Your skincare routine can significantly impact your atopic dermatitis, a common form of eczema. Certain personal care products, alongside dry skin and stress, are known triggers for flare-ups. When choosing a soap for your hands or body, it's crucial to find one that cleans effectively without exacerbating eczema symptoms like itchiness, dryness, and inflammation.
Understanding What to Look For in Soap for Atopic Dermatitis
Regular soaps can be harsh on the skin due to their high pH levels or the presence of strong chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). These ingredients can compromise your skin's natural barrier, stripping away essential moisture and natural oils. As one MyEczemaTeam member noted, "Soaps dry me right up."
The Benefits of Syndet Bars
Human skin typically has a pH level between 4 and 6, whereas most traditional soaps operate at a pH of 9 to 10. This significant difference can disrupt your skin's natural pH balance, leading to dryness and irritation, and potentially worsening atopic dermatitis symptoms. While the skin has mechanisms to rebalance its pH, exposure to highly acidic or alkaline soaps can overwhelm these systems.
Syndet bars, short for "synthetic detergent," offer a gentler alternative. Unlike traditional soaps, syndet bars are formulated with a neutral or slightly acidic pH, making them more compatible with sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Their primary ingredient is a non-soap surfactant, a compound that enhances the product's ability to spread and penetrate, thus improving its effectiveness.
Syndet bars are known for being mild and hydrating, making them an excellent choice for individuals with dry, eczema-prone skin. Using syndet bars instead of conventional soaps can help preserve the skin barrier, maintain moisture levels, and ensure effective cleansing.
Examples of Syndet Bars for Atopic Dermatitis:
- Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
- Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar or Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar
- La Roche-Posay Lipikar Syndet One
One MyEczemaTeam member found significant relief by using a fragrance-free Dove soap and body wash, stating, "I’ve been having a good day with no problems and no itching. I’ve been using my Dove soap and body wash without perfume, and that has helped me a lot."
The Role of Natural Moisturizers: Glycerin and Colloidal Oatmeal
Glycerin is a common ingredient in gentle cleansers and soaps. It functions as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin and helping it retain hydration. Glycerin is widely used in various skincare products, lotions, and even some food items for its moisturizing properties.
Colloidal oatmeal is another beneficial ingredient that can soothe itchiness and reduce inflammation associated with eczema. Both glycerin and oatmeal are frequently found in soaps designed to be safe for eczema-prone skin.
Seeking the National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance
The National Eczema Association (NEA) rigorously tests products to ensure they are suitable for individuals with eczema. Their Seal of Acceptance program identifies products that are free from common allergens and irritants listed on the NEA's Ecz-Clusion List. This seal provides a valuable guide for people with atopic dermatitis and other chronic skin conditions, helping them select products less likely to cause allergic reactions, irritation, or exacerbate their symptoms.
Even if a soap appears to contain beneficial ingredients, it is highly recommended to look for the NEA Seal of Acceptance. This certification indicates that the product has undergone testing and has been approved by the NEA for eczema-prone skin.
Specific Product Recommendations:
- CeraVe Soothing Body Wash: Developed by dermatologists, this body wash is formulated to cleanse and calm the skin. It contains three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and omega oils, designed to cleanse while protecting the skin barrier. The product is free from parabens, sulfates, and fragrances and holds the NEA Seal of Acceptance.
It's important to remember that everyone's skin is unique, and finding the best cleanser may involve some trial and error. Some MyEczemaTeam members have reported positive results with brands like Cetaphil, Aveeno (specifically a highly hydrating fragrance-free skin cleanser), Dove, and goat milk soap. The consensus among many is to experiment with fragrance-free options and follow up with an eczema cream or ointment within three minutes of towel-drying after bathing.
If you are uncertain about which products to choose, consulting with a dermatology provider for personalized soap recommendations and skincare tips is advisable.
What to Avoid in Soap for Atopic Dermatitis
Understanding which ingredients can trigger eczema flare-ups is as important as knowing what to look for. Certain common soap ingredients can exacerbate skin sensitivity.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a widely used ingredient in soaps, shampoos, and detergents, valued for its cleansing properties. However, SLS can also damage the skin's natural barrier, potentially worsening symptoms of atopic dermatitis, such as dryness and irritation. For individuals with eczema-prone skin, opting for soaps labeled "SLS-free" is recommended.
Fragrance
Fragrances are complex mixtures, often composed of hundreds of chemicals. Manufacturers typically list them simply as "perfume" or "fragrance" on product labels, making it difficult to identify specific ingredients that might irritate the skin. This lack of transparency can be problematic for those sensitive to certain compounds.
Approximately 1% to 4% of the general population is sensitive to fragrances, but this number can increase significantly to 8% to 15% for individuals with contact dermatitis, a type of eczema. A MyEczemaTeam member shared, "I’ve found that scented soaps and detergents can be very irritating to my eczema."
To minimize the risk of irritation, it is best to choose soaps with natural ingredients or those that clearly list all their components. Avoiding products with artificial dyes and fragrances and sticking to simple, unscented cleansers is a safer approach.
Tips for Protecting Skin from Infection and Irritation
Proper handwashing is essential for preventing the spread of germs and infections. However, for individuals with atopic dermatitis, frequent handwashing can lead to dryness and increase the likelihood of flare-ups. The Allergy and Asthma Network offers several tips to help maintain healthy skin while preventing infection:
Wash, Don’t Sanitize
Hand sanitizers often contain alcohol, which can be drying to the skin if used frequently. Whenever possible, opt for washing your hands with a gentle cleanser instead.
Pat Dry
After washing your hands, gently pat them dry with a disposable towel or tissue. Avoid rubbing, as this can irritate the skin.
Moisturize After Each Wash
Immediately after drying your hands, apply a generous layer of moisturizer to your hands and fingers. This should be done every time you wash your hands. Keeping a travel-sized moisturizer handy allows for application right after washing.
Carry Your Own Soap
If you are concerned about the harsh soaps available in public restrooms, consider carrying a travel-sized bottle of your preferred gentle soap. Ensure the bottle is kept clean to prevent germ transmission.
Change Disposable Gloves Frequently
If you wear disposable gloves, change them often and maintain hand hygiene. Washing or sanitizing gloves can degrade them, and any missed spots during cleaning could potentially spread germs.
Connect with Others Who Understand
Online communities like MyEczemaTeam provide a platform for individuals living with eczema and their loved ones to connect, ask questions, share advice, and discuss their experiences. Engaging with others who understand the challenges of managing eczema can offer valuable support and insights.