Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin conditions and often occurs in early childhood – it affects over 10% of babies and children. Typical signs of atopic dermatitis are red rashes, extremely dry patches, itching, and inflammation of the skin. Atopic dermatitis most often breaks out during winter when our skin is exposed to great temperature differences.
In periods of an outbreak of atopic dermatitis, it is important to provide skin with a lot of moisture and adequate protection that will help to ensure that its valuable moisture is not lost. Your skin will also be extremely grateful to any flowers and herbs that can help to calm an acute phase and itchiness, and to help skin to find its balance.
We have chosen three herbs that can help to calm skin during an outbreak of atopic dermatitis.
Blue or German Chamomile
Blue chamomile has a long history of use that dates back to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. In the past, this wonderful plant was used for easing various symptoms, among them: abdominal pain, sore throats, acne, eczema caused by skin rashes, insomnia, psoriasis, and nappy rash. Today blue chamomile is a popular ingredient for easing problems of atopic dermatitis and various forms of eczema. It acts as an:
Anti-inflammatory: as a natural anti-inflammatory, blue chamomile is effective in reducing the symptoms of infections such as redness, itching and inflammed skin, and puffy skin
Antiseptic: calms skin and helps to prevent itching
Antibacterial: helps to destroy bacteria that cause inflammatory processes
Lavender
Essential lavender oil is not only popular due to its pleasant smell and wonderful colour, but also due to the numerous positive effects it has on the skin and other organs.
Lavender is valued due to its numerous medicinal properties and has been used for more than 2,500 years. Ancient Romans, Greeks, and Persians added lavender flowers to their baths to help cleanse their skin. During the first world war, essential lavender oil was used as an antiseptic and disinfectant in healing wounded soldiers and for sterilising medical equipment.
Today Lavender is a popular ingredient in ointments and creams for skin problems. It acts:
- As an antiseptic
- As an antibacterial
- To help in treating cuts and small wounds
- As an anti-allergen and anti-inflammatory
- To encourage cell growth, tones and calms skin
Marigold
Owing to its wonderful medicinal properties for the skin, marigold is also known among herbalists as 'Mother of the skin'.
The therapeutic use of marigold for easing skin problems was known in all ancient cultures. Marigold has numerous soothing properties and is therefore a highly-prized ingredient in cosmetics. Marigold petals contain resin that has strong antioxidant compounds which protect skin from damage by free radicals and play an active role in healing and regenerating skin. Marigold increases the formation of collagen and elastane in the skin and helps to prevent the formation of scar tissue. It is also suitable for the care of atopic dermatitis and eczema due to the following properties:
- Calms itchy skin
- Calms and reduces skin inflammations
- Softens and deeply moistures skin
- Promotes the renewal of skin cells
In addition to herbs, in the care of atopic dermatitis regular moisturising and the use of oily ointments are important, as they create a protective layer that helps to retain moisture.
Soothing CBD Skin Balm
Cold pressed hemp oil reactivates the skin's natural barrier function to protect dry and scaly skin while boosting moisture balance.
CBD hemp cannabinoid (CBD oil) calms skin reactions and encourages the skin's defense mechanism
Marigold promotes skin renewal and acts as an anti-inflammatory
Blue chamomile calms skin reactions
The perfect combination of omegas 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids in hemp oil maintains the balance of natural oils and moisture and strengthens the skin's protective layer
Lavender prevents unpleasant feelings of tight skin after exposure to the sun, relieves skin reactions, and works as an anti-inflammatory.