Eczema is a common skin condition we often get asked about at The Functional Skin Studio because of our 360-degree holistic approach in caring for the skin. 

We asked Lucy Macdougald, Co Founder and Managing Director at Biologi on her thoughts and personal insights on eczema as an eczema sufferer herself. Here’s what she had to say.

How do you know if you have eczema?

If your skin is itchy, dry, red, scaly, rough to touch, swells, or is crusty or oozy, then you may have eczema.   The actual cause of eczema is unknown. Its’ a common skin condition that makes the skin become red, itchy and inflamed however researchers know that certain internal and external triggers are responsible.  I myself know that when I travel frequently for work, diet changes or stress, I can suffer from flare ups. 

What can trigger eczema?

• A genetic or family history

• Asthma or hay fever

• A decreased skin barrier function

• Stress

• Immune dysfunction

• Irritants/Allergens

• Foods

• Environment 

Its these internal and/or external triggers that set off an inflammatory response causing the symptoms of eczema, with atopic dermatitis being the most common form.  

Lucy explained that our skin barrier is vital in maintaining homeostasis to keep it healthy. It has its own little ecosystem called skin microbiome which is made of microorganisms (both good and bad) that help to keep your skin balanced and healthy.  Microbiome helps to make part of our broader skin barrier, and its vital to a healthy skin because it keeps our skin protected from pathogens.  An eczema skin condition may have more bad bacteria or a decreased skin barrier with “small cracks” in the bricks and mortar foundation of the epidermis, which allows microorganisms to penetrate causing further inflammation. 

Eczema may also be overwhelmingly itchy, causing a continuous cycle of the itch-scratch-cycle. This cycle of itching leads to scratching to more itching to more scratching which results in the release of inflammatory mediators to further increase eczema symptoms and dry skin in a continuous cycle.

How can we help?

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix when it comes to treating eczema and every person is different in finding the right solution to help to ease the symptoms of their own experience of eczema, but the first step is improving the barrier function of the skin.

Once you have discovered what triggers your eczema, it’s important to incorporate nourishing and soothing skincare that will protect and hydrate the skin. Avoid any ingredients that are irritating like harsh scrubs, soaps or hydroxy acids that may potentially impair an already sensitised and sensitive skin.  Simplify your skincare and make the switch from using a host of products with potential allergens like artificial fragrance and colours and synthetic fillers to key products that will help nourish, hydrate and protect your skin.  Lucy explained that she personally incorporates the Biologi’s Bf Restore Face and Body Serum for any kind of skin sensitivity because of the soothing and calming plant actives it contains, aiding in locking in moisture and restoring the skin quickly. 

Lucy also advised that as a general rule, it’s important to seek professional advice but to eat well, drink plenty of water, get adequate sleep, avoid heat like hot showers or baths and try not to overheat with heavy blankets at night.  To reduce stress try meditation, exercise regularly or simply spend time enjoying a hobby you love.  

For further advice, our in-house experts, Nurse Madilyn, Naturopath Laura and Facialist Sophie, can offer you a customised internal and external holistic approach in helping manage your eczema.