17 Essential Oils for Eczema in 2022
If you are one of the 31.6 million Americans who suffer from eczema, you know how frustrating and embarrassing it can be. Unfortunately, eczema is a skin condition that can plague both children and adults alike.
I had it as young kid and it really put a damper on my already low self-esteem. It’s a skin condition that causes patches of dry, inflamed skin that can be caused by many different things!
While there is no one-size-fits-all cure for eczema, using essential oils for eczema can help to soothe and calm the skin.
In this post, we’ll discuss some of the best essential oils to use for eczema, as well as hot to use them safely and effectively.
So, if you’re looking for relief from your eczema symptoms, keep reading!
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a condition that results in the skin becoming dry, itchy, and inflamed. Eczema is more common in infants, but can occur at any age. The cause of eczema is not completely understood, but it is thought to be related to genetics and environmental factors. There is no cure for eczema, but treatment can help relieve symptoms. Treatment options include moisturizers, topical corticosteroids, and oral medications.
What Causes Eczema?
There is no single cause of eczema, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of environmental and lifestyle factors, as well as genetics. Some common causes of eczema include: contact with allergens or irritants, climate and weather conditions, emotional stress, hormonal changes, infection, and certain medications. It’s also important to note that eczema is not contagious.
Allergies
Allergies are known to cause eczema flare-ups. When an individual is exposed to an allergen, the body’s immune system responds by releasing histamines. Histamines are chemicals that help the body fight allergies, but they can also cause inflammation and skin irritation. This is what leads to the red, itchy rash associated with eczema.
There are many different allergies that can trigger eczema flare-ups. Common allergies include dust mites, pollen, animal dander, mold, and certain foods. Identifying and avoiding your triggers is an important part of managing eczema.
Pollen
Pollen allergies are one of the most common causes of eczema. Pollen is a fine powder released by plants that helps fertilize other plants. When you breathe in pollen, your body can mistake it for a harmful substance and trigger an allergic reaction. This can cause eczema to flare up, as well as other allergies symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Animal Dander
Animal dander is a common allergen that can cause eczema in people who are allergic to it. Animal dander is the dry skin that flakes off of animals, and it can cause an immune response in people who are allergic to it. This can lead to the development of eczema, as well as other respiratory problems.
Mold
Mold can cause eczema by triggering an allergic response. Exposure to mold can cause your skin to become itchy, red, and dry. If you have eczema, it is important to avoid any exposure to mold.
Foods
Food allergies are a common cause of eczema. The most common food allergens are dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and wheat. If you suspect that you have a food allergy, you should see a doctor for testing.
If you suspect that allergies are causing your eczema flare-ups, it’s important to see an allergist for testing. An allergist can determine what you’re allergic to and provide you with treatment options. Treatment options may include avoidance of triggers, medication, or immunotherapy (allergy shots).
Weather conditions
Eczema is a skin condition that can be caused by weather conditions and the environment. Weather conditions, such as high or low temperatures, humidity levels, and wind speeