When it comes to skin care, moisturization is a key step to soothing eczema and unlocking a radiant, healthy complexion. I had never learned much about the importance of it, but quickly discovered that there's so much more to it than I initially realized, especially during my battle with topical steroid withdrawal (TSW).
Having hyper-sensitive skin during TSW made me want to seek relief through natural ingredients, so I spent a lot of time learning which ones would sooth and heal my skin. That led me to discovering the significance of emollients, humectants, and occlusives.
If you’re like me and never heard of these terms, let’s look at what they mean.
The fundamentals of topical skin moisturization
Understanding the three fundamental types of moisturizing ingredients is crucial in achieving well-hydrated and supple skin.
- Emollients, like jojoba and evening primrose oil soften dry, rough, and flaky skin by replenishing essential lipids.
- Humectants, such as vegetable glycerin, work by drawing moisture into the skin.
- Occlusives, like castor oil, form a protective barrier on the skin's surface, sealing in moisture and preventing water loss.
Of course, everyone has different needs for their skin, so balancing how much of each type of moisturizer can vary. More on that for my eczema prone skin later.
The importance of water and skin health
For optimal skin hydration, I also learned that water plays a paramount role. Our bodies rely very heavily on water to hydrate and replenish our skin. Many moisturizers add water into their ingredients to help promote skin health.
The challenge here is that where there is water in products, bacteria can grow. So many of these products have preservatives and other drying ingredients to maintain a longer shelf life. In my search for better products, that's not what I was looking for.
Another way to increase skin elasticity and healing is by applying oil-based creams on slightly damp skin to lock in water every time. This locks in the moisture and aids in better absorption, maximizing the benefits of your skincare routine.
A little bit about skin pH
Did you know that our skin is healthiest with a slightly acidic pH?
This helps to fight bacterial overgrowth and reduce infections. There are many ways to keep skin slightly more acidic after showering like using aloe vera, hydrosols, white vinegar diluted in water (1:100 vinegar to water for the most sensitive skin - even babies), hypochlorous acid sprays and more.
I learned that this can be a really helpful step in your moisturization strategy for eczema healing and maintenance.
My quest for an easy, natural solution
In my case, my eczema prone skin was always dry and unable to retain moisture naturally. My skin barrier was damaged and needed to heal significantly, so I relied on natural oils that combined the benefits of emollient, humectant and occlusive properties. I sought options that not only kept my skin nourished but also promoted overall skin health.
Shea butter and a symphony of natural, healing ingredients
At the forefront of my discoveries was shea butter. Not only does it qualify as an emollient and occlusive but also possesses remarkable anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, this miracle butter is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, providing deep hydration and promoting skin elasticity.
Alongside shea butter, I opted to combine several other oils together to create a natural whipped shea butter that nourishes my skin effectively. These are the moisture benefits from the ingredients I combined:
- Coconut oil: An emollient with anti-bacterial properties, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth.
- Castor oil: An occlusive that retains moisture while promoting overall skin health.
- Jojoba oil: An emollient and occlusive in one, soothing dry skin and locking in moisture.
- Evening primrose oil: An emollient that nourishes and rejuvenates the skin. Bonus that this oil helps to heal hyperpigmentation as well, which is a common concern for eczema and TSW warriors.
- Vitamin E: An anti-bacterial agent that enhances skin's natural defenses.
- Vegetable glycerin: A powerful humectant that draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated.
- Essential oils: Packed with anti-bacterial properties, enhancing the skin-loving benefits of the whipped shea butter. Even better, they provide a delightful natural fragrance and help to keep the skin acidic.
A gentle reminder to patch test
Before incorporating any new cream or skincare product, always remember to perform a patch test on a small area of your skin. Our bodies are unique, and it's essential to avoid adverse reactions whenever possible.
Order your own jar of whipped shea body butter
I hope you learned a few key things to consider in your skincare routine that can help you to embrace the power of natural ingredients and unveil the secrets of nourished skin. My whipped shea body butter is full of nourishing properties to help you achieve a well-hydrated, radiant, and healthy complexion. Don't hesitate — order now and experience the transformative effects of this nature-inspired solution. Your skin will thank you for it!
