Last updated on August 19th, 2022 at 10:22 pm
One of the most frequent questions I get from parents is “What can I use on my child’s eczema that’s safer?” So please welcome my guest expert Jennifer founder of The Eczema Company. She has a child with eczema and shares her wisdom with us on natural skincare for your child’s eczema.
Check out Jennifer’s tips and recommendations for testing new products and for finding the best natural skincare for your child’s eczema.
Finding the right skincare for your child’s eczema.
“What works for one child’s skin, may not work for another.” This is the phrase that plagues me as a mother of a child with eczema.
I know I am not the only one who has spent countless dollars on a closet full of half-used products full of promise. Each product was sworn to be the eczema miracle because it worked for a friend’s child.
It’s true, that some children’s eczema is mild enough that once you do find the right moisturizer, their skin will vastly improve. But for many kids, the cream is not enough.
Finding the triggers is critical for these children, whether it’s:
- food allergies
- hot/cold temperatures
- detergents
- fragrances
- environmental allergies, etc.
Once you identify the trigger you will be able to find the best eczema skincare treatment and your child. So that they will be well on their way to healthier skin!
There is a moisturizer that will work best for your child. Finding the right one will require patience, and knowing what ingredients to look for.
Many natural ingredients have powerful eczema healing properties. Here is a list of those that have proven most beneficial.
Natural Ingredients for your Child’s Eczema can be found in:
- gentle cleansers
- gentle soaps
- creams
- balms
- salves
- bath oils
- bath soaks, etc.
Natural Ingredients that are Beneficial for Kids with Eczema include:
- Unrefined Shea Butter – Very moisturizing with vitamins A, E, & F. Anti-inflammatory, skin rejuvenating, and rich in healing omega fatty acids. UV sun protection. Only buy raw or unrefined shea butter. If it doesn’t say this on the label, then all the natural healing properties have been removed during processing. (This is a tree nut, so be cautious when dealing with tree nut allergies.)
- Virgin Coconut Oil – Very moisturizing. Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Repairs damaged skin by fighting free radicals. Builds a protective skin barrier. Only buy virgin, cold-processed coconut oil. The oil should have a mild coconut smell. Regular non-virgin varieties have been overly processed and stripped of their healing prosperities. (This is a tree nut, so be cautious when dealing with tree nut allergies.)
- Sea Buckthorn Seed & Fruit Oil – Reduces inflammation and contains moisturizing and healing omega 7 fatty acids, as well as 3, 6, and 9.
- Hempseed Oil – Anti-inflammatory and skin healing properties. Moisturizing emollient. Also great as an oral omega supplement.
- Oats – Soothes and relieves itching. Very moisturizing. Gluten-free oats are best to avoid cross-contamination. Great in powder format when added to the bath.
- Aloe Vera – Excellent skin hydrator, soothing, and antibacterial. Promotes healing. Be wary as many drugstore aloe products contain drying alcohol. The best format is directly from the plant.
Essential Oils, Herbs, and Flowers that are Beneficial for your Child’s Eczema:
Use caution and only use small quantities, as essential oils are effective but potent.
- Tea Tree – Antibiotic properties are great for preventing infections after scratching. Also reduces inflammation.
- Neem – Anti-inflammatory properties are similar to cortisone. Antibacterial and analgesic (pain killer).
- Calendula – Relieves itching and reduces flaking.
- Geranium – Anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory. Promotes skin healing.
- Chamomile – Soothing, anti-itch, and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Chickweed – Relieves itching and heals wounds.
- Red Clover – Anti-inflammatory.
- Goldenseal – Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
- Rosemary – Relieves stress and reduces inflammation.
- Witch Hazel Soothes and heals wounds. Reduces inflammation. The drug store variety does not contain tannins, so it’s not as effective.
- Comfrey – Anti-inflammatory and promotes skin healing.
- Marshmallow – Soothing, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory.
- Thyme – Antibacterial and anti-septic.
- Tumeric – Anti-inflammatory and promotes wound healing.
- Plantain Leaf – Relieves itching. Anti-inflammatory and promotes wound healing.
SafeMama Tip: Do your research when sourcing essential oils, herbs, and flowers. As with most things we discuss on this site there can be a big difference between brands. Here is a link to one of our favorite USDA organic tea companies Arbor Teas
Tips for Testing a New Product on Your Child:
- Keep a Journal – Document everything – when skincare is applied, food consumed, change in detergents or cleaning products, change in weather, etc. It may not be the skincare that causes a reaction.
- Keep it Simple – Avoid long ingredient lists. They have a higher potential for containing an unknown allergen and make it harder to identify the offending ingredient.
- Patch Test – Any ingredient could potentially cause a negative reaction, so it’s best to proceed with caution. Test on a very small patch of skin a couple of times a day. Choose a spot on the body that is typically the most sensitive. If there is a reaction, discontinue the product and try to identify the ingredient, which caused the reaction. Note in the journal.
- Two Week Trial – Some creams work best when continuously applied and the benefits may not be seen immediately.
Eczema Skincare Products to Try:
It is worth trying any natural product containing one or more of the ingredients above. Here is a quick list of some of my favorites.
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Buy from The Eczema Company
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Buy from The Eczema Company
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
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Buy from The Eczema Company
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
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Buy from The Eczema Company
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
About Jennifer: Jennifer is a work-at-home mother of two. One with eczema, food allergies, and asthma. One with mild eczema. Jennifer is the founder of The Eczema Company, which offers specialty clothing and natural skincare for children with eczema.
Thank you Jennifer for sharing your insight with SafeMama readers!
