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How To Care For Eczema — Your Step-By-Step Guide

Soothe flare-ups, strengthen your barrier, and keep skin comfortably hydrated with gentle, effective care.

In This Guide

Understanding Eczema (Dermatitis)

Eczema-prone skin has a compromised barrier that loses moisture easily and reacts to common triggers. The goal: reduce flare-ups, rebuild lipids, and keep hydration sealed in — all with fragrance-light, pH-balanced formulas.

  • Weakened Skin Barrier

    Low ceramides and lipids let water escape, causing tightness, roughness and itching.

  • Triggers & Irritants

    Fragrance, harsh surfactants, wool, heat, sweat and stress can spark flares.

  • Climate & Over-Washing

    Cold weather, air-con and long hot showers increase transepidermal water loss.

  • Over-Exfoliation

    Strong acids or scrubs worsen sensitivity. Keep textures soft and infrequent.

Hero Ingredients For Calm, Comfortable Skin

Think humectants + lipids + occlusives to hydrate, cushion and seal.

  • Ceramides, Cholesterol & Fatty Acids

    Rebuild the barrier so skin retains moisture more effectively.

  • Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

    Supports barrier function and helps reduce visible redness.

  • Panthenol & Beta-Glucan

    Hydrating soothers that help settle feelings of itch and tightness.

  • Centella (Cica) & Oat

    Comfort sensitised skin and support recovery during/after flares.

  • Mineral SPF (Zinc Oxide)

    Daily protection helps prevent UV-driven irritation and dryness.

The Clean Beauty Difference

We favour barrier-first formulas that minimise common irritants while delivering real comfort.

What We Avoid

  • Sulphates (SLS/SLES) that strip natural oils
  • Heavy synthetic fragrance and harsh drying alcohols
  • Rough physical scrubs and frequent strong acids

What We Include

  • pH-balanced cleansers and milky textures
  • Ceramides, niacinamide, panthenol, beta-glucan
  • Mineral SPF for gentle daily defence

Lifestyle Tips That Help

Pair your routine with these eczema-friendly habits.

  • Lukewarm Showers

    Keep them short; apply moisturiser within 60 seconds of towelling off.

  • Soft Fabrics

    Choose breathable cotton; avoid rough wool against skin.

  • Fragrance-Free Laundry

    Switch to gentle detergents and skip fabric softeners.

  • Humidify Your Space

    A bedside humidifier helps maintain overnight hydration.

Your Simple Step Ritual For Acne

  1. Cleanse - Creamy & pH-Balanced

    This creamy, pH-balanced cleanser removes impurities, sunscreen, and buildup without disrupting the skin barrier. Its rich, milky texture soothes as it cleanses, leaving skin feeling soft and replenished. Unlike foaming cleansers, it avoids stripping essential oils that keep skin balanced and comfortable. Infused with calming botanicals such as Edelweiss, it supports sensitive and reactive skin types. The formula respects the skin’s natural pH, preventing dryness and irritation. Used morning and night, it creates a clean, calm base for the rest of your skincare ritual. This step ensures your skin remains resilient, hydrated, and ready for nourishing layers that follow.

  2. Replenish - Ceramide Mist

    A ceramide-enriched mist delivers a soft veil of hydration that instantly calms and replenishes. It helps reinforce the skin’s barrier, reducing dryness and sensitivity while creating a smoother base for treatments. The fine spray distributes evenly, ensuring every part of your skin receives a refreshing boost. Because it is light and soothing, you can use it throughout the day as often as needed. By layering hydration in this way, you reduce the chances of tightness and discomfort. Regular use improves your skin’s ability to retain moisture, supporting a plump, comfortable feel. It is a versatile step that keeps your skin hydrated and well-prepped all day long.

  3. Treat (AM) - Niacinamide

    Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a powerful yet gentle treatment that strengthens the skin barrier. It helps reduce visible redness and uneven tone, making the complexion appear more balanced and calm. This lightweight serum absorbs quickly, leaving no heaviness or stickiness behind. Daily use supports oil balance, reduces blotchiness, and improves resilience against environmental stress. Because it is versatile, it pairs easily with other ingredients in your routine. Over time, it enhances clarity and helps maintain a consistently even-looking complexion. This is your essential morning treatment for calm, hydrated, and resilient skin.

