I’ve had eczema and a skin condition called Pityriasis Alba ever since I was a child. Dry patches, hyperpigmentation, constant itching and random flare ups that would appear out of nowhere.
It’s been a whole f**king journey (pardon my French).
There have been tears, confusion, and moments where I felt genuinely embarrassed about how my skin looked. And when I say I’ve tried it all, I mean it. From expensive dermatologist visits to random TikTok tips, steroid prescriptions, and completely overhauling my diet to support gut health, I’ve done it all. Some things helped. Others… were just old wives’ tales.
But over time, I have figured out what actually makes a difference for me. This is not a list of trendy tips or unrealistic routines. These are the things that I have incorporated into my life and have helped calm my skin, support healing, and keep inflammation down, especially during flare up season (AKA winter!).
So, without any gate keeping, let's get into it:
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I swapped out split systems for an oil burner
The majority of the time people are affected by their heaters and they don't even know it. Split systems blow DRY hot air right onto your already fragile skin. I switched to an old school oil burner and it has made a HUGE difference. No dry air and keeps the room warm and balmy. -
Body butter over lotion always!
Lotions are usually 60 to 90 percent water. Big brand companies won't ever tell you that. My skin does not need to be watered down. It needs rich, concentrated, long lasting moisture that actually nourishes. Body butter is the only thing that keeps my skin happy for more than five minutes. -
I moisturise twice a day every day
Yep, my whole body. Once in the morning and once at night especially in winter. It takes 2 minutes. If I skip a day, I notice the difference almost immediately. My skin needs that buttery residue throughout the day, otherwise it's drier than the Sahara Desert. -
I installed a shower filter
You never really think about what's lurking in your tap water. My skin flares up way less since using a filter in the shower. It takes out things like chlorine and metals that can make my irritated skin even worse. -
I eat organic and grass fed whenever I can
It is not about being perfect but I do try to choose better options when I can, especially if I'm eating at home. My skin always feels calmer when I eat clean, pesticide free, whole foods instead of processed cr*p. -
I take supportive vitamins
Beef liver capsules, zinc and wild fish oil are my staples. They support skin health, reduce inflammation and help with overall healing from the inside out. -
I make sure I get some sun
Even if it is just for 10 or 15 minutes, getting outside and letting the sun hit my skin makes a huge difference. Think of it like charging your body. We need sunlight but just do not overdo it. -
I only use gentle body wash
No strong scents and no harsh foaming ingredients. I learned this one the hard way. My skin is always better when I stick to gentle, clean formulas. -
I hydrate with more than just water
Water is great but I also drink herbal teas, broths, soups and mineralised water. Caffeine can dry you out so I try to limit my coffee intake to one a day and balance it with things that actually nourish my body and skin. -
I eat local raw honey
It helps gently expose my body to local pollen, which can support my immune system and calm allergy-related flare-ups over time. -
I use a humidifier at night
Dry air makes my skin feel tight and flaky. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air so that my skin feels comfortable and at ease.
Eczema is complex and everyone’s triggers are different. But this is what has helped me feel more in control of my skin and has helped me feel better in the way that it looks too.
If you’re on your own skin journey, remember you’re not alone. Keep trying what feels right for you. I’m sharing what has helped me, in the hope it might help someone else too.
With love,
Karen Molina Soldo
Co-Founder, Sielo.
