The Best Natural Ingredients to Look for in Eczema Creams 

Are you troubled by dry and itchy eczema-ridden patches of skin? Well, dealing with eczema is rather difficult - as is treating it.

To navigate around difficult eczema symptoms such as itchiness, inflammation, cracks, and blisters, you will need to use the right products. Yes, the goal is to avoid skin products with any ingredients that could irritate your skin and instead try using more soothing alternatives.

Here, you can find a list of natural ingredients that you should look for in your eczema creams, as they offer long-lasting relief from eczema. The natural ingredients mentioned below will protect your skin's natural barrier and help replenish moisture.

Best Natural Ingredients to Look for in Eczema Creams

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera has the reputation of being a soothing ingredient. Commonly used to treat bites and burns effectively, its soothing properties make it an excellent choice for eczema treatment too.

From sunburn to eczema - aloe vera gel has many benefits. This is because it is known to have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. You can extract fresh gel from the aloe vera plant or use a store-bought, ready-made version. You can also consider using a Konjac Mandala Facial Sponge With Aloe Vera to calm your skin.

What’s more, the high antioxidant level in this ingredient can help speed up your eczema healing process. No wonder this gooey, gel-like ingredient is hailed for the restorative and calming effect it provides.

Chickweed

Chickweed (Stellaria media) is a herbaceous plant that has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. It is excellent for treating eczema as it possesses several compounds, such as flavonoids and saponins, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects that help alleviate symptoms like redness, itching, and swelling.

Chickweed has a cooling and soothing effect on the skin. It is often used topically in the form of creams, ointments, or poultices to relieve itchiness and irritation associated with various skin conditions, including eczema. Chickweed is also known for its high water content and mucilaginous nature, which helps moisturise and hydrate the skin when applied topically.

Calendula Extract

Calendula oil is extracted from marigold flowers. This natural extract is a favourite herbal remedy for many. It has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.

It is common knowledge that calendula extract can heal cuts, burns, or inflammation. These same properties are what make calendula an ideal remedy for eczema. It can improve blood circulation and boost the recovery of eczema-related skin issues.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Because apple cider vinegar has acidic properties, many people hesitate to use it. However, the acid in apple cider vinegar is mild. If you have eczema, your skin's pH levels may be higher than usual. As such, the acid content of apple cider vinegar can help your skin find its right pH balance.

Be sure to do a patch test before trying this ingredient. As apple cider vinegar can irritate some people’s skin, it is advisable to dilute it with water before using it.

You can also add apple cider vinegar to a salad, as this will also help to increase the acidity of your skin. By striking the right level of acidity, you can protect your skin from free radicals and harmful microbes. Another great way to increase your intake of apple cider vinegar is to take organic apple cider vinegar pills every day.

Coconut Oil

Extracted from coconut meat, coconut oil can be an effective ingredient against eczema. Thanks to its emollient properties, it can be used as a natural moisturiser. Coconut oil is high in lauric acid, a healthy fatty acid.

Coconut oil may not cure your eczema permanently, but it can definitely soothe your skin and offer relief from itchiness and irritation. It can also reduce any risk of severe infection.

When eczema causes the skin to break into inflamed patches that crack and ooze, bacteria can enter quite easily. The antibacterial qualities of this natural oil help reduce staph bacteria that often grow on the skin. Remember to choose only cold-pressed or virgin coconut oil derived naturally.

Turmeric

Turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin, which possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. When applied topically, it helps reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms like redness, itching, and swelling. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that can promote healing and repair by neutralising free radicals and reducing oxidative damage caused by eczema. Also, eczema-prone skin is often susceptible to bacterial or fungal infections, which can further exacerbate the condition. The antimicrobial properties of turmeric may help prevent or control these infections when used in a cream or ointment.

Therefore, creams containing turmeric, when combined with other moisturising ingredients, can provide soothing and moisturising benefits to the skin. This can help alleviate dryness, itchiness, and flakiness associated with eczema and improve the overall skin barrier function.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is celebrated for its moisturising qualities. It is a form of vitamin B3 that helps improve DNA restoration and the functioning of the skin. If you are suffering from eczema, choose moisturisers or serums with niacinamide as an active ingredient.

Sometimes, a deficiency of vitamin B3 can trigger eczema and other skin conditions. Niacinamide can prevent skin permeability and secure moisture in your skin, reducing the chances of eczema.

Moreover, niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that can reduce inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are proteins released by one’s immune system in response to conditions such as eczema.

Witch Hazel

Made from the leaves and bark of the plant of the same name, witch hazel is an astringent. For centuries, witch hazel has been used as a topical eczema remedy. It can treat inflammation, relieve itching, and dry up oozing patches on the skin. You can use witch hazel cream or apply liquid witch hazel.

Ceramides

Ceramides are waxy fat molecules found in the top layer of the skin. If you have a ceramide deficiency, your skin's natural barrier might become compromised. Lack of ceramides will increase the chances of dry skin and trans-epidermal water loss.

The best way to prevent any serious consequences is to replenish your skin’s protective barrier by applying ceramide products. Go for creams and moisturisers that contain ceramide. You can also have some vitamin-infused chocolates containing Phytoceramides that deliver new ceramides to the skin and restore the water barrier for deep hydration from within.

Colloidal Oatmeal

Did you know oats, too, can help treat eczema? Yes, you can use colloidal oatmeal to treat eczema. In addition to its soothing properties, colloidal oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and prebiotic qualities. Made from ground oatmeals, colloidal oatmeal not only can calm your skin but soften it too. You can find colloidal oatmeals in powder and cream form.

To use this ingredient, all you have to do is add powdered colloidal oatmeal to lukewarm water and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Bathe with this mixture, pat your skin dry, and then apply a generous layer of hypoallergenic moisturiser. Make sure the moisturiser has a high oil content.

Argan Oil

Argan oil is another natural ingredient that can help alleviate symptoms of eczema. Suitable for all skin types, this wonder oil has no side effects. The high fatty acid content makes argan oil an excellent moisturiser. This remedy can treat dry skin caused by eczema.

The vitamins A and E in argan oil give it potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. So, it can provide relief from itching and inflammation. All you have to do is dap some argan oil on the affected area with a cotton ball.

Evening Primrose Oil

Collected from evening primrose plants, evening primrose oil is also an excellent treatment for irritated skin. Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid and omega-6 fatty acid, which can help relieve not only eczema but also other systemic inflammatory conditions.

You can apply a cream containing evening primrose oil or take an evening primrose oil capsule. You might also find this oil as an ingredient in various foods and a plethora of beauty products.

Conclusion

Dealing with eczema can feel unbearable. It can affect your daily activities and even your sleep. What’s worse, eczema can also escalate and infect the affected area with bacteria. If you are suffering from eczema, you should see a doctor.

Alongside your prescribed medicines, you can try a few natural ingredients to treat your skin condition. One of the best ways to prevent eczema flare-ups is to use products with skin-friendly ingredients.

Be careful of skin care products containing retinoids, linoleum, ethanol, urea, propylene glycol, essential oils, and fragrances. Instead, you can get skin care products that contain aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, argan oil, coconut oil, and niacinamide.

Always rely on natural skincare and healthcare products to manage your health problems. They would not only cure them but also protect you from developing health issues caused by consuming chemically made products.