I have Eczema or Psoriasis, what's most effective for me?

We understand the frustrations from personal experience. Since I had my 2 young children, my husband and I have seen them experience many episodes of strange, unexplainable itchy skin rashes. It's instinctive for everyone in the family to jump into recommending some all-in-one cream that can magically cure these rashes.

But before you start your search for the best cream to help your eczema or psoriasis, the important starting point is to first understand your skin. Once you gain a science-based understanding of your skin, you'll have clarity on how to manage your conditions. 

For those with eczema or psoriasis, a multi-step skincare routine (see our Discounted Starter Bundles here) can offer significant benefits, especially if your skin is dry, cracked, or prone to flare-ups. These skin conditions compromise your skin’s natural barrier, leading to an endless cycle of irritation, itching, and discomfort. 

YOUR SKIN'S 3 LAYERS:

1. Epidermis: The outer layer that serves as the first defense against environmental stressors like allergens, bacteria, and pollutants.

2. Dermis: The middle layer, where inflammation and sensitivity often take root. It contains essential components like collagen, elastin, and blood vessels that support the skin’s structure and elasticity.

3. Hypodermis: The deepest layer, primarily made up of fat and connective tissue, which helps insulate and cushion the body.

In eczema or psoriasis, your epidermis is damaged, leading to dryness, cracks, and exposure to irritants that penetrate deeper into the skin (see pic 1 below), causing inflammation in the dermis. This can result in itchiness and discomfort. Addressing each layer of the skin with a targeted skincare routine can help soothe symptoms, lock in moisture, and protect your skin barrier.


Pic 1: Comparison of Normal vs. Eczema Skin
(Source: National Eczema Society)

STEP 1: GENTLE CLEANSING WITHOUT STRIPPING MOISTURE

Cleansing is essential, but when you have eczema or psoriasis, it's crucial to choose a soap-free, fragrance-free cleanser that will gently remove dirt and bacteria without stripping away the skin's natural oils. Many soaps contain ingredients that can further irritate and dry out already weakened skin.

Soap Ingredients to Avoid:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Harsh detergents that are so common in soaps -- both irritating and drying.
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine: A foaming agent that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive skin.
• Fragrances and Dyes: Artificial fragrances and dyes can worsen skin irritation and trigger allergic responses. (Even popular essential oils like lavender should be avoided if you have sensitive skin!)

By using a fragrance-free and soap-free cleanser, such as those enriched with gentle ingredients like aloe vera or colloidal oat, you help maintain the skin’s natural moisture while prepping it for hydration. Aloe vera is a natural hydrator known for its soothing properties, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Research studies found that in treating chronic wounds, Aloe vera dressings were far superior in effectiveness than petroleum jelly gauze dressing.

STEP 2: HYDRATION (*MOST IMPORTANT STEP!)

Hydration is the most critical step for skin damaged by eczema or psoriasis. Cracked skin, which may be oozing liquid, requires products that deeply hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin’s barrier. You may look for moisturisers rich in natural humectants and botanical ingredients that draw moisture into the skin and support your healing process.

Natural Ingredients to Look For:

• Colloidal Oat: A natural anti-inflammatory, oat extract helps reduce redness and irritation.
• Calendula: This flower extract has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting skin repair.
• Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate: These humectants draw water into the skin, improving hydration and reducing dryness.

Products containing these ingredients, such as those in TriDerma’s range, can help reduce itching by keeping the skin hydrated. Medical research studies have proven that Colloidal Oat, for instance, significantly improved itch severity amongst those with atopic dermatitis symptoms.

Itchiness happens when your skin’s natural barrier is compromised, and moisture evaporates, leading to dryness that triggers the nerve endings in the skin. Hydration restores the balance, reducing your urge to scratch yourself.

STEP 3: REPAIR - ADDRESSING CRACKS, OOZING & ITCHING

One of the common problems of eczema and psoriasis is cracked, broken skin that is vulnerable to infection and irritation. These cracks can sometimes ooze liquid, a sign that the skin barrier is severely compromised. Products like TriDerma’s Intense Fast Healing Cream can help repair these cracks, speeding up the healing process while forming a protective layer over the skin to prevent further damage.

Why Cracked Skin Itches:

When the skin barrier is broken, moisture escapes and irritants enter the skin, causing inflammation and itchiness. Addressing these cracks with a healing cream helps seal the skin, protecting it from further irritants and allowing it to heal faster, which in turn reduces itching.

Besides using creams rich in anti-inflammatory qualities like aloe vera, do include occlusives like shea butter or beeswax, which form a protective barrier to lock in moisture. These natural ingredients help soothe your skin and protect it, working together to reduce the itch-scratch cycle that can further damage your skin.

STEP 4: SEALING IN MOISTURE

The final step in your routine should be sealing in moisture with an occlusive cream. For those with cracked or extremely dry skin, this step is crucial for locking in hydration and providing an extra barrier to prevent moisture loss.

Recommended Occlusive Ingredients:

• Beeswax: A natural occlusive that forms a protective layer over the skin, preventing water loss while allowing the skin to breathe.
• Shea Butter: Another excellent natural occlusive, shea butter provides rich moisture and helps soften and soothe dry, inflamed skin.

These ingredients can help protect the deeper layers of the skin, especially the hypodermis, by creating a barrier that prevents the skin from losing moisture. This is particularly helpful for cracked, broken skin prone to oozing, as it shields the skin while promoting healing from within. 

These are some of our oclusive creams with beeswax and / shea butter: 

Intense Fast Healing -- Our global bestseller, helpful for both kids + adults!
Healing All-Purpose Cream -- Formulated for Kids.
Extreme Dryness Plus -- Deeply moisturising and soothing. 
Essential Hand Cream -- For silky, soft hands.

KICKSTART YOUR JOURNEY TO SOOTHING YOUR SKIN TODAY!

To make it easier for you, we've bundled up our bestselling multi-step routines for you here: Discounted Starter Bundles Best part of it? You enjoy 10% savings when you purchase these bundles.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information for understanding skin issues and the potential benefits of TriDerma's skincare solutions. It is important to note that these guidelines should not replace individualised medical advice or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.