Alternatives to apply to your skin if you are suffering with Eczema or Psoriasis

When it comes to managing eczema or psoriasis, you definitely want to be more cognisant of what is being applied to the skin. After all, the skin is the largest organ of the body and is absorbing whatever is being applied topically. If using common over the counter moisturisers, more than likely they contain toxic chemicals that are best avoided at all costs.

 The below list has been proven to be effective when searching for alternatives. These ingredients will not only aid moisture, but will also nourish and heal the skin.

Alternative moisturising agents to apply topically:

Coconut Oil

It is thought that the  lauric acid in coconut oil is the active agent which helps eczema heal. Lauric acid is a nutritious fatty acid, or lipid, also found in breast milk. It is used to develop monolaurin, which is an antimicrobial agent that can fight bacteria, fungi, yeast, viruses and other pathogens, therefore making it an antimicrobial agent that can fight yeast, fungi, viruses and bacteria.

Credit to Irene Kredenets

Coconut oil has a natural ability to penetrate the skin quickly which will boost the hydration therefore reducing the chances of an infection.

This study also proved the ant-inflammatory benefits of coconut oil which makes it a suitable oil to apply topically for those struggling with eczema.

When using coconut oil as a moisturiser, ensure that it is cold pressed and extra virgin. This will ensure there are no additional chemicals added.

 Personally, I have found coconut oil to be very key in terms of our healing experience with eczema, however it was typically used in conjunction with another oil.

 Blackseed oil

This has to  be one of my favourite oils and is a must for any natural first aid cupboard. Blackseed oil is also known as black caraway, black cumin, kalonji, and black onion seeds and comes from the Nigella Sative plant. In an oil form it can be ingested and applied topically. This article explains the phenomenal properties of blackseed and why it so beneficial to people with eczema or psoriasis. Some of the properties of blackseed oil include:

• Antimicrobial

  • Antibactrial

  • Antiviral

  • Anftifungal

  • Antiparasitic

• Wound Healing

• Anti-inflammatory

 Jojoba and Borage Oil

These oils are also seeing promising results when used as part of a moisturising regime for eczema, this is once again largely due the anti-inflammatory properties these oils possess.

 Tea tree oil

This oil is commonly used topically today to treat wounds and cuts, but is also very useful when treating eczema. One study even found it more effective than using zinc oxide or itchthammol topically. Benefits of using tea tree oil specifically for eczema include:

• Reduces Inflammation

• Heals wounds

• Fights off viruses

• Relieves itching

Credit to Cari Corbet -Owen

Aloe vera

This plant is long known for its natural moisturising properties and there is now some evidence to suggest that it could be particularly useful when dealing with eczema. The following properties of aloe vera is what makes this another great option to consider:

• Antioxidant

• Antimicrobial

• Immune boosting

• Would healing

You want to ensure you are using 100% aloe vera gel.

From personal experience, the cooling nature of this plant was also very useful to calm the itching that is typically associated with eczema or psoriasis.

 Wrapping it Up

There are a few more options, but these above are the most commonly used topical applications when it comes treating eczema or psoriasis. As you can see there are no crazy names that are impossible to pronounce and more importantly the body would actually recognise these ingredients.

Whilst dealing with eczema or psoriasis, the healing is very much an “inside” job rather than an ‘outside’ in approach. These ingredients have proven to be very effective when wanting to manage and heal eczema and psoriasis naturally.

It is important to note that what works for one, may not work for another. It is all about trial and error, even with natural approaches. At one point in our journey, I got so specific of what I knew worked for my son, that I had it custom made up, and even then, I still needed to add my own additional coconut oil.

From my experience, I’ve found a combination of coconut oil, blackseed oil and tree tree to be amazing at assisting the healing the process. It goes without saying with eczema or any skin condition, that it is all about moisture, moisture and more moisture ,so a once off application will not cut it.

If you need assistance wanting to heal eczema or psoriasis from the ‘inside out’ then email info@chantalkhoury.com.au to see which one of packages may best suit you and your family.

Chantal is a Certified and Accredited Nutrition & Wellness Coach with a special interest in helping stressed and overwhelmed mums transform the health of their family’s by using Food as Medicine and transformational wellness practices to create peace, harmony and joy.

Ingredients to avoid when looking for a moisturiser for Eczema

If you want to end the struggle with ECZEMA , this really needs to be worked on from the inside and is a longer term strategy. Whilst this is under way, you still need to manage the symptoms topically and consider what you are putting onto the skin.

Straight up, let me tell you that I understand the struggle to find the “perfect” or “magical” cream when dealing with eczema.

At one point my husband looked in our cupboard and joked that I could almost open up my own chemist with the different creams I had. You know what, NONE of them worked effectively. They would provide moisture or relief for about 20 min and then I was back to square one with red, itchy, scaly skin. Hence my search for the magical cream.

