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Balmy Fox

Sports & Outdoors Skincare for Eczema-Prone Skin

Eczema Skincare, Chemical Free Suncream, Natural Spf Lip Balm
If we’ve piqued your attention, then you’re likely be one of the thousands of people who are prone to outbreaks of eczema and who understand the necessity to avoid triggers that irritate your skin further or perhaps activate a new outbreak entirely. You may love the water, enjoy running, or live for winter sports, so it’s immensely frustrating that your skin’s natural barrier lets you down just when you want to continue doing the outdoor activities you’ve come to love and enjoy. Indeed, in a recent survey, those affected by moderate-to-severe eczema are often reluctant to participate in activities at all! But Balmy Fox is here to tell you it doesn’t have to be that way.

What is Eczema, and what causes it?

Eczema, otherwise known as atopic dermatitis, is activated by a combination of environmental triggers and stress, immune system activation, and simple genetics. Consequently, your immune system goes into overdrive, overreacting to minor irritants or allergens, causing your skin to become dry, itchy, irritated, cracked and inflamed. As a result, eczema sufferers have to be super careful with what topical skincare products are used on the skin and generally have to be more prepared than the average person when venturing outdoors to pursue the sports and activities they enjoy.

Establish an Eczema Skincare Routine

Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturised is super important as it helps avoid your skin becoming itchy, irritated and prevent skin thickening. Choosing skincare products containing humectants and emollients are crucial for preventing and caring for eczema-prone skin. Even in mild cases, dry skin is the core symptom of eczema, which a good skincare routine will help keep at bay. Of course, this may not be enough in more severe cases, and additional treatments may be needed. However, whether your eczema is mild or severe, a good skincare routine is a crucial starting point and focusing on eczema friendly ingredients to lock in moisture and soothe the skin is paramount.

Skincare Ingredients to look out for

The perfect combination of hydrators and rich emollients are essential for caring for and preventing dry, irritated and itchy skin. Hydrators, also known as humectants, attract water molecules, binding them to the skin, and are super nourishing to dehydrated skin. They also stimulate the shedding of dead skin cells, helping to improve the appearance of flaky skin and skin that has become thickened from inflammation and scratching. Emollients (also known as occlusives) are vital to lock in moisture and, together with humectants, make a powerful combination in the fight against excessive dry skin conditions.

While synthetic humectants such as urea, glycerin, and lactic acid are available, essential oils such as Avocado, Almond, Sesame, Olive oil, and wheat germ oils make excellent natural alternatives. Essential oils also make super nourishing emollients, so look out for Argan, Hemp Seed, Jojoba, Borage, Rosehip Seed and Apricot Kernel Oil. In addition, keep your eye out for shea butter which is another natural skincare saviour that offers rich moisturising properties.

At Balmy Fox, we strive to create our creams and lotions using natural 80% organic ingredients. Our products already use many of these humectant and emollient-rich essential oils, making our Balmy Fox skincare range ideal for even the most irritated and driest skin conditions, including eczema.

Our Skin Maintenance Duo set comes with our Lip Balm and our signature Hand & Foot Repair Cream filled with nutritious ingredients such as Almond and Hemp Oil. It’s also boosted with Arnica and Tea Tree oil for their natural anti-inflammatory, antiseptic qualities to calm inflammation and treat broken skin. In addition, our solid Balm Bar gives instant hydration relief by simply rubbing the bar onto dry areas, and it’s super compact to carry in your backpack.

Prepare for Outdoor Sports!

Sports skincare – Of course, garnering the perfect skincare routine is just one element, and there are many other things you can do to minimise your exposure to eczema triggers, such as humidity, heat, cold, wind, and more.
Winter skincare, when you are an eczema sufferer can prove even more challenging, so take time to look at what works.

Tips for Heat & Humidity

  • Understanding how your skin is affected by the sun is essential. In some cases, warm and sunny weather may be a welcome relief for eczema sufferers. However, if the sun is a trigger for you, then wearing a hat and staying out of direct sunlight is vital. And always wear sun protection cream! Look out for those with minerals zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and avoid suncream that is chemically laden.
  • If you're into outdoor sports and activities, then you can't avoid sweating. However, sweating is drying for your skin, with the natural salt in your sweat also irritating. Choose soft, breathable clothing that will help your skin remain cool, and invest in clothing that wicks away sweat may also be prudent. Look for natural sweat-wicking fabrics such as Micromodal and Bamboo.
  • If you're more of a water baby, chlorine in swimming pools and salt in seawater can be incredibly irritating. Apply a layer of lotion before taking a dip to minimise irritation.
  • Whatever sport or activity you indulge in, it's essential to rinse off as soon as possible to wash away any triggering irritants such as sweat, saltwater, chlorine, pollen, etc. And don't forget to lotion up immediately afterwards to lock in that moisture!

Tips for Cold & Dry Wind

  • Cold winter wind can be tough on eczema-prone skin as it's particularly drying, so try to keep showers and baths lukewarm rather than hot. This can be an eczema trigger despite the temptation to jump straight into hot water after a cold winter walk!
  • Double up on your moisturising during the winter season as cold air is excessively drying to the skin. Pay particular attention to the body parts that will be exposed to the outside cold air, especially your face and hands. See your moisturiser as a barrier and choose creams and lotions with humectants that will lock in moisture.
  • Digging out that woolly jumper may sound like the perfect winter warmer, but the itchy fibres can be a trigger for eczema suffers. If you do wear wool, use a cotton layer underneath to protect your skin.
  • Finally, when you're out enjoying the cool winter season, whilst it's important not to get cold, you also don't want to overheat. Wearing layers is the sensible option for eczema sufferers. That way, you can stay comfortable by quickly removing layers and putting them back on as and when needed.

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