Have you ever experienced an itchy reaction to a moisturiser, shampoo or face wash? It’s not uncommon for skincare and beauty products to contain ingredients which trigger irritation; synthetic fragrances, harsh preservatives, foaming agents or exfoliants can damage a fragile skin barrier and cause dryness or inflammation.

For those with eczema or psoriasis, finding effective skincare which is gentle on sensitive skin is key to living life more comfortably.

1. Identify your triggers: it can be a tricky process working out the culprit for a sudden flare but it’s worth the effort! See this article by allergy expert Ruth Holroyd for some great advice here on how to identify and avoid triggers.
2. Support your barrier: if your skin barrier is impaired, it’ll need extra help to maintain its resilience and lock in vital moisture. A tried and tested emollient balm like Skin Salvation acts as an effective barrier against trans-epidermal water loss and external irritants, soothing and hydrating thirsty skin.
3. Go back to basics: what works for one eczema sufferer might not do the trick for another, but it’s a good general rule of thumb to keep toiletries simple: use products free from sulphates, parabens, perfumes, and other known irritants.
4. Feed your skin: pick moisturisers which are rich in essential fatty acids, which are often depleted in those living with eczema. You can boost your dietary EFA intake with omega-rich nuts, seed and fish, but you can also apply oils like Balmonds favourites, hemp seed, safflower and olive, direct to the skin via our balms, creams and oils. Think of them as long-term supplements for the skin!