I have dealt with eczema most of my life, and when I shared my story, I promised I would also give you the ten tips I´ve used to cure eczema.
Here they are and I hope they help you too!
1. No fragrances anywhere in anything!
That means all my laundry is washed with a Free and Clear detergent or Soap Nuts (or other eco-friendly, fragrance-free detergent.
It also means no soaps with fragrance, no lotions, no perfumes, no air-fresheners!
2. No lotions
The dermatologist I saw when my skin was at its worst recommended CeraVe cream (not lotion, CREAM).
In the beginning of curing my disease, I slathered CeraVe all over my body multiple times a day.
CeraVe has ceramides which act as a barrier for your skin, protecting it from environmental villians.
After I recovered, I chose to switch to Coconut Oil to moisturize my skin.
Now, I use Coconut Oil most days but break out the CeraVe in the winter when I’m really dry or if I’m feeling itchy…. Hey, it happens to everyone from time to time!
Also read: Living with eczema, my story
3. Yoga or meditation time every.single.day
No excuses! Even with babies.
I set aside 5, 10, 75 minutes for myself every day to stop, breathe, and just be.
Non-negotiable.
4. Sunshine!
Living in Colorado, it’s easy to get enough sunshine, as long as you get your ass outside!
I’m lucky to have my incredible dogs that need walking multiple times a day so I get enough sun but I think it’s also about the intention you have when you’re getting the sun.
Call me crazy, but when I turn my face up, feel the gift of warmth, and say a little “thank you” for the privilege of basking in its serenity; I am healed.
Maybe just a little bit and maybe just for that moment but it’s worth taking a second to really soak in the sun.
5. Reduce sugar intake
Yucky stuff feasts on sugar.
Yeast, fungus, and bacteria have a tendency to live on the skin of people with eczema.
If you don’t feed them, they don’t stick around. Enough said.
6. Dust and vacuum regularly
Dust mites live in dust. Dust mites make everyone itchy! Get rid of them!
Get a vacuum with a really good filter and invest in microfiber towels to dust your house often!
7. Only cotton touches this skin, preferably organic cotton
It broke my heart but three years ago, I donated my entire stash of sweaters.
Every single sweater was made out of wool, acrylic, or a combination thereof. They’re all gone.
It is completely possible to find 100% cotton sweaters (shocker, check out Old Navy and Gap of all places!) and I have rebuilt my sweater collection so no harm done.
8. Drink your water!
Lots and lots of water goes through this body every day!
Flushing toxins out the way nature intended (with a good sweat every now and then and by making light yellow urine – if it’s darker than diluted lemonade go get yourself a glass of water right now! Go!!) is a great way to keep your skin healthy.
9. No soap
Not conventional soap anyway.
Dr. Bronner’s soap is okay if it’s diluted but, really, there’s little need for soap anyway.
My natural shampoo washes over my body and water does wonders to get most of me clean.
I do use natural cleansers for the special parts (you know where I mean) but there are very few suds to be seen in my shower.
10. NO HOT SHOWERS!
I know, this one took a lot of getting used to. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils. Oils=skin’s defense!
My showers are warm. In the summer, it’s nice to cool off.
In the winter, it’s barely enough to take the edge off but clear, healthy skin is worth it!
And… the water heater doesn’t have to work as hard so that’s good too!
After about a year of living this way, it became second nature. Years later, it’s hard for me to even think about what I specifically do each day to keep my skin healthy because it’s a way of life.
While writing this post, I had to ask my husband what were some of the things that I do that I don’t realize I do to maintain great skin.
He pointed out lots of things that I feel like I just do having no relation to my former skin condition. Being healthy takes work but becomes habitual.
I don’t even think of myself as having eczema anymore. I am cured.
If you or someone you love is suffering from a skin condition, please don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
Emotionally, skin conditions can be some of the most scarring diseases and it helps to have someone to talk to.
Just know that you are not alone as Eczema, Psoriasis, and other types of Dermatitis are so very common.
If you have any questions or want personalized advice, I am no dermatologist but I am willing to tell you what works for me and help you troubleshoot!
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