Eczema Awareness Week

By Ella O., Nutrition Advisor

Our in-house nutritionist shares her top tips for eczema prone skin.*

According to the National Eczema Society, atopic eczema affects 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 5 kids in the UK. Also known as atopic dermatitis, this type of eczema can often run in families. The condition can be extremely challenging at times, with unbearable itchy skin and dryness. During an active flare-up the skin can become sore and inflamed, moist and weepy, and alongside physical symptoms many experience associated issues with sleep, stress and anxiety.

Pinpoint triggers

Although there is no official cause of eczema, research has shown it can be aggravated by the immune systems response to external triggers. So those with eczema can benefit from identifying things that initiate a flare up, these could be airborne allergens such as pet hair or house-dust, or contact allergens such as household cleaning products - just to name a few.

There may be specific food triggers which would differ from person to person- culprits could include dairy products, eggs, refined sugar, nuts, citrus or wheat. An immune system reaction to foods can take up to a couple of days to show up so may not be easy to pinpoint. A nutritional therapist/registered nutritionist could assist you in discovering these specific triggers and optimise your nutrition using a tailor-made plan.

Skincare options

Many body care products contain extremely harsh ingredients and chemicals that can aggravate sensitive skin – look out for parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates (SLS) and phthalates as these have a tendency to cause sensitizing reactions.

Eczema is thought to be due to a genetically defective skin barrier, where the skin does not produce enough natural oils and is unable to retain moisture. A good skincare routine in this case is essential for healing.

For those whose eczema is mild to moderate, and not to replace prescription medication - the topical use of virgin coconut oil may exert positive benefits by supporting the healing of the skin barrier. In a study done over 8 weeks, an improvement of 47 % was found in skin health.

Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is unrefined and cold-pressed, so ideal for both skincare and culinary uses.

Moisturise from the inside out!

Our skin is made up of over 60% water. Remember to drink adequate quantities daily (yes water, not tea and coffee) and avoid the intake of too much alcohol, as this can be especially dehydrating. Good sources of omega oils in the diet are also needed to retain moisture. Essential fatty acids such as omega 3 and GLA (gamma linolenic acid) have been shown to exert positive benefits to the skin. One theory suggests that those with eczema may have more difficulty with the body conversion of omega 6 fatty acids (found in vegetable oils), into important GLA (gamma linolenic acid) fatty acids. Clinical research studies have shown improvements in eczema in relation to intake of evening primrose oil, a naturally rich source of GLA, including a significant reduction in skin dryness, itch and inflammation.

Nature’s Answer Evening Primrose Oil offers a highly absorbable liquid form of essential fatty acids. Suitable for adults, each serving offers an impressive 2,000 mg of Evening Primrose oil. Formulated with Quik-Sorb®, a proprietary blend of herbs to enhance the delivery of nutrients to the body.

Natural Traditions Ahiflower seed Oil and capsules is also an excellent source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), moreover it supplies plant-derived omega-3 for optimal bioavailability.  

Nature’s Answer Omega 3 Fish Oil provides incredible doses of essential fatty acids EPA and DHA – vital fats to nourish body and skin.

Nourish from the inside out!

According to research, Vitamin D may have a significant role to play in improving eczema symptoms. Boost your levels especially between the months of October and March as deficiencies are common at this time due to lack of sunlight.

In an all-natural base of virgin olive oil, Nature’s Answer Vitamin D3 drops, and Nature’s Answer Vitamin D3 & K2 drops provide pure and potent forms of this vital nutrient. For a vegan alternative, Garden of Life offer a plant-sourced formula in their delicious mykind Organic Vitamin D3 spray.

A balanced diet rich in skin-loving antioxidants will help to nourish your skin from within. Many antioxidants are found in the pigments of brightly coloured fruit and vegetables. It is known that Zinc contributes to normal healthy skin, as well as water-soluble vitamins C and B, needed in the diet every day.   

Listen to your body

Eczema may flare up when under emotional or psychological stress and it doesn’t help that the condition itself can be extremely stressful, especially when it appears on visible areas such as face and hands.  Take time out to rest and encourage mental and emotional resilience by incorporating daily relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga to calm the body and mind.

*The claims are based on clinical research, are not aimed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Food supplements should be used within the framework of a healthy lifestyle and not used as substitutes of a varied and balanced diet.

References:
Evangellista, M et al.(2014).The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. The Journal of Dermatology .Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24320105/      

Schalin-Karrila M, Mattila L, Jansen CT, Uotila P. Evening primrose oil in the treatment of atopic eczema: effect on clinical status, plasma phospholipid fatty acids and circulating blood prostaglandins. Br J Dermatol. 1987 Jul;117(1):11-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1987.tb04085.x. PMID: 3307886.

Thomsen BJ, Chow EY, Sapijaszko MJ. The Potential Uses of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Dermatology: A Review. J Cutan Med Surg. 2020 Sep/Oct;24(5):481-494. doi: 10.1177/1203475420929925. Epub 2020 May 28. PMID: 32463305.

Kim G, Bae JH. Vitamin D and atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition. 2016 Sep;32(9):913-20. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2016.01.023. Epub 2016 Feb 18. PMID: 27061361.