This is what prompted me to ask the question why? These creams come highly regarded and marketed specifically for eczema, and yet they did not live up to their promises. So, I started doing a little more digging, aka obsessed research. It was during this time that I started to find out that the ingredients in these so called “miracle creams” over the counter and quite reasonably priced could be the issue why my son’s skin was NEVER getting better or within in 20 minutes of applying, he was itching like mad again. Don’t even start me on the hideous smell.

I found that there was a lot of ingredients in these so called “miracle” creams that were actually irritants to any skin, let alone someone suffering with highly sensitive skin, they also contained known carcinogens.

Not only that, if you read the ingredients closely, you could barely pronounce one single ingredient. To me that screamed chemical sh&t storm. As someone who favours a more natural way of living, it was not okay to put copious amounts of this stuff my precious boy’s skin.

 So what are the ingredients to avoid?

The below list is not exhaustive, but a sample of the most common toxic ingredients found in commonly known skin moisturisers.

Sulfates

This is a chemical cleaning agent that is found in soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, laundry detergents and so much more. Sulfates ates can cause the skin to become dry itchy and irritated which seems crazy as that is exactly what you are trying to fix. Go figure! This chemical essentially strips the natural moisture and oils.

Parabens

These are very commonly added preservatives to cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. They are easily recognised by a list of names such as methylparaben, ethylparaben and many others with the ending of “paraben”.

This preservative is absorbed by the skin and remains in the tissue. Not only does it mimic the hormone estrogen, but it is also a known endocrine disrupter.

Phthalates

These are similar to parabens which are a chemical preservatives and tend to make the fragrance in cosmetics last longer. If suffering with eczema, you definitely want to avoid anything with a strong smell.

Fragrance, perfume or parfum

As mentioned above, this will be a synthetic chemical added to provide a ‘smell’ which would be highly irritating to anyone with sensitive skin.

Triclosan

This is an active ingredient that is found in just about any type of antibacterial product such as deodorants, cleansers and hand sanitisers. Studies have shown that this ingredient is absorbed by the skin and therefore interfering with the hormone function.

Siloxanes

These silicone based compounds are often found in cosmetics to soften, smooth and moisten the skin. Similar to Tricolsan, studies have shown this ingredient to be toxic for humans.

PEGS

These type of products are petroleum based and are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, softeners and moisture carriers.

PEGS commonly go by the name of Oxynol, Ammonium laureth sulfate as well as all ingredients with the ending of “eth”

Petroleum

This is otherwise known as petroleum jelly and the European Union have actually classified it as a carcinogen and restricts its use in cosmetics and therefore best as avoided at all costs.  It is commonly used as a barrier to lock in moisture.

Examples of Ingredients in commonly used over the counter moisturisers specifically for Eczema:

More than half of the ingredients can’t even be pronounced and keep in mind they are absorbed by the skin, therefore you body is needing to process these ingredients.

Ingredients 1

• Behentrimonium, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carbomer, Ceramide EOP, CeramideAP, CeramideNP, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cholesterol, Dimethicone,, Dipotassium Phosphate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Methosulfate, Petrolatum, Phenoxyethanol, Phytosphingosine, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Water, Xanthan Gum

Ingredients 2

• Acid Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceridestearic, Petrolatum, Sodium Hydroxypropyl, Water

Ingredients 3

• White Soft Paraffin 14.5% w/w, Light Liquid Paraffin 12.6% w/w and Anhydrous Lanolin (Medilan™) 1% w/w as active ingredients and also Empilan Glyceryl Monostearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Cetostearyl Sulphate, Carbomer, Methyl Hydroxybenzoate, Propyl Hydroxybenzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid Monohydrate, Purified Water

So what now you ask, what do I use instead:

Ingredients in your skincare should easily be easily recognised and should not only moisturise, but nourish and heal the skin.

I remember when I started this journey and searching for that magical “natural’ cream, the advice I was given and will pass onto you is “You need to be able to pronounce and recognise the ingredients and most should be edible so that the body can recongise them”

This article will explore alternative topical applications that will moisturise, nourish and heal the skin.

Also keep in mind that healing the skin is an inside job and you need to be very cognisant of what you are applying topically onto your skin.

 If you need help starting to heal your eczema from the inside using nutrition, then please send me a message to info@chantalkhoury.com.au and let’s get the ball rolling.

Chantal is a Certified and Accredited Nutrition & Wellness Coach with a very special interest in helping time poor mums create thriving families by using Food as Medicine and transformational wellness practices.

The Eczema Diet

If you have eczema, you might be wondering whether the food you eat plays a part in not only triggering a flare up, but also plays a part in healing. Do you need an eczema diet?

The answer would be a definitive YES to both. Food can definitely play a part in setting off a flare up and is a huge part of the healing process.

As eczema is a highly inflammatory skin condition, you want to remove the highest inflammation causing foods to reduce the body burden and allow the body and skin to repair.

Possible Food triggers for Eczema:

Removing these foods will not cure the eczema in you or your child, but it will alleviate the symptoms and reduce flare ups.

• Gluten

• Dairy

• Refined Sugar

• Nuts

• Soy

• Corn

• Eggs

• Shellfish

• Possibly Fish

The first step would be to remove GLUTEN, DAIRY & SUGAR as these are the HIGHEST inflammation causing foods and remove the other foods as secondary if symptoms still remain.

