What is Eczema?
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a non-contagious, inflammatory skin condition that can affect individuals of all ages, from infancy to adulthood. The most common type, atopic eczema, impacts 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults in the UK. Eczema is characterized by dry, itchy patches of skin that, during flare-ups, may become red, cracked, and sore.
Eczema is caused by an impaired skin barrier that lacks the necessary barrier lipids to keep skin protected and hydrated. This weakened barrier allows moisture to escape while letting irritants and microbes in, which can trigger itching, inflammation, and discomfort.
Eczema Triggers
Eczema is a complex condition with a variety of triggers, including:
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Climate and Temperature Changes: Extreme cold or heat often worsen eczema symptoms, with flare-ups more common in summer and winter.
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Friction: Tight clothing or abrasive skincare can irritate sensitive, eczema-prone skin.
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Stress: Elevated stress hormones can negatively impact skin, with eczema, psoriasis, and acne often flaring during periods of high stress.
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Irritating Skincare Products: People with sensitive skin should avoid products containing fragrances, abrasives, low or high pH cleansers (such as soaps), sulphates, drying alcohols, and some chemical sunscreens.
Managing Eczema-Prone Skin
For eczema-prone skin, simplicity is key. Focus on a skincare regimen that strengthens the skin’s barrier and reduces inflammation. Emollient-rich products help restore skin’s protective barrier and improve hydration.
Key Ingredients to Soothe and Restore Eczema-Prone Skin
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Colloidal Oatmeal: Known for its anti-itch and soothing properties, oatmeal binds to the skin, creating a protective barrier that prevents irritants from penetrating. The lipids in oatmeal provide extra emollient benefits, soothing dry, itchy skin.
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Aloe Vera Leaf Juice: Packed with vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids, aloe vera is highly effective at hydrating and calming inflamed skin.
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Lavender Extract: Lavender has calming, antiseptic, and healing qualities, promoting hydration and relief for sensitive skin.
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Dual Hyaluronic Acid Technology: This powerful ingredient hydrates on multiple levels, helping skin retain moisture and relieving discomfort associated with dryness and itchiness.
Calm, Soothe, and Hydrate with Dermalogica
Discover Dermalogica’s top three products for calming and treating dry, irritated, and sensitive skin:
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UltraCalming Cleanser: A gentle, sulphate-free gel/cream cleanser designed to cleanse without irritating sensitive skin.
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UltraCalming Mist: This soothing mist, enriched with aloe vera, hydrates and calms redness for instant relief.
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Stabilizing Repair Cream: A nourishing balm moisturizer that strengthens the skin barrier by promoting ceramide production. It helps reduce sensitivity within a week.