  4. Treat (PM) - Cica + Ceramides

    This evening serum combines cica and ceramides to comfort and strengthen sensitive skin. Cica soothes irritation and reduces redness, while ceramides replenish what your skin naturally loses. The lightweight texture absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling calm and supported. Used consistently, it helps restore balance and resilience, making skin less prone to flare-ups. This step works in synergy with your moisturiser to improve overnight recovery. Over time, the skin feels calmer, stronger, and more comfortable overall. It is the perfect evening treatment for building back strength and hydration.

  5. Moisturise - Lipid-Rich Barrier Cream

    A deeply replenishing barrier cream restores hydration while preventing moisture loss throughout the day and night. Its lipid-rich formula reinforces the skin’s natural defense system, creating a cushion of long-lasting comfort. Despite its richness, it is designed to absorb well, leaving no heavy or greasy residue. By locking in previous layers, it ensures hydration and actives stay effective for longer. Regular use helps strengthen the barrier, making skin more resilient against dryness and environmental triggers. It soothes discomfort and reduces visible signs of sensitivity, leaving skin supple and calm. This is the anchor step that keeps hydration locked in and the barrier supported.

  6. Optional: Balm Seal

    A cushiony balm-cream is the perfect finishing touch for skin that needs extra comfort. It provides a protective layer that seals in moisture, preventing water loss throughout the night. Its thicker texture comforts stubborn dry patches, making skin feel smoother and calmer. Despite its richness, it melts easily into the skin, leaving a soft, velvety finish. Applied over your cream, it enhances hydration and provides extra support in harsh or dry climates. With regular use, it helps restore comfort and resilience to compromised skin. It is an optional but deeply nourishing step for lasting softness and hydration.

  7. Protect (AM) - Mineral SPF 50

    Daily sun protection is essential for keeping skin comfortable and hydrated long term. A mineral SPF with zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum protection while being gentle enough for sensitive skin. It shields against UV-induced irritation, redness, and dryness that can disrupt the barrier. By applying generously, you create a protective veil that supports all your other skincare efforts. Reapplying outdoors maintains consistent protection, especially in direct sun. With daily use, SPF prevents premature aging while maintaining hydration and skin comfort. It is the final, non-negotiable step for calm, healthy, and hydrated skin.

Further Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this routine suitable during a flare?

Yes — keep it minimal and soothing. Pause exfoliants and any actives that tingle. If you have severe, persistent flares, consult a professional for personalised care.

Can I exfoliate if I have eczema?

Very gently and infrequently, only when skin is calm. Choose low-strength, non-stinging options and skip completely during flares.

Fragrance — avoid it completely?

Many eczema-prone skins prefer fragrance-free. If a product contains fragrance or essential oils, keep it minimal and discontinue if you notice stinging or redness.

How do I layer for best results?

AM: cleanse → mist → niacinamide → moisturiser → SPF. PM: cleanse → mist → cica/ceramides serum → moisturiser → optional balm seal. Always pat products in; avoid rubbing.

How long until I feel relief?

Comfort is often immediate with barrier-supportive textures. For sustained improvements in dryness and visible redness, give it 2–4 weeks of consistent, gentle care with daily SPF.

About The Author

Erin Norden

Erin Norden

Certified Dermatologist & Clean Beauty Expert

Erin is a professional Makeup Artist with over 15 years’ experience and the founder of Clean Beauty Market, Australia’s leading destination for luxury clean beauty. Since 2017, she has curated and tested hundreds of high-performing, cruelty-free brands, setting the standard for clean beauty nationwide. Featured in publications like Marie Claire, Elle, and Cosmopolitan, and on Channel 7’s Kochie’s Business Builders, Erin is widely recognised as a trusted voice and advocate in the clean beauty space.

  • 15+ years as a professional Makeup Artist (establishes deep, hands-on industry knowledge).
  • Founder of Clean Beauty Market (est. 2017), Australia’s leading clean beauty retailer.
  • Transitioned her entire professional and personal beauty kit to clean, sustainable alternatives, proving she lives what she teaches.