Living with eczema can be both a physical and mental struggle. The redness, itchiness and discomfort can lower your self confidence and at times appear as if you’re fighting a losing battle. As an eczema sufferer myself, it’s often hard to keep on top of the intense moisturising routines and resist that overwhelming urge to scratch.

Atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, affects over 6 million people in the UK, most commonly affecting children in the first weeks or months of life.  If you’re keen to delve a little deeper in to the ‘what, why and how’ of eczema, take a look at our ‘All About Eczema’  blog post and brush up on your eczema knowledge.

As this week is National Eczema Week (13-20 of September), a week that raises awareness of eczema and provides support and advice for sufferers, I thought it was only fitting we did the same here at Escentual. Despite there being no cure for the chronic skin condition there are a number of products that can help relieve the symptoms and keep your skin comfortable and under control.

Every eczema sufferer will know that keeping on top of your routine is key – one little slip-up and you’ll pay for it over the following weeks. So, that being said I’ve pulled together the products that everyone with Eczema should add to their shopping list.

In your Handbag

Treating eczema isn’t a once a day thing, keeping your skin moisturised is something you need to keep on top of all day long. That’s why the products in your handbag are as important as those you have at home. We’ve all had random flare-ups, and if left until you get home your skin can become severely inflamed, irritated and even infected.  Here are the products that you need in your handbag…

1) Barefoot SOS Dry + Sensitive Barrier Hand Cream

Hand eczema, also known as hand dermatitis affects up 10% of the population.  Most people will carry a hand cream in their hand bag, but if you suffer with eczema this is even more important. The Barefoot SOS Dry + Sensitive Barrier Hand Cream is formulated with intensive natural moisturisers, premium botanical extracts and calming pure essential oils that all work to hydrate, nourish and create a protective barrier around the skin – so your hands stay soft and smooth even when you’re out and about.

2) Avene Cicalfate Repair Cream

Unless you’re Mary Poppins with an endless amount of space in your handbag then it’s vital to have products that do a few different jobs. The Avene Cicalfate Repair Cream is a multi-tasking must-have for eczema sufferers as it can be used on broken skin, eczema, nappy rash, stitches, bed sores, skin ulcers, and post laser treatment, to name but a few. It’s also suitable for the entire family, so if your handbag is currently a baby bag then this regenerative cream is well worth keeping close by.

In your Travel Bag 

Eczema is very unpredictable. Some days you’ll forget you even have eczema and the next day it will be back with a vengeance. These flare-ups can often be triggered by a change in environment or by slacking with your skincare routine. Travelling can be a huge stress on your skin; the air plane, weather change and the dramatic change to your routine can make skin react in a major way. Keeping your moisturising routine going is vital whilst you travel, so it’s important your bag contains the necessities.

1) La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water Spray

Say hello to one of my personal eczema saviours. If, like me, itchiness caused by eczema drives you around the bend, then this will be a welcome relief for your skin. The La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water Spray soothes irritated skin and is like a breath of fresh air when your skin is aggravated. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or your skin is de-hydrated on a flight, this water spray will bring instant relief in a single spritz.

2) Avene Mineral Cream

Eczema skin is extremely delicate making sun protection extra important.  When you’re travelling its crucial that you pack an SPF that will not irritate or aggravate your sensitive skin. The Avene Mineral Cream SPF is especially formulated for the sensitive skin of both adult and children, and is ideal for those who are intolerant to chemical sunscreens and fragrance – the perfect pick for eczema sufferers!

 In your Bathroom

A well-planned, regular bathing and moisturising routine is the perfect remedy for an eczema sufferer. Keeping on top of your regime will ensure your skin remains comfortable and under control. The ideal way to keep on top of your routine is to have a complete line-up of products that you use every time you bathe – this will make the process quick, easy and far more enjoyable too.

1) QV Bath Oil

You can wave goodbye to the dry, scaly feel of eczema skin after using the QV Bath Oil, this cleansing oil relieves the symptoms of itchy skin and prevents moisture loss with its emollient properties. This oil is suitable for the entire family – including infants, the elderly and pregnant women – so if a few people in your family suffer with eczema this will be a welcome addition to your bathroom cabinet. A few drops into your bath water and you skin will feel soft, healthy and comfortable.

2) A-Derma Oat Milk Cleansing Bar

When your skin is sensitive, irritable and supremely sensitive it can often be a struggle to find the right cleansing products. When you find something that doesn’t irritate or aggravate your skin it’s like finding gold. My gold is the A-Derma Oat Milk Cleansing Bar, it contains absolutely no soap so doesn’t irritate the skin in the slightest. Formulated with rhealba oat milk it instantly soothes the skin, while deeply cleansing and refreshing. It’s also especially recommended for the daily cleansing of babies, which demonstrates just how gentle and soothing this cleansing bar really is!