Skincare Routine for Facial Eczema: A Step-By-Step Guide

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that leads to dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. 

When it affects the face, it can cause redness, swelling, and irritation, which can worsen feelings of discomfort and self-consciousness. 

The skin on the face is particularly sensitive, making eczema management more challenging. Flare-ups may lead to visible rashes, especially around the eyes, cheeks, and mouth. 

Because of that, a tailored skincare routine is essential to manage symptoms. This article will present skincare routines and tips you can try to manage facial eczema.

Basic Skincare Principles for Eczema

People deal with eczema differently based on their needs. However, below are a few basic skincare tips that everyone with eczema can follow.

• Use Gentle Products: Eczema-prone skin is highly sensitive. Because of that, you should use products that are free of dyes and harsh chemicals since these can irritate the skin and worsen eczema symptoms.
• Avoid Common Irritants: Be mindful of ingredients like alcohol, sulfates, and parabens, which can strip the skin of its natural oils and worsen eczema. Also, avoid wearing rough fabrics, like wool, directly on the skin.
• Moisturize Regularly: Keeping the skin hydrated is important in managing eczema. Use thick, emollient-rich moisturizers that lock in moisture, especially after bathing.
• Understand Your Skin Type: Knowing whether your skin is oily, dry, or combination helps in selecting the right products. Eczema often makes the skin more dry, so focusing on hydration and barrier repair is usually necessary.
• Bathe with Care: Limit bath time to 10-15 minutes, use lukewarm water, and opt for mild, soap-free cleansers. Avoid hot water as it can strip the skin of essential oils.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
• Humidifier: Consider using a humidifier in your bedroom, especially during dry weather, to maintain moisture levels in your skin.

Daily Skincare Routine for Eczema

Having a regular skincare routine can help you manage your eczema.

Below is a step-by-step you can follow for your daily morning routine.

1. Cleanse Gently: Use a mild cleanser designed for sensitive skin. Avoid scrubbing — instead, gently massage the cleanser into your skin. Kinship’s Naked Papaya cleanser replenishes moisture in dry, sensitive skin without stripping or disrupting the skin barrier.
2. Apply a Hydrating Toner (Optional): If you use a toner, ensure it is alcohol-free and formulated for sensitive skin. Apply it with a cotton pad or your hands, gently pressing it into your skin. Our Self Smooth 10% Glycolic Pore Minimizing Toner-Serum soothes, hydrates, and strengthens the skin barrier while also brightening and evening the skin tone.
3. Moisturize: Apply a rich, emollient moisturizer immediately after cleansing to lock in moisture. Focus on areas prone to dryness or flare-ups. The Supermello Hyaluronic Gel Cream Moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid, coconut water, and marshmallow root to deeply moisturize your skin. Our moisturizer is guaranteed to be safe and effective for eczema-prone skin.
4. Apply Sunscreen: Avoid chemical sunscreens, which may irritate the skin. Instead, choose a mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide like our Self Reflect Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen since these are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Ensure it is formulated for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Apply generously 15-30 minutes before sun exposure.

Nighttime Skincare Routine for Eczema

You should also have a nighttime skincare routine to further help manage your eczema. Try the steps below.

1. Cleanse Again: Gently remove makeup and impurities using the same mild cleanser from your morning routine. If you are wearing makeup, consider removing it first with gentle micellar water, followed by your regular cleanser.
2. Apply a Hydrating Toner (Optional): If you use a toner, apply it as you did in the morning to prepare your skin for the next steps.
3. Apply Treatment (If Needed): If prescribed by your dermatologist, apply any topical medications (like corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors) to the affected areas. Allow the treatment to fully absorb before moving on to the next step.
4. Moisturize: Use a thicker, more intensive moisturizer or ointment in the evening to provide overnight hydration and repair. Focus on particularly dry or irritated areas.
5. Apply a Barrier Repair Cream (Optional): If your skin is particularly dry or if you are experiencing a flare-up, apply a barrier repair cream containing ceramides or other lipid-replenishing ingredients.
6. Eye Cream (Optional): If you have eczema around the eyes, apply a gentle, hydrating eye cream formulated for sensitive skin. Avoid creams with strong active ingredients that could irritate the delicate eye area. Our Brightwave Energizing + Brightening Eye Cream leaves the skin under your eyes feeling refreshed and hydrated.

Managing Eczema Flare-Ups

When experiencing an eczema flare-up, it is important to adjust your skincare routine to minimize irritation, soothe inflamed areas, and promote healing. 

