Struggling with eczema's relentless itch, dryness, and flare-ups that disrupt your daily life? Over 230 million people worldwide battle this condition, often wasting money on ineffective creams. This complete guide reveals the top all-natural ingredients in our Second Skin Rescue Balm that repair your skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and deliver lasting relief.
WHAT IS ECZEMA?
At its core, eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is a chronic condition where the skin’s barrier function is compromised. Think of your skin like a brick wall: in healthy skin, the mortar is strong, keeping moisture in and irritants out. In eczema-prone skin, that mortar is crumbly or missing.
This structural weakness allows water to escape easily, leading to dryness, while simultaneously letting allergens and bacteria penetrate deeper layers. It is not just 'dry skin', it is an inflammatory response that requires consistent management and specific, reparative ingredients to maintain comfort.
COMMON SYMPTOMS AND TYPES
Eczema presents differently for everyone, but the hallmark sign is an intense, persistent itch. This often precedes the visible rash, leading to the "itch-scratch cycle" that damages the skin further.
Key symptoms include:
- Dry, scaly patches that may crack or bleed
- Redness or inflammation (which may appear purple or grey on darker skin tones)
- Thickened, leathery skin from chronic scratching
- Small, raised bumps that may leak fluid
While atopic dermatitis is the most common form, contact dermatitis (triggered by touching an irritant) is also frequent among athletes who deal with sweat, chlorine, or friction.
CAUSES AND TRIGGERS
The exact cause is a mix of genetics and environmental factors. If your parents had eczema, asthma, or hay fever, you are more likely to develop it. However, external triggers often dictate the severity of your flare-ups.
Common triggers include:
- Environmental factors: Cold weather, low humidity, or central heating
- Irritants: Harsh soaps, detergents, fragrances, and chlorine
- Lifestyle: High stress levels and certain food
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Physical stress: Sweat accumulation and friction from clothing during exercise
WHY OUR SECOND SKIN RESCUE BALM IS THE ALL-NATURAL HOLY GRAIL FOR ECZEMA SUFFERERS
Dealing with eczema often feels like a constant battle between finding relief and avoiding reactions. If you have sensitive skin, you know the frustration of buying a 'gentle' cream only to feel it sting the moment you apply it. This is why so many people are exploring the power of natural active ingredients.
Natural skincare isn't just a trend; for eczema sufferers, it can be the difference between a flare-up and calm skin. The goal is to find ingredients that mimic your skin's biology rather than fighting against it.
This guide breaks down the most effective natural ingredients that actually work to soothe irritation, repair your barrier, and keep moisture where it belongs.
And when we talk about truly clean skincare, our Second Skin Rescue Balm sets a high bar. It’s made with 99 % natural ingredients, ie plant-derived butters, squalane, and Hyacolor that work with your skin’s biology to soothe, nourish, and protect, not overwhelm it with unnecessary synthetics.
What’s more, it’s Yuka Certified, which means the formulation has been evaluated through the Yuka app, a trusted independent ingredient scanner used by millions worldwide. The app analyses cosmetic ingredients and highlights potential irritants, allergens, and controversial chemicals, giving products a colour-coded health score based on how clean and low-risk their ingredient lists are. This kind of third-party evaluation helps you feel confident that every ingredient in the balm is chosen for skin wellness, not fillers or hidden nasties.
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR ECZEMA-PRONE SKIN:
- No unnecessary synthetics: Yuka ratings favour products with minimal controversial ingredients
- Peace of mind: you can scan the product barcode with the Yuka app and see exactly why it scores well, thanks to its transparent analysis of individual ingredients
- Skin-friendly formulation: a high Yuka score usually reflects a gentle, low-risk ingredient profile, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin
In a category where 'natural' can sometimes be vague or loosely defined, having Yuka validation adds an extra layer of accountability and reassurance, especially for people with eczema who need to be intentional about every ingredient they put on their skin.
WHAT ARE ECZEMA-SOOTHING SKINCARE INGREDIENTS?
Eczema-soothing ingredients are compounds specifically chosen to repair the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and provide deep hydration without causing irritation. Unlike standard moisturisers that might just sit on top of the skin, these ingredients are often biocompatible, meaning they resemble the natural lipids and structures found in healthy skin.
The best ingredients for this condition typically fall into three categories: humectants (which draw water in), emollients (which smooth and soften), and occlusives (which create a seal). For natural formulations, this means looking for plant-based oils, butters, and extracts that offer clinical-level results without synthetic additives.
TOP ALL NATURAL ECZEMA-SOOTHING INGREDIENTS
When scanning an ingredient label, you want to see components that do more than just smell nice. You need heavy hitters that address the root causes of eczema: barrier dysfunction and inflammation.
CERAMIDES FOR BARRIER REPAIR
Ceramides are lipids (fats) that make up about 50% of your skin's outer layer. They are the 'glue' holding your skin cells together. In eczema-prone skin, ceramide levels are often significantly lower, leading to cracks in the barrier.
While many ceramides are synthetic, nature offers powerful alternatives that support this function. Squalane, for instance, is a plant-derived lipid (often from olives) that mimics the skin's natural oils. It is silky, restorative, and lightweight, supporting the skin’s natural barrier and resilience without feeling heavy or greasy.
SHEA BUTTER & NATURAL OCCLUSIVES
To truly heal eczema, you must seal moisture into the skin. This is where rich butters and waxes come in. Shea Butter is a classic staple; it is packed with vitamins and fatty acids that deeply condition and repair tired, stressed skin.
