Itchy Skin Check: Does Your Body Cleanser Contain These Miracle-Working Ingredients?
Bathtime often becomes a gruelling routine when you’re one of the millions of people around the world who suffer from sensitive, eczema-prone skin. During a shower, the bath water begins to strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it potentially dry, peeling, and irritated. Times like these call for the perfect itch-relieving body cleanser – if only they weren’t so hard to come by!
One smart way to conduct your research for a suitable itchy skin cleanser or eczema body wash would be to look at the ingredients it contains. From natural lipids to an ancient Korean herb, we’re shining the spotlight on some all-star dermatological ingredients that could just work wonders for your skin!
1. Ceramides
Ceramides are so important when it comes to keeping your skin supple and youthful. They not only restore and maintain your skin’s barrier to keep moisture locked in, but also deliver anti-ageing benefits by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Although ceramides occur naturally on the outer surface of your skin, they can be applied as topical moisturisers to supply an extra boost of hydration. In particular, these fat (lipid) molecules are found to be lacking in people with dry and itchy skin.
If you suffer from clinically dry and sensitive skin, it’s highly possible that you’re ceramide deficient. When selecting a good itch-relieving body cleanser, don’t skip out on this essential ingredient– your body literally needs it!
2. Mugwort
Mugwort, a flowering plant in the daisy family, has become one of the hottest new trends in K-Beauty today. For centuries, it’s been used in traditional Korean medicine. Now, the ingenious Koreans have incorporated this herb into their skincare products too. Mugwort is rich in antioxidants, anti-bacterial, and contains anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, it’s hydrating, gentle, and soothing, making it great for people who battle acne, eczema or psoriasis.
If there’s anyone who knows their way around skincare, it’s definitely the Koreans!
3. Shea Butter
Shea butter is no stranger to itchy skin cleansers and moisturisers. This natural ingredient comes from plant fat and is chock full with vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids. It’s a wonderfully mild hydrator that absorbs well into the skin and promotes healing, with the help of Vitamins E and A which aid in cell regeneration. As a matter of fact, shea butter is so mild that it’s used to treat dermatitis in babies!
Do note that when you shop shea butter, there’s a difference between its raw and refined form. Refined shea butter is processed and contains less nutrients than its raw version, making it less effective. One way to tell the two apart is by its colour. Refined shea butter is often pale white, while its raw alternative takes on a yellowish hue.
4. Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, more commonly known as jojoba oil, is a natural oil from the seeds of the jojoba plant. What makes it an excellent moisturiser is that it closely resembles the natural oils found in human skin, allowing it to penetrate deeply and provide long-lasting hydration. Its fatty acids help to reinforce the skin barrier, shielding it from irritants and keeping it resilient.
Jojoba oil is also anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants, including vitamins E and B, providing both skin repair and anti-ageing benefits. To top it all off, it’s non-comedogenic, which means that it doesn’t clog your pores nor give you any acne. This multi-purpose oil can be used anywhere, from your face and body to your scalp! Its versatility is known to complement most individuals, making it a safe and gentle choice for sensitive skin.
5. Menthol
If there’s one ingredient that can relieve itch like no other, it’s menthol. This minty compound provides a cooling sensation that quickly soothes any itch, irritation, or inflammation. This is especially helpful in tropical climates, where its soothing effects keep you refreshed and energised for a long time.
One lesser known fact is its anti-bacterial and hydrating properties. Apart from calming burns, inflamed or swelling skin, menthol is often added in skincare to cleanse skin of excess impurities. Menthol also increases surface blood flow, promoting higher absorption of moisturisers and other skincare products. Who knew just how much a tiny mint plant was capable of?
Still on the lookout for the best itchy skin cleanser? We’ve got you covered!
At some point in their lives, approximately 60 percent of women and up to 44 percent of men worldwide grapple with sensitive, itchy skin. A good itch-relieving body cleanser could make a huge difference to your post-shower routine and improve your quality of life.
In collaboration with renowned skincare brand Nature’s Organic Sense, fellow eczema sufferer Dr Glenn G created the Coosteam Body Cleanser with sensitive skin in mind. Designed to deeply hydrate and relieve itch for everyday comfort, the Coosteam Body Cleanser is loaded not only with moisturising ingredients such as ceramide, menthol, and jojoba oil, but also citric acid– an exfoliator which smoothes skin. Since its release, the Coosteam Body Cleanser has received glowing reviews from customers with eczema and sensitive skin alike.
Likened to taking a “luxury spa bath”, this is one itch-relieving body cleanser that promises to live up to its hype. It’s time to invest in a relaxing bathtime solution– you deserve it!
Interested? Check out the Coosteam Body Cleanser here for more details.