

Finding what works for your skin

Eczema is different for everyone, and skincare needs can vary from person to person. A gentle and consistent routine can help support eczema-prone skin, but it is important to find products and treatments that are appropriate for your individual needs.

If you are unsure about your skincare routine, your eczema is worsening, or your current treatment is not helping, speak with your healthcare professional for individual advice.

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