How Organic Skincare Products Can Help Dermatitis

As the body’s largest organ and our protective barrier against the stressors of our environment, the skin is prone to various conditions, ranging from minor irritations to chronic disorders. 

Among these is dermatitis, an inflammatory condition characterised by red, inflamed skin that’s cracked and painful to touch. 

If you’re someone who suffers from dermatitis then you'll know this is a condition that can be extremely uncomfortable and, in extreme cases, painful. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to keep the conditions under control

Here we’ll be delving into dermatitis, exploring its types, causes and effective treatment methods to help equip you with the knowledge to manage your condition effectively.

Understanding Dermatitis

The term dermatitis refers to a group of inflammatory skin conditions characterised by redness, itching and swelling. The condition can affect individuals of all ages and often manifests differently based on the type and location of the affected skin.

There are several types of dermatitis, including atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis. 

Atopic dermatitis commonly appears on the face, hands and flexural areas of the body, while contact dermatitis typically occurs in areas exposed to irritants or allergens.

Seborrheic dermatitis can affect all areas of the skin that are rich in oil glands, such as the scalp, face and upper chest, while stasis dermatitis typically occurs in the lower legs, particularly around the ankles. This is often due to poor circulation.

Causes Of Dermatitis

The causes of dermatitis vary depending on the type you have. Atopic dermatitis is often linked to genetic factors and immune system dysfunction, as well as environmental triggers such as allergens, irritants and stress. 

Likewise, contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with substances like chemicals, metals, cosmetics or plants that trigger an allergic or irritant reaction. 

Seborrheic dermatitis is believed to be influenced by genetics, hormonal factors and the presence of a yeast bacteria called Malassezia that lives on the skin. Research has shown that the skin of those with this type of dermatitis tends to have more Malassezia than normal.

Lastly, stasis dermatitis typically occurs in individuals with poor circulation, often affecting the lower legs due to venous insufficiency.

Treatment Approaches

While dermatitis can be uncomfortable and distressing for those who have the condition, effective management strategies can help alleviate its symptoms and prevent the occurrence of flare-ups. If you have dermatitis, here are some essential steps for treating it:

Identify And Avoid Triggers

Try to determine the substances or environmental factors that exacerbate your dermatitis symptoms and take steps to avoid them. 

This may involve using hypoallergenic skincare products, wearing protective clothing, keeping tabs on what you’re eating and drinking or minimising exposure to any known irritants.

Moisturise Regularly

Keeping on top of our skin’s hydration is crucial for keeping it healthy and reducing the inflammation associated with dermatitis. 

Use moisturisers and emollients to keep the skin hydrated and lock in moisture. This also helps to strengthen the skin's natural barrier function. Oh, and be sure to opt for fragrance-free and gentle formulations as these will likely cause further irritation.

Use Topical Treatments

Depending on the severity of your dermatitis, your healthcare provider may recommend topical treatments such as corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors or other prescription medications to reduce inflammation and itching. 

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully when applying any of these treatments to minimise side effects.

Practice Good Skincare Habits

Adopting a gentle skincare routine can help soothe and protect sensitive skin affected by dermatitis. 

Remember to use mild, fragrance-free cleansers, avoid excessively hot or cold water and harsh scrubbing and pat the skin dry gently with a soft towel. Additionally, consider incorporating anti-inflammatory ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal or ceramides into your skincare regimen as these will help repair the skin.

Why It Has To Be Organic

So now we’ve been over the best ways to help treat your dermatitis and prevent flare-ups, before we wrap up, let’s take a look at organic products and how they can help.

Products featuring the “organic” label are becoming increasingly popular. But while most of us know these products are better quality, do you know why? 

When it comes to skincare, organic means the ingredients used in natural products are grown without the use of any synthetic pesticides, herbicides or genetically modified organisms. 

So this means that your skin is able to absorb the goodness of those ingredients, without any traces of the harmful chemicals that are often present in non-organic. 

This helps to minimise the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions for those who suffer from dermatitis, making organic products the safest choice for all skin types.

So that’s how to prevent flare-ups and stop dermatitis from gaining a foothold. If you have any of the types of dermatitis mentioned in this post, hopefully you’re now armed with the info you need to keep it at bay.

We stock a range of organic moisturisers, creams, face washes and body lotions so if you’re in search of something to give your skin the lift it needs then browse our range as we’re sure to have something just for you!