Skin Care for Eczema Follows the 'Less is More' Principle
Submitted by: Meritus Media Inc
2008-09-03 18:29:54
Montrose, CA (The Open Press) September 3, 2008 -- It's an unfortunate fact that many people suffering from eczema are using skin care products that are actually making their skin condition worse - and that goes for everything from traditional moisturizers to the usual topical steroid creams. While both may seem to work for a while, eczema sufferers invariably complain that they stop working after a relatively short time. Then they're off to the store or doctor to find another skin care remedy that will work a little longer and a little better. Good news - there may be some relief in sight.
How do moisturizers and steroid creams worsen the situation? Traditional moisturizers coat the skin with greasy substances that not only block the pores; they also contain chemicals that are actually known to cause skin problems. It's amazing that these products are on the market but, since they're classified as cosmetics, neither the FDA nor other regulatory bodies actually check them out.
With steroid creams - although the potent variety you get from your doctor does need FDA approval - it's basically the same problem. Steroids are known to have side effects like redness, thinning of the skin, spider veins, hemorrhaging under the skin that causes purple 'bruises', stretch marks, acne, and dermatitis. Doesn't sound like an ideal skin care product, does it?
Unfortunately, some people with eczema suffer so badly that they're willing to risk the side effects just to get a little relief - and steroids are great for calming down an itch, which is often the eczema sufferer's chief complaint.
Ironically, those same drugs in the steroid creams that provide relief are exacerbating and prolonging the condition. A real Catch 22. And yet another skin care product you might be better off without.
Often, the best thing someone with eczema can do is nothing. The skin, like many other parts of the body, is basically capable of healing itself - but not if it's under stress. How do you relieve the stress on your skin? Keep it adequately hydrated with its only natural moisture and protect it from irritants - no chemical soaps, household cleansers, shampoos, skin care products. Anything that's going to touch your skin should be chemical-free unless those chemicals are proven to be non-irritating.
However, getting rid of all the chemicals in your environment is virtually impossible - you can get rid of the skin care and household products in your home, but you can't do anything about the pollution you're going to come in contact with when you go out.
To solve that dilemma, thousands of doctors now recommend a shielding lotion. A good shielding lotion actually prevents chemicals from being absorbed.
Less is certainly more when it comes to natural skin care treatment. Try the shielding lotion but, otherwise, see what you can do to eliminate all but the best, the purest and the most natural of your skin care treatment products. You should see a difference in short order!