Unfortunately, you cannot cure eczema permanently, so the best thing you can do is to manage it.

With that, below are more practical pieces of advice on how to manage your skincare during a flare-up.

• Simplify Your Routine: During a flare-up, simplify your routine to the basics — namely, cleansing, moisturizing, and treating the inflamed areas. This minimizes the risk of further irritation from too many products. Avoid exfoliating during a flare-up too since it can worsen irritation and damage the already compromised skin barrier.
• Moisturize Intensively: Use thicker, ointment-based moisturizers or creams that create a barrier to lock in moisture and protect the skin from external irritants. On top of that, during a flare-up, moisturize at least twice a day. Reapply after washing your face or any time your skin feels dry or tight.
• Avoid Potential Irritants: Stick to products that are free of alcohol and other common irritants since these can further irritate inflamed skin. This means avoiding retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, or any other active ingredients that can be harsh on sensitive skin. 
• Treat Inflamed Areas: If prescribed, apply topical corticosteroids or other eczema-specific medications directly to the inflamed areas. These help reduce inflammation and itching. Consider using products containing colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, or ceramides to soothe and calm inflamed skin.
• Wear Protective Clothing: In addition to sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat or other protective clothing to shield your skin from direct sun exposure.
• Skip Makeup During Severe Flare-Ups: Makeup can irritate inflamed skin, so it is best to avoid it during severe flare-ups. If you must wear makeup, choose non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic products, and remove them as soon as possible.
• Seek Medical Advice: If your flare-up is severe, does not improve with at-home care, or spreads to new areas, consult a dermatologist for advice. They may prescribe stronger topical treatments or other remedies. You should also seek medical attention immediately if you notice signs of infection such as increased redness, warmth, pus, or crusting.

Common Eczema Triggers

Many factors can cause eczema, and understanding these common triggers can help manage and prevent flare-ups. Below is a list of common eczema triggers.

Allergens

• Pollen: Seasonal pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds can trigger eczema, especially in individuals who also suffer from hay fever or other allergic conditions.
• Dust Mites: These tiny creatures thrive in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture, and can worsen eczema in sensitive individuals.
• Pet Dander: Proteins found in the skin flakes, saliva, and urine of pets like cats, dogs, and rodents can trigger allergic reactions, including eczema flare-ups.
• Mold: Exposure to mold, which thrives in damp environments, can trigger eczema symptoms, particularly in humid conditions.
• Food Allergies: Certain foods, such as eggs, dairy, nuts, soy, and wheat, can trigger eczema, especially in children.

Irritants

• Harsh Soaps and Detergents: Products containing strong surfactants and dyes can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to irritation and eczema flare-ups.
• Wool and Synthetic Fabrics: Rough or scratchy materials like wool (as well as synthetic fabrics that do not breathe well) can irritate sensitive skin and trigger eczema.
• Chemicals: Exposure to household cleaning products, disinfectants, and solvents can irritate the skin and cause eczema to flare.
• Perfumes and Fragrances: Fragrances in personal care products, laundry detergents, and air fresheners can irritate the skin and trigger eczema.
• Tobacco Smoke: Secondhand smoke contains chemicals that can irritate the skin and worsen eczema symptoms.

Environmental Factors

• Cold Weather: Cold, dry air can strip the skin of moisture, leading to dryness and eczema flare-ups. Indoor heating during winter months can also dry out the skin.
• Hot Weather and Sweat: Heat and sweating can cause itching and irritation, leading to flare-ups in hot and humid conditions.
• Low Humidity: Dry air, often associated with winter or air-conditioned environments, can lead to dry skin and worsen eczema.
• Pollution: Air pollution, particularly in urban areas, can trigger eczema by increasing skin sensitivity and inflammation.

Stress

• Emotional Stress: Stress is a well-known trigger for eczema. Stress hormones can increase inflammation and worsen eczema symptoms, leading to a cycle where eczema causes stress and stress worsens eczema.
• Physical Stress: Physical stress on the body, such as lack of sleep, illness, or fatigue, can weaken the immune system and trigger eczema flare-ups.

Infections

• Skin Infections: Bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Staphylococcus aureus, can worsen eczema. Fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, can also trigger eczema symptoms.
• Viral Infections: Viral infections like the common cold or flu can weaken the immune system, leading to eczema flare-ups.

Dietary Triggers

• Certain Foods: While not all individuals with eczema are affected by food, some common dietary triggers include dairy, gluten, eggs, nuts, and seafood. 

