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Since my oldest son was born, he has dealt with eczema/psoriasis issues. Some cases/times of year are more severe than others. However, since moving to Florida two years ago, his skin has fallen in love with the Florida humidity and salty seasides. 
Since then his struggles have not been nearly as severe as they were in the cold, dry Illinois winters.
He turned ten years old this month, (still can’t believe that!) so we have been ’round the block many, many times with trial and error attempts at solving these skin issues. When his doctor noticed a couple small dry patches of skin at his recent well visit, I knew it was time to dive into my eczema list archives and deal with it before it could grow into another serious issue.
I keep an outline for myself of all the natural solutions that have been effective for us over the years as a resource to go back to when we come to that point again. It has been almost three years since his skin has really flared up and now when there is even a hint of eczema, we have a plethora of ideas to fall back on.
As my list is about eight pages long… I’m going to condense it for you into my top three tips today!
Winter Eczema Tips:
1. Water is your friend
You can’t be hydrated on the outside, if you’re not hydrating your inside! Drinking plenty of water removes toxins, balances ph levels, moves nutrients through our bodies and so much more. A salt water bath can bring quick healing and relief (or a dip in the ocean is even better!). Just add 1-2 cups of epsom salts to a warm (not hot) bath to remove toxins, exfoliate, reduce inflammation and increase blood circulation.
2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
Not all creams and lotions are created equal! In fact, many can do more harm than good. 
Unscented products with fewer ingredients are best. My favorites are Aquaphor, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil and topical Vitamin E. We make our own healing lotion bars that can be used daily for skin irritations, cuts, bug bites, burns and more.
3. Supplement
Just as we need water to moisturize from the inside out, certain supplements provide the essential fatty acids our bodies need to maintain moisture. Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that also helps fight asthma and other allergy issues. Omega 3’s provide a natural emollient, reduce redness and swelling and repair skin cells. Probiotics and prebiotics help the body to retain nutrients/enzymes that hold water, can reduce itching and strengthen the immune system. We use this brand of supplements because of their guarantee of purity and potency!
These ideas are a great start towards healthy skin! Other things to consider are diet changes, using natural household cleaners, getting plenty of sleep, etc. There is always an answer and it’s different for each person. If you are struggling with eczema and psoriasis, there is hope and healing!
What are your best tips for healthy skin?
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I must admit I have a slight addiction to honey…At least twice a day I have a cup of green tea with honey and rice milk. It’s like holding a little cup of heaven…mmm. Makes me feel so warm, cozy and content. I have tried other natural sweeteners, but honey always wins!
Besides being tasty in a cup of tea, honey has a long list of amazing health benefits. Awhile back I shared that one of those is healing eye allergies and pink eye with a simple Honey Eye Wash.
So what else can we use this amazing natural product for?
1. Maintain blood sugar and energy
With another year of school starting, we can all use an energy boost! Honey contains glucose and fructose so it gives a quick energy boost and maintains it unlike the crash of regular sugar. It is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and is more easily digested than regular sugar.
2. Immune booster
Honey can act as an immune booster, especially when using local honey. Local pollen will be in the honey making it a natural immune booster. Even if it is not local, honey contains antioxidants to strengthen your immune system.
3. Clear and soften skin
A skin mask of pure honey left on for 15-30 minutes can soften and clarify the skin. Wash off with warm water and feel the difference, instantly. To lighten and brighten the skin, mix a honey and lemon mask. Or for irritated skin mix a honey and milk mask. Check out this Holiday Honey Face Mask great for your skin as well as an frugal homemade gift.
4. Hair conditioner
A simple mix of honey and water worked into the hair conditions and cleanses. It can also lighten dark hair roots. Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 6 tablespoons of warm water and coat hair. Rinse with warm water after 15-20 minutes.
5. Soothe an upset tummy
Drinking a warm cup of water with about 2 tablespoons of honey can calm an upset tummy. Antimicrobial properties in honey can kill bacteria and infection.
6. Soothe cough and sore throat
A spoonful of honey coats and soothes the throat. For cough, mix 1 tablespoon of honey in 1/2 cup of grape juice.
7. Cleanse and heal cuts, scrapes and burns
The antiseptic properties of honey clean out the wound and promote healing. Dab honey directly on the affected area. Mix with a small amount of olive oil if desired.
The antifungal, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties of honey make it such a powerful natural remedy! Remember, the darker the honey, the better. Never give honey to an infant under the age of one and be cautious about using raw honey under the age of three.
What is your favorite honey remedy?
*this post is linked to: Encourage One Another, Titus 2sdays, and WFMW*
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