Choosing the Right Shower Gel for Eczema-Prone Skin
If you suffer from eczema, you know how important it is to choose personal care products like shower gel carefully. Eczema-prone skin can react badly to certain ingredients, leading to dry, sore and itchy skin. The right shower gel can go a long way towards keeping you comfortable and free from eczema flare-ups, so read on to find out exactly what to look for.
What is eczema?
Eczema is a type of dermatitis (skin inflammation) that causes dry, itchy skin. There are various types of eczema, but they all involve a weakening of the protective barrier of your skin. The skin barrier is the body’s first line of defence against things like allergens, bacteria and irritants, e.g. harsh chemicals. It also locks moisture into your skin, keeping it hydrated and healthy.
One common type of eczema is contact eczema, which is triggered by an allergen or irritant coming into contact with your skin. It’s typically short-lived and only affects the area of contact.
Another common type is atopic (allergic) eczema, which is a chronic condition that can affect any area of the skin. This is thought to be a genetic condition that involves a problem with the immune system, making the skin more sensitive and reactive to irritants in your environment.
Atopic eczema can come and go over time. During an eczema “flare-up,” you might experience uncomfortable symptoms like intense itching, rashes, dryness, broken skin, and even infections.
While you can’t always prevent a flare-up, you can take steps to reduce their risk and severity, starting with your personal care products.
Why a shower gel for eczema-prone skin matters
Whichever type of eczema you experience, a very common trigger for a flare-up is the use of harsh chemicals in your personal care products. That’s any product that comes into contact with your skin, from your toothpaste and laundry detergent, to your cosmetics and your shower gel.
Showering in particular can be a minefield for eczema flare-ups. Very hot water can strip moisture and natural oils from the skin barrier, making dryness and other symptoms worse. Then, depending on our choice of shower gel, we might be covering our delicate skin from head to toe with a long list of irritating chemicals. And if we wash with loofahs, nylon scrubbers or other rough materials, we might be physically traumatising our skin, too. During particularly hot or humid weather, we might even be doing this several times a day.
With this in mind, it’s easy to see how the simple act of showering can be rough on eczema-prone skin. To keep your sensitive skin happy and healthy, try taking lukewarm showers, using a gentle cotton wash cloth, and choosing a shower gel made especially to care for eczema-prone skin. Here’s what to look for…
What to consider when choosing a shower gel for eczema
When you’re choosing a shower gel for eczema-prone skin, pay attention to the following types of ingredients that may make eczema symptoms worse:
Fragrances. Although they smell lovely, fragrances like those found in scented shower gels are one of the most common irritants for eczema-prone skin.
Essential oils. These plant extracts have a wonderful scent, and some are also promoted as having skin-health benefits. However, some can be too strong for sensitive skin and may trigger an eczema flare-up.
Dyes. Like fragrances, colouring agents are a common trigger for skin irritation.
Foaming agents. The lather from your shower gel comes from chemicals, but harsh ones like sodium lauryl sulphate can dry out even the healthiest skin.
Soaps. Some cleansing agents, like propylene glycol and salicylic acid, may be too strong for eczema-prone skin.
Parabens. These preservatives, such as methylparaben, protect the shower gel from bacteria and other microbes, but they’re also associated with eczema flare-ups.
Known allergens or irritants. Steer clear of any ingredient that has caused you skin irritation or reactions in the past, even if it’s otherwise considered a gentle ingredient.
Instead, look for a shower gel that contains:
Minimal ingredients.
Mild or zero fragrance.
Moisturising agents.
Hypoallergenic ingredients.
Soothing ingredients.
A balanced pH.
To save time on your next shopping trip, consider a Sanex shower gel specially made for eczema-prone skin, such as Sanex Hypoallergenic Shower Gel for Eczema Prone Skin. The hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested formula contains:
No parabens, sulphates, soaps or dyes.
92% ingredients of natural origin.
A gentle, mild scent.
Glycerin to lock in natural moisture.
Gentle foaming and cleansing agents that reduce irritation.
Prebiotic inulin to nourish and hydrate the skin barrier.
Another great option for sensitive skin is Sanex Zero Shower Gel, a moisturising shower gel that’s completely free of fragrances, parabens, soaps and dyes. It features coco-glucoside, an ultra-gentle cleansing agent made from sugar and coconut, that washes away dirt without stripping the natural oils from the skin barrier.
All of our Sanex shower gels are formulated to be kind to skin, but eczema-prone skin often needs a little extra-special treatment. Try one of our specially formulated, moisturising shower gels for sensitive skin health today, and be sure to apply an eczema-friendly moisturiser afterwards to keep that hydration locked in!
The above article is provided for informational purposes only. Colgate does not accept any liability should the below recommendations have a contrary result to the intended result. Always seek the advice of a qualified doctor or dermatologist. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
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