For a lighter alternative, Mango Butter is excellent, it is deeply conditioning but absorbs quickly, smoothing the skin without heaviness. To lock everything in, plant-based waxes like Carnauba and Candelilla are superior natural alternatives to petroleum. They create a breathable shield that strengthens the skin barrier and provides long-lasting protection against wind, cold, and friction.
HOW YENDRA’S SECOND SKIN RESCUE BALM SUPPORTS ECZEMA-PRONE SKIN
HUMECTANTS: DRAW WATER INTO THE SKIN
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Hyacolor (solid hyaluronic acid)
A concentrated, low-irritation form of hyaluronic acid that binds moisture to the skin, helping relieve tightness, flaking, and dehydration commonly experienced with eczema, without the stinging some liquid humectants can cause.
EMOLLIENTS: SOFTEN, SMOOTH, AND REPAIR
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Shea Butter
Rich in fatty acids and naturally occurring anti-inflammatory compounds, shea butter helps replenish lost lipids, calm irritation, and improve skin flexibility, all essential for compromised eczema-prone skin. -
Mango Butter
A lightweight yet nourishing butter that smooths rough patches and supports barrier repair without clogging pores or feeling heavy. -
Squalane (plant-derived)
A skin-identical lipid that mimics natural sebum, helping restore balance, reduce water loss, and improve overall barrier resilience, especially important for skin that struggles to retain moisture.
OCCLUSIVES: SEAL MOISTURE IN AND PROTECT
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Candelilla Wax & Carnauba Wax
Natural, plant-based waxes that form a breathable protective seal over the skin. They help shield against environmental irritants and prevent moisture loss without relying on petroleum-derived ingredients.
BARRIER SUPPORT & CALMING ANTIOXIDANTS
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Vitamin E
A powerful antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative stress and supports skin healing, particularly beneficial for eczema-prone skin exposed to environmental triggers. -
Algae Oil
Rich in omega fatty acids, algae oil helps nourish the skin barrier, reduce dryness, and support long-term skin resilience.
BEST PRACTICES FOR ECZEMA-SOOTHING SKINCARE
Even the best ingredients won't work if applied incorrectly. Consistency and technique are just as important as the product itself.
BUILDING A SIMPLE ROUTINE
When your skin is reactive, less is often more. A complex 10-step routine increases the risk of irritation.
A simple, effective routine looks like this:
- Cleanse: Use a soap-free, non-foaming cleanser with lukewarm water
- Treat: Apply any prescription medications if you use them
- Moisturise: Apply a rich balm or cream immediately. Look for products containing ceramides, shea butter, or glycerin
- Protect: If going outside, use a mineral SPF
APPLICATION TECHNIQUES
Timing matters. The 'three-minute rule' is a standard recommendation: apply your moisturiser within three minutes of getting out of the bath or shower.
HOW TO APPLY:
- Pat, don't rub: Gently pat your skin dry with a towel; leave it slightly damp
- Seal it in: Apply your balm while the skin is still moist. This traps the water against your skin
- Warm it up: If using a thick balm with waxes (like Carnauba), warm a small amount between your fingers first to make it spread easily without dragging the skin
PAIRING WITH LIFESTYLE TIPS
Skincare is only half the battle. Your environment and habits play a massive role in managing flare-ups.
LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS TO CONSIDER:
- Clothing: Wear breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo; avoid wool and synthetic blends directly on the skin
- Laundry: Switch to liquid detergents free from dyes and perfumes
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to support skin hydration from the inside
- Stress Management: High cortisol levels trigger inflammation, so prioritise sleep and relaxation
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
In the quest for relief, it is easy to make errors that accidentally worsen the condition.
Watch out for these pitfalls:
- Hot Water: It feels good on an itch, but hot water strips natural oils. Stick to lukewarm showers
- Over-exfoliating: Scrubbing flaky skin damages the barrier further. Let moisturising ingredients smooth the texture instead
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Ignoring Ingredients: Avoid products with high alcohol content or sulphates (SLS), as these are drying agents
Managing eczema naturally is about understanding what your skin is missing and replenishing it gently. By focusing on ingredients that repair the barrier, like ceramides, shea butter, and innovative natural oils, you can find relief without relying on harsh synthetics.
Whether you are an athlete dealing with chafing, or someone managing chronic dryness, the right natural ingredients can restore your skin's health. Listen to your skin, keep your routine simple, and choose products that prioritise barrier repair above all else.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How often should I apply Yendra's Second Skin Rescue Balm To My Skin?
Apply balm 2-3 times daily, especially within 3 minutes after bathing to lock in moisture, and reapply after sweating or handwashing. Consistent use reduces flare-ups by up to 50% according to dermatological studies.
Can children use these natural eczema ingredients?
Yes, all the ingredients in our Second Skin Rescue Balm are safe for children. Consult a paediatrician first if you have any specific allergens, or skin irritations.
Do natural ingredients replace prescribed eczema treatments?
Natural ingredients complement but do not replace steroids or immunosuppressants during severe flares. Use them for maintenance alongside prescriptions to enhance barrier repair without interference.
How do I store natural eczema balms for best results?
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight at 15-25°C to preserve the oils in our ingredients like squalane and shea butter. Our shelf life is 12 months.