Soothe Eczema Prone Skin with Natural Oils - Coconut, Avocado, Hemp and More

Understanding Eczema and Its Causes

Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by itchy, inflamed, cracked and rough patches on the skin. It is estimated to affect over 30 million Americans. The most common type is atopic dermatitis which typically first appears in infancy or childhood. Eczema is not contagious and while its exact causes are unknown, it often runs in families with a genetic predisposition.

Flare ups can occur periodically and be triggered by a number of factors like stress, sweat, changes in temperature or humidity, skin irritants like soaps or detergents, allergens like pollen or pet dander, clothing fabrics that trap heat or sweat, dry skin and infections.

Common Eczema Symptoms

Eczema affects people differently, but some common symptoms include:

• Dry, itchy skin
• Rashes that may ooze or crust
• Thick, cracked or scaly skin
• Red or brownish-gray colored patches
• Sensitive skin that is easily irritated

These symptoms can appear anywhere but most often affect the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees, and the face and scalp in infants and children.

Conventional Eczema Treatments

There is currently no cure for eczema, but conventional treatments aim to relieve and prevent symptoms. Common options include:

• Corticosteroid creams and ointments
• Oral medications like cyclosporine or dupilumab
• Antihistamines
• Antibiotics for secondary infections
• Phototherapy

Doctors also recommend gentle skin care routines like using mild cleansers, moisturizing frequently, taking quick showers in lukewarm water, avoiding scratching, and wearing soft breathable fabrics.

How Oils Can Soothe Eczema-Prone Skin

In addition to traditional treatments, many people find success managing eczema flare ups with natural oils. When applied topically, oils can provide soothing relief for common eczema symptoms like dryness, itching, redness and irritation. They help replenish moisture, lock hydration into the skin, reduce inflammation and even combat infections.

Oils can be used on their own or added to lotions, creams or body butters to enhance their moisturizing effects. They are most effective when applied immediately after bathing when skin is still damp. This helps seal in moisture. Oils can be gently massaged into affected areas but avoid rubbing harshly which may further irritate the skin.

Choosing the Best Oils for Eczema

Not all oils are created equal when it comes to eczema relief. Some of the best include:

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a nourishing oil extracted from the meat of mature coconuts. It contains fatty acids like lauric acid and medium chain triglycerides that impart anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This makes coconut oil helpful for relieving itchiness and preventing infections that can result from eczema lesions. The thick oil is also very moisturizing which helps correct the fundamental problem in eczema - chronically dry skin. Look for organic virgin coconut oil at health food stores.

Sunflower Seed Oil

Sunflower oil is pressed from sunflower seeds. It is light, non-greasy and gets absorbed well into the skin. Sunflower oil contains linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that helps enhance skin's protective barrier. This helps lock in moisture. Sunflower oil also has anti-inflammatory effects that can calm eczema flare ups. The vitamin E in the oil acts as an antioxidant to soothe irritated skin.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is pressed from the fleshy pulp surrounding the avocado pit. The green-hued oil is thick, creamy and full of skin-loving vitamins, minerals and fatty acids like oleic acid. It is very effective at moisturizing dry, itchy eczema prone skin. Avocado oil also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities which further help alleviate eczema symptoms.

Argan Oil

Argan oil comes from the kernels of the argan tree native to Morocco. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. The oil is rich in fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid which help hydrate dry eczema patches and improve skin elasticity. Argan oil is also full of antioxidants like vitamin E which can help reduce inflammation.

Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil is derived by cold pressing hemp seeds. It contains gamma linoleic acid, an anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid that has been found effective at reducing inflammation and itching in eczema. Hemp seed oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids that help calm and heal the skin. The oil easily penetrates into the deepest layers of skin, providing deep nourishment.

Borage Oil

Borage oil is derived from the seeds of the borage plant native to the Mediterranean region. The oil contains high amounts of gamma linoleic acid (GLA), an anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid. Some studies have shown borage oil can help repair skin's protective moisture barrier and reduce water loss which can be very beneficial to eczema-prone skin.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. It contains gamma linoleic acid that helps decrease inflammation. Evening primrose oil is also a rich source of ceramides which are natural fats that lock moisture into the skin. By replenishing ceramides, evening primrose oil helps strengthen the skin barrier.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant, a shrub native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. Technically it is not an oil but a liquid plant wax. This allows jojoba to mimic the skin's natural oils. It absorbs well into the skin and forms a protective layer that traps moisture. Jojoba is hypoallergenic making it ideal for sensitive eczema-prone skin.

Essential Oils That Soothe Eczema

Many plant-based essential oils also have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and skin healing properties that make them useful for relieving eczema. However essential oils are highly concentrated and can irritate sensitive skin in undiluted form. They should always be diluted with a carrier oil before applying topically.

Some beneficial essential oils for eczema include:

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol that gives it antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity. This can help combat infections that often accompany eczema flare ups. The oil also acts as an anti-inflammatory. Always mix tea tree oil with a carrier oil before use at a concentration of 0.25% to 1%.

Chamomile Oil

Chamomile oil has antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful against eczema. It contains chamazulene which helps reduce skin inflammation and redness. Mix 2 to 3 drops of chamomile oil per tablespoon of carrier oil before use.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil contains active compounds like linalyl acetate that impart anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Applying diluted lavender oil can help soothe eczema flare ups and prevent infection. Use 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil has a cooling effect on skin that provides itch relief. It also has antimicrobial properties that prevent infection in broken eczema lesions. Mix eucalyptus oil with carrier oil at a 2% concentration before use.

Rose Geranium Oil

Rose geranium oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and swelling. It also acts as an antihistamine to relieve skin itching. Use up to 5 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil.

Other Tips for Managing Eczema Flare Ups

While natural oils can certainly help soothe eczema symptoms, they work best as part of a multipronged approach to eczema management. Other tips to prevent flare ups include:

• Use gentle, fragrance free cleansers
• Take lukewarm showers, avoid hot water
• Moisturize skin within 3 minutes after bathing
• Humidify the air during dry, cold weather
• Avoid scratching, which damages skin
• Reduce stress and practice self-care
• Wear soft, breathable fabrics like cotton
• Avoid triggers like harsh soaps, pet dander, etc

Eczema is a chronic condition without a cure, but with a gentle skin care routine and the strategic use of natural oils, flare ups can be reduced and managed for clearer, more comfortable skin.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.