One of the most tried and trusted ways to
help provide deep, lasting relief to the itch and irritation of eczema is with
using bathing oils. This simple technique allows you to help lock in the
beneficial moisture your child’s delicate skin gets from a bath while also
helping the skin strengthen and tone for hours after the soak is over. Using
oils in a bath for eczema is such a popular technique that you can actually
find pre-made oils in many specialty shops these days – but it’s actually
really easy to make your own as we’ll explore below. If you’ve never worked
with bath oils before, we hope this article encourages you to give them a try!
How
Bath Oils Help Eczema
Many oils are great for the skin because
they mimic the skin’s natural elements while also helping to provide deep
hydration, cleansing, and protection. Oils absorb into the topmost layers of
the skin locking bath moisture into deeper layers and providing an extra layer
of defense for skin that may be irritated or sensitive.
How
To Use Bath Oils
The simplest way to work with bath oils is
to add them directly to your child’s warm bath. The oils will float on the
surface of the water where they can evenly coat and nourish the skin while the
bath happens.
If your child uses a full size tub filled
with water, 2-3 tablespoons of oil may be a good amount to work with. If they
use a smaller tub or basin, adjust the total accordingly. Your child’s skin
should have a noticeable layer of oil after the bath that isn’t too thick or
intense.
How
To Make Your Own Bath Oils
We’re big fans of simple – and a
one-ingredient bath oil for eczema doesn’t get much easier!
You can use these oils on their own, or
mix-and-match them in various combinations to maximize their benefits. This can
actually be a fun way to make your own special eczema bath oil blend!
Here are some popular oils to try…
Coconut oil
Olive oil
Jojoba oil
Avocado oil
As always, only use oils that your child
doesn’t have sensitivity to. If they have nut allergies, for example, coconut
oil may not be the best choice. Use organic, cold-pressed oils whenever
possible and make sure to store your oils in a cool, dry, dark place to prevent
them from going rancid.
You can also make your own herbal-infused
bath oils by soaking herbs like calendula, aloe vera, lavender, chamomile, and
thyme in the oil for a week or two, straining the herbs out, and using the
infused oils in baths.