This Eczema Awareness Month, discover how everyday skincare and lifestyle choices can help people with eczema manage discomfort and care for sensitive skin.
While not everyone lives with eczema, many know someone affected by this chronic inflammatory skin condition. Persistent dryness, redness and relentless itching can make daily life uncomfortable. But eczema’s impact often extends beyond the skin, affecting sleep and emotional wellbeing.
Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema involves a compromised skin barrier that leaves the skin more vulnerable to environmental irritants. Even gentle contact or temperature changes can cause discomfort. The National Eczema Association highlights itching and sleep disturbances as major burdens for people with atopic dermatitis, who also face a higher risk of anxiety and depression.
This October, Eczema Awareness Month shines a spotlight on a condition affecting millions worldwide. According to the Malaysian Skin Foundation, around 10–20% of Malaysia’s population lives with eczema, while figures from the Dermatological Society of Malaysia indicate that more than 20% of children in the country are affected.
Understanding What Triggers Eczema Flare-Ups
Eczema can progress through acute, subacute and chronic phases, although not everyone experiences them in the same way.
The acute phase typically involves swelling, redness and a rash with small, fluid-filled bumps. During the subacute phase, these symptoms may begin to settle, but redness and irritation can persist. For some, the condition develops into a chronic phase that lasts months or years. Repeated scratching can lead to dry, rough and thickened skin over time.
Flare-ups rarely stem from a single cause. Instead, several internal and external factors can contribute to worsening symptoms.
- Malaysia’s hot and humid climate: Heat and humidity can increase sweating, which may aggravate eczema. Dust mites and harsh soaps can also trigger irritation.
- Stress and poor sleep: Stress can be associated with flare-ups, while persistent itching can disrupt sleep and make discomfort harder to manage, creating a frustrating cycle.
- Immune responses: People with eczema may experience heightened immune responses to certain substances. Potential triggers vary and can include pollen, dust mites, fragrances and some foods or household products.
- Genetics: A family history of eczema, asthma, hay fever or other allergies can increase a person’s likelihood of developing the condition.
- Environmental irritants: Smoke, air pollutants, certain fabrics, harsh soaps and skincare products may aggravate eczema-prone skin.
Understanding these potential triggers can help people make more informed choices about their daily routines. However, triggers vary from person to person, making it important to identify what affects one’s own skin.
Choosing the Right Care for Eczema-Prone Skin
While persistent eczema may require professional medical treatment, everyday skincare can help support dry and sensitive skin. A gentle routine starts with avoiding known irritants, limiting potentially harsh products and choosing suitable moisturisers.
Look for products labelled “fragrance-free”, but do not confuse this with “unscented”. Unscented products may contain masking fragrances to conceal the smell of other ingredients. It is also important to consider the overall formulation, skin compatibility and moisturising properties rather than relying on labels alone.
For those seeking supportive daily skincare, SensaV offers a range designed for sensitive, dry and eczema-prone skin. While it is not a medical treatment or cure for eczema, the brand focuses on gentle cleansing, hydration and skin-barrier support.
Its formulations feature Alpine Edelweiss, a plant known for its naturally occurring protective compounds, alongside botanical ingredients and a skin-friendly pH 5.5. The brand’s Zero Additives approach also focuses on excluding selected ingredients that may be unsuitable for sensitive skin.
The range includes three products for everyday care:
- Amino Acid Cleansing Foam: Designed to cleanse gently without stripping the skin’s natural oils.
- Shower Foam: A body wash formulated to help prevent the tight, dry feeling that can follow showering.
- Soothing Moisturising Lotion: Helps retain moisture and soothe dry patches throughout the day.
A Simpler Routine for Supporting the Skin Barrier
When caring for sensitive skin, adding more products is not always the answer. A simple routine centred on gentle cleansing and consistent moisturising can help reduce unnecessary exposure to potential irritants.
Cleanse gently. Choose a cleanser that removes dirt and impurities without leaving the skin feeling tight or stripped. SensaV’s Amino Acid Cleansing Foam uses amino-acid-based surfactants and is formulated at pH 5.5 to support the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Soothe and moisturise. SensaV’s formulations feature ingredients such as Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate and Mirabilis Jalapa, which the brand incorporates for their soothing properties. Its Soothing Moisturising Lotion helps maintain hydration, while a botanical lipid blend containing squalane and macadamia nut oil provides additional moisture.
Support daily skin protection. Alpine Edelweiss is SensaV’s signature ingredient, selected for its naturally occurring protective compounds. Together with the brand’s other botanical ingredients, it forms part of the range’s approach to caring for dry and sensitive skin.
Individual responses to skincare ingredients can vary, so even products marketed for sensitive skin should be introduced carefully. Those experiencing persistent or severe eczema symptoms should seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Looking Beyond the Itch This Eczema Awareness Month
Managing eczema involves more than addressing visible symptoms. Recognising personal triggers, maintaining a consistent moisturising routine, getting adequate rest and managing stress can all form part of a broader approach to skin care.
For those with eczema, every day can bring different challenges, making gentle and practical support important. By simplifying skincare and seeking professional guidance when needed, people can make more informed decisions about caring for their skin.
For more information about SensaV and its skincare range, follow the brand on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.