Sometimes, even after you have removed ALL of the above foods, symptoms still persist.

If that is happening for you, then the intolerance may lie deeper and may be caused by naturally occurring food chemicals, which include:

• Histamine or Amine

• Salicylates

• Fodmap

This is where food elimination diets can get really tricky and complicated – unless you are working with someone that can help you navigate nutrition and identify the best starting point for you and your family.

So looking at the above list, you may be thinking, what on earth can I eat???? Let’s focus on that instead.

 The eczema diet food list

Without a shadow of a doubt, the diet must be rich in whole and real food and free from any additives, preservatives or colours.

The specific beneficial foods to include are:

• Fatty Fish- Such as salmon, cod and herring which are high in essential fatty acids, omega 3 and said to be ant-inflammatory

• Foods high in quercetin which is a natural powerful antioxidant and anti-histamine (great if you are avoiding high histamine and amine foods)

• Probiotic containing foods – these will greatly support the immune system as well as aid healing the gut.

• Quality sources of pastured protein - meat and quality dairy (if not removing)

Your Eczema Diet Shopping List:

• Salmon, Herring, sardines or cod

• Organic pastured grass-fed meat or grass fed at a minimum

• Apples

• Blueberries

• Cherries

• Broccoli

• Spinach

• Kale

• Avocado

• Olive oil

• Seeds

• Good quality yoghurt

• Sourdough bread sparingly

• Miso soup

• Naturally fermented pickles

• Sauerkraut

• Fermented drinks and tonics

• Tempeh

• Good quality grass-fed bones to make bone broth

Where to from here?

Any food that triggers eczema that you choose to eliminate from your diet, should NOT be long term. The purpose of the elimination serves purely as a window of healing to provide the body the right environment to heal whilst you treat the root causes.

While all this information is useful, I have to stress that the food is not the problem, it is merely a trigger and the problem lies much deeper in a root cause such as:

1. nutritional deficiencies,

2. gut microbiome imbalance,

3. high levels of toxicity and

4. high stress levels and toxic mindset.

This is where your focus needs to be.

Rather than micro managing a food elimination diet that can be rather tricky and overwhelming, you need to get help to navigate this journey with the right level of support.

If you are interested in how I can support you during this journey, please email me at info@chantalkhoury.com.au or head to my contact page and leave me a message there.

Chantal is a Certified and Accredited Nutriton & Wellness Coach with a special interest helping stressed and overwhelmed mums create robust and thriving families using healing nutrition and transformational wellness practices.

The Role of the gut in ECZEMA

That itch, that flare up, not another round of cortisone, sleep……what is that you ask????

 As someone who has navigated eczema with her baby quite successfully a number of years ago, I understand your angst when it comes to dealing with this skin condition. You just want it to go away, but how???

 I remember searching for hours on end for the MAGICAL solution or cream.

The truth is that eczema is a complex condition to navigate and what works for one, might not work for the next child or person. My road to success will look very different to your road to success, because each and everyone of us are so uniquely different.

However, at the heart of the issue for everyone, the same foundational pillars need to be “FIXED” in order to heal and it takes TIME, WORK & PERSEVERANCE.

The skin is influenced by other organs in the body and this is especially true of the gut and brain, so much so that scientist coined the term “gut-brain-skin axis”

In this article I am going to focus on the role of the gut in healing eczema.

The triggers of a flair are different for most people, but the most common include:

• Food intolerances and/or allergies

• Environmental

• Emotional wellbeing

 None of these “triggers” are the real problem for eczema, but rather an indication that the gut microbiome is out of balance and that the mucosal lining needs to some repair, otherwise known as a leaky gut.

So rather than messing around with lengthy food eliminations protocols for an unsaid period of time, you want to put your efforts straight at the ‘ROOT CAUSE,’ and that is healing the gut.

The gut and eczema:

Eczema is a highly inflammatory skin condition which is a signal that the immune system is unbalanced. The unbalanced immune system is as a direct result of an unbalanced gut flora and leaky gut.

The approach to healing, is that if you correct the gut microbiome balance and seal a leaky gut, this improves the immune function, which decreases inflammation, the body is better able to handle the “triggers” and therefore heal eczema.

How to heal the gut?

When healing the gut, it is best to adopt the very common 4 R approach used in functional medicine:

1. REMOVE – all packaged and processed food in addition to any known trigger foods

2. REPLACE – with whole & real food

3. RESTORE – balance with healing nutrition such as bone broth and fermented foods

4. REPLENISH – the whole person with lifestyle choices that enhance emotional wellbeing

 In a nutshell, eczema is just a symptom of a number of organs that are not functioning at optimal levels, one of which is the gut. Start wherever you at and make smaller consistent changes over a period of time and be observant with YOUR reaction to the eczema.

Chantal is an Accredited and Certified Nutrition & Wellness Coach with a very special interest in helping mum’s create thriving wellness for them and their family through the use of healing and transformational wellness practices.