MishaFollowing up from my last blog, as a lifelong survivor of eczema, I have tried almost every product I could get my hands on. Over time, I’ve learned one important lesson: less is usually more. With eczema, hydration is everything, sometimes you really do need to look like that shiny kid with a face full of Vaseline! I’m sharing my favourite skincare products and routines that have consistently worked for me, not just once, but long-term.
My Shower Routine: Cleanse, Exfoliate & Lock in Moisture
I do my full skincare routine during my evening shower. My focus is always:
cleansing + exfoliating (a few times a week) + locking in moisture.
I exfoliate around three times a week, and on the other days I simply cleanse and moisturise. Also, a side note that sucks… I love steaming hot showers that feel like a taster of hell, BUT they are not good for eczema at all. It dries out the skin way too much, so stick to warm temperatures.
Cleansing
I start by cleansing to remove dirt, sweat, and product buildup.
My go-to cleansers are:
- A plain, non-perfumed Dove soap bar (sensitive) is gentle and non-irritating for sensitive skin.
- https://amzn.to/40Cg1klCeraVe Rough & Bumpy Skin Cleanser helps gently exfoliate and restore the skin barrier with ceramides (bodyguards of the skin barrier).
These keep my skin clean without stripping it.
Next up! Exfoliating (2–3 times per week)
On exfoliation days, I use:
- St Ives Dead Sea & Kelp body scrub: this helps remove dead skin cells and calm inflammation with minerals.
- My DIY shea scrub (coming soon!), which exfoliates while still nourishing the skin.
Exfoliating helps prevent flaky buildup so moisturisers can absorb properly. I use an African net sponge throughout my routine because it exfoliates gently and helps with circulation without being harsh.
Shower Oil (Last Step)
At the end of my shower, I use The Glow Getter Naturium Shower Oil. This helps to seal in water, prevent moisture loss and leaves the skin soft and protected. I always apply it at the end of my shower.
Quick out-the-door routine:
Now, you’re probably wondering what I do during my daytime showers, where I don’t have time for any of the above! I keep it simple with one bar soap I swear by. Dead sea soap. It cleanses and moisturises, which is perfect for on the go!
Moisturising While Skin Is Wet (Very Important Step)
While my skin is still damp, I begin moisturising immediately.
Face:
- Raw shea butter, deeply nourishing, anti-inflammatory, and perfect for sealing moisture into facial skin. This skin is definitely more sensitive than the rest of the body and I find just using this works best.
Body:
- Eucerin Intensive Repair Enriched Lotion which strengthens the skin barrier and provides long-lasting hydration for very dry, eczema-prone skin.
After that, I apply:
- Plain Vaseline (petroleum jelly) which locks everything in. I used to go through a tub a week!
With eczema, you often need to go the extra mile, even if you already feel moisturised. For areas less affected by eczema, I sometimes use Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Oil, which smells amazing and also leaves a lovely shine on the skin – that’s if you’re not already looking like a doughnut. If perfumed oils are still a no-go for your current skin-care stage, castor oil is great and not to be slept on. It’s thick and nourishing, great for dry skin. The only reason I stopped using it on my body was because it made me so hairy; I need all of that on my head instead! I’ve also heard testimonies that this has cured some people’s hand eczema.
Again, during the day, there’s no time for all that, so I stick to shea butter on the face, Eucerin on the body and sunscreen overall. My staple sunscreen is the Sally Hansen. Never leaves a white cast, also something nobody has time for!
Night Routine & Clothing
Because I’m used to flare-ups, I have a full bedtime “uniform”.
I always sleep in **cute** cotton long-sleeved pyjamas with full-length trousers and, if necessary, cotton gloves after moisturising my hands. This helps keep moisture locked in overnight and prevents scratching.
Your nighttime routine is extremely important because this is when the body focuses on repair and recovery.
Supplements That Support My Skin & Sleep
Nighttime is also when I take my supplements. Some are, of course, better to take during the day, but there are some right before bed that are a game-changer.
This is my staple supplement. It helps calm the nervous system, reduce stress and inflammation, and supports deep sleep. All of which will bring the body out of fight-or-flight mode. All of this plays a huge role in managing eczema.
L-lysine is one that I literally found out about by accident but now is not to be slept on. is an amino acid that supports tissue repair, immune function and muscle recovery. Since using it, I actually wake up feeling rested. Sounds simple, but with autoimmune conditions, even up to 12 hours of sleep often never feels enough. I now use powdered supplements because tablets were too large for me. I take them as a quick shot because its not the nicest taste – you have been warned – but it’s way too effective to not try mix it in juice and you’ll be fine!
Last but not least, L-Glutamine, I’ve mentioned this gem before. This helps repair the gut lining, support digestion and reduce sugar cravings when taken consistently. If you suspect gut issues or leaky gut, this can be a helpful addition.
Disclaimer! Always speak to a healthcare professional before starting supplements this is simply what works for me personally.) I have tried to speak to my GP about some of these products and to my surprise, they had never heard of some of these products. The irony!
Bed Time Wrapped
That’s my current nighttime routine and the products that have helped me most with managing eczema. I alternate between all of these. Most importantly, I listen to my body. It’s all fun and games developing a strict routine, but sometimes you may find days you feel you need them whilst others don’t. Everyone’s skin is different, and I hope sharing what works for me helps you find what works for you on your own skin and health journey. Your self-care routine should be a ritual, not a chore. I must admit, eczema is not for the weak. It can be draining but you must teach yourself you’re worth the effort and take care of yourself.
Let me know what some of your favourite products are and if any mentioned here have worked for you.
