As with other skin conditions, it can be tricky to manage eczema well. Even if you’re using prescribed medication, you may need to find other methods to ease your discomfort. One option is using natural oils regularly to keep your skin moisturized and healthy. Let’s look at some of the oils that can work for you.
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Here are 10 Essential Oils For Eczema:
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1. Tea Tree Oil
Studies show that tea tree oil has good antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Those properties make it good for easing your eczema symptoms. The oil is a little strong, however, so the experts recommend using it in a diluted form such as with a carrier oil or in a skincare product. Some of the carrier oils you can try are almond oil, argan oil, or coconut oil.
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2. Eucalyptus Oil
This oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties so it’s great for treating skin conditions. It’s particularly helpful when you’re having a flare-up. You should never use this undiluted, though, so make sure to look for products that contain eucalyptus oil or combine it with a carrier oil.
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3. Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood oil is good for soothing skin conditions like acne, eczema, and cracked skin. It can be applied during a flare-up or to maintain healthy skin.
4. Calendula Oil
A lack of moisture can make eczema worse and calendula oil is great for keeping the skin supple. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
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5. Chamomile Oil
Antioxidants are known for keeping skin healthy so that’s why some dermatologists recommend using chamomile oil. It has noteworthy antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that can be useful for those with eczema.
6. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can be soothing on the skin. As with eucalyptus oil, you shouldn’t use it in its undiluted form. You need skincare products that contain peppermint oil or you can make something yourself with a carrier.
7. Cedarwood Oil
If you’re dealing with an irritating skin condition, cedarwood oil is a good way to soothe the issue and stop symptoms from getting worse.
8. Patchouli Oil
While you can’t use this oil on your skin, it’s excellent for easing stress when it’s inhaled. It’s common for eczema to get worse when you’re in stressful situations so using patchouli oil can help to prevent a flare-up.
9. Frankincense Oil
While there hasn’t been any specific research on frankincense oil, it’s widely believed that it has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s been used with different types of skin irritation so it can be helpful with eczema. However, you should never use it without a carrier oil.
10. Cape Rose Geranium
Cape rose geranium is great for treating inflammation and redness. If you’re going to use this oil, it’s better to look for a product that contains it or to dilute it with another oil.
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The Best Way To Use These Oils
It’s important to note that even natural oils can cause irritation so you should try a small amount of oil on a patch of skin before applying it to affected areas.
The experts also recommend using a carrier oil to dilute certain other oils so you can get the benefits while reducing the risk of making your eczema worse.
Since it’s possible to develop sensitivities over time, you should always keep an eye out for changes in your skin. Those who are pregnant should be careful when using essential oils as well because their skin could be more sensitive. Of course, if you keep having issues managing your eczema, it’s best to talk to your doctor about handling your condition differently.
The right natural oils can be a great way to keep eczema under control. If you’re not sure which one to use, try them out carefully. It’s also a good idea to let your doctor know about any changes that suggest your current medication regimen isn’t effective anymore.
