I get asked this question a lot and it's a question I'm always very keen to answer! The reality is that eczema is almost very difficult to cure but this doesn't mean that it isn't possible to reduce your symtoms.
There are numerous types of eczema, and it can be triggered by so many different things. With eczema, your skin barrier is comprimised making it more susceptible to environmental damage and if not treated, can lead to persistent skin irritation, peeling, cracks and inflammation. A healthy skin barrier is able to defend against environental stressors whereas a damaged one will be constantly losing hydration and is susceitple to environmental damage and irritation as shown in this handy little diagram below.
It is so, so important that the skincare products you use contain ingredients that will help to strengthen your skins barrier function and reduce what's known as transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This will build your skins defence system against environmental triggers. When you begin to focus on repairing your skin ththis way, you will almost immediately see a difference in the texture of your skin and example of which is shown below.
I took all of this into consideration when developing two of my products in the range. Formulating natural skincare is never about chucking a few oils and butters together and hoping for the best. The process starts with determining which ingredients have science backed data to support it's efficiency with helping certain skin conditions and then using very specific ratios of each ingredient to get a certain consistency and skin feel.
And my absolute favourite ingredient for eczema is shea butter. It's why it is the main ingredient in the Miracle Mandarin Dry Skin Rescue Cream. It is an incredibly emollient ingredient that is second to none when it comes to soothing eczema irritation.
It's worth giving this extract from a study a read in regards to the effect of shea butter on eczema and dermatitis.
"The benefits of moisturizers containing shea butter have been studied in atopic dermatitis/eczema populations.11,12 The clinical efficacy and acceptability of a shea butter-containing moisturizer was investigated in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis over 4 weeks and reported general acceptability as “very good” or “good” in 74% of the 34 patients recruited. In another study, an over-the-counter shea butter-containing moisturizer was shown to significantly improve the signs and symptoms of mild-to-moderate body eczema in adults after 2 weeks."
Quote source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5933397/
Shea butter is a powerful anti-inflammatory that reduces redness and irritation, soothes rough skin and is high in essential fatty acids that promote skin repair. It's a no brainer as to why I use shea butter. I carefully hand blend the shea butter with a mix of sea buckthorn oil from both the kernal and the pulp of the sea buckthorn fruit. It's not just shea butter which is a star player here but there are countless studies which support sea buckthorn oils incredible ability to support the skins repair as it is high in essential fatty acids that are so important for the health of your skin.
But don't just take my word for it ;)
"Great Product!
I bought this product recently after struggling for years with eczema, particularly on my face. I’ve used many products over the years which often have been highly recommended or even prescribed by doctors, such as E45 and various steroid creams, as well as other “natural” products from The Body Shop. But I have to say none of these have ever truly fixed the problem and if anything have made it worse. However this product is AMAZING and I cannot recommend it enough. After literally the first use my skin was so soft and clear, reduced redness and zero outbreaks of eczema so far! I’ve been using it for around a month now and my skin is clearer and softer then ever, won’t be using anything other than this going forwards! I will be buying more for myself, and for family members :) Thank you Dames and Dimes!!"
