Atopic eczema is a common but very troublesome skin condition that can affect both children and adults. Dry, red skin and itching are common symptoms that can come and go. With the right knowledge and skincare, you can help the skin feel better! Here you will find a complete guide to causes, symptoms and products from MARIA ÅKERBERG that soothe and strengthen the skin.
What is atopic eczema?
Atopic eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic, hereditary skin condition that causes inflammation in the epidermis. The symptoms often start in childhood and can also persist into adulthood. The condition is sometimes also called flexural eczema, because the eczema often occurs in the elbow and knee creases in both children and adults, although other areas of the skin can also be affected.
People with atopic skin often have a weaker skin barrier than normal, which means that the skin:
• Easily becomes dehydrated
• Becomes extra sensitive to external stressors
• Reacts with redness and itching
Common symptoms of atopic eczema
Depending on age, the symptoms can vary, but common symptoms are:
• Dry, flaky skin
• Intense itching, often worse at night
• Redness and inflammation
• Cracks or damaged skin
• Oozing rash in active eczema
• Thickened skin in long-term cases
Eczema often occurs in flare-ups, periods in which the skin is calm are alternated with periods in which the symptoms are more present.
Why do people get eczema?
In atopic eczema, the bacterial flora of the skin plays an important role. Research shows that people with eczema often have less diversity of bacteria on the skin – protective bacteria are fewer in number, while harmful bacteria can dominate and trigger irritation. This is linked to genes and a weaker skin barrier, which makes the skin more vulnerable. When the balance in the microbiome is disrupted, inflammation can increase, creating a vicious cycle in which skin, immune system and bacteria influence each other.
How to care for atopic eczema on the face
After removing makeup, cleansing and using a toner from MARIA ÅKERBERG, use the following products to relieve the symptoms:
• Cold Pressed Jojoba Oil – moisture-binding and soothing (for both face and body)
• Face Cream Sensitive – moisturising and soothing facial cream that helps restore the skin barrier
• Shea Balm – protects, locks in moisture and softens the skin (for both face and body)
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How to care for atopic eczema on the body
• Aloe Vera Barbadensis – cools and relieves itching
• Body Lotion – Mmoisturises and helps keep the skin hydrated with fermented Lactic Acid (AHA).
• All Day Balm – Practical stick for application as needed during the day
Eczema in children
• Our entire baby range with extra gentle, protective products for children and babies
This can worsen eczema:
• Food allergies (for example egg, tomato)
• Harsh soap or cleansing agents
• Perfumed detergent/fabric softener
• Synthetic clothing close to the body
• Stress and psychological strain
• Cold and dry air
• Long, hot showers or baths
Eczema can often improve with age, but the skin remains sensitive. Avoiding triggers and regularly caring for the skin is the key to fewer outbreaks.
Should you exfoliate the skin if you have eczema?
Short answer: Yes – when the skin is calm. Then exfoliation with the right products can help remove dry and flaky skin, allowing moisturising products to be absorbed better and work more effectively. You can use our enzyme peels for the face and body, where the fermented Lactic Acid (AHA) also helps the skin’s moisture balance. Exfoliate gently, maximum once a week, and moisturise the skin immediately afterwards.
If eczema is active or the skin is irritated, exfoliation should be completely avoided and the focus should instead be on hydrating, soothing and strengthening the skin barrier.
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Relieve symptoms with nutritional supplements
A good bacterial flora in the gut is very important for skin health, especially for those with sensitive or atopic skin. PROBIOSKIN+ is an innovative nutritional supplement with carefully selected lactic acid bacteria which, with daily use, can strengthen the body’s immune system and promote metabolism, leading to less inflammation and better absorption of nutrients. This can in turn contribute to calmer skin, fewer skin problems and improved skin health from within.
Ask an expert for help
Feel free to contact us if you have questions about our skincare or would like tips on products. If the eczema persists or causes frequent and severe symptoms, it may be a good idea to seek advice from a dermatologist, who can assess whether medical treatment is needed.