Sweat and Friction

• Exercise: Intense physical activity that leads to excessive sweating can irritate the skin and trigger eczema. Friction from clothing or equipment during exercise can also worsen symptoms.
• Tight Clothing: Wearing tight clothing, especially in warm weather, can trap sweat and cause friction, leading to irritation and flare-ups.

With the many possible triggers of eczema, it can be hard to know which among them is causing yours.

To help with that, you can try forming the habits below.

Keep a Symptom Diary

Document when flare-ups occur, noting what you were doing, eating, or exposed to at the time. Include details like weather conditions, stress levels, and any new products you used.

Over time, you may notice patterns that point to specific triggers. This information is valuable for avoiding those triggers in the future.

Patch Testing

Before applying a new skincare or cosmetic product to your face or body, do a patch test on a small area of skin, such as the inside of your wrist. Wait 24 to 48 hours to check for any reaction.

If you are unsure about a product, ask your dermatologist for advice on whether it is suitable for eczema-prone skin.

Read Labels Carefully

Look for products that are labeled "dye-free," and "hypoallergenic." Avoid ingredients like alcohol, sulfates, parabens, and formaldehyde, which can irritate sensitive skin.

Instead, choose skincare products specifically formulated for eczema or sensitive skin, such as those containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or colloidal oatmeal.

Control Environmental Factors

Use a humidifier during dry, cold months to maintain moisture in the air. This helps prevent your skin from becoming too dry, which can trigger eczema.

You should also protect your skin from extreme cold, which can dry out the skin, and excessive heat, which can cause sweating and irritation. Dress appropriately for the weather and stay in comfortable environments.

Dietary Awareness

If you suspect certain foods are triggering your eczema, consider an elimination diet under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Gradually reintroduce foods to identify potential triggers.

Be aware of common food allergens, such as dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and gluten, that might trigger flare-ups.

Stress Management

Recognize the situations or factors that cause you stress, as stress is a known trigger for eczema.

Learn to incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or regular physical activity into your routine to manage stress levels.

Clothing Choices

Wear clothing made from soft, breathable fabrics like cotton. Avoid rough materials like wool or synthetic fabrics that can irritate the skin.

You should also ideally choose loose-fitting clothes to reduce friction against your skin (which can trigger eczema flare-ups), especially in warm or humid weather.

Maintain Good Hygiene

Sweat can irritate the skin, so shower promptly after exercising or sweating heavily. Use a mild cleanser and let your skin dry gently.

If you are prone to eczema on your hands, wash them with gentle soap and moisturize immediately afterward. Wear gloves when handling cleaning products or chemicals.

Avoid Allergens

Regularly clean your bedding, vacuum carpets, and consider using allergen-proof mattresses and pillow covers to reduce dust mites.

If you have pets, bathe them regularly and keep them out of your bedroom to minimize exposure to dander. Consider using air purifiers to reduce allergens in the air.

Be Careful with Jewelry

Nickel is a common allergen that can trigger eczema. As such, choose jewelry made from hypoallergenic materials, such as stainless steel, gold, or silver.

Many costume jewelry items also contain nickel or other irritants, so opt for high-quality pieces to avoid allergic reactions.

Regular Dermatologist Visits

Regularly consult with a dermatologist to help identify and manage triggers. They can provide personalized advice and recommend treatments or lifestyle adjustments based on your specific condition.

Your dermatologist may suggest patch testing or other skin tests to identify specific allergens or irritants causing your eczema.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is the Difference Between Dry Skin and Eczema on Face?

Eczema is more likely to be due to genetics or an immune component. Meanwhile, dry skin is typically caused by a person’s environment and lifestyle. However, some skincare products for dry skin may be used to help manage eczema.

Why Does Facial Eczema Differ From Body Eczema?

The face and body have different environments — such as in the skin microbiome, sebaceous gland concentration, and levels of natural moisturizing factors. The face also experiences more environmental exposure than the body, so it can interact with more possible triggers.

Should I Avoid Soap if I Have Eczema?

Yes, people with eczema should ideally avoid soaps, bubble baths, and shower gels since they may contain irritants that can make the skin drier and itchier. Instead, you can use a thick moisturizer as a substitute.

Key Takeaways on Skincare Routine for Facial Eczema

Managing eczema requires a thoughtful and consistent skincare routine that is specifically tailored to soothe and protect sensitive skin. 

By using gentle products, moisturizing regularly, and avoiding known triggers, you can reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. 

Adjusting your routine during flare-ups and consulting with a dermatologist when necessary also ensures your skin stays healthy and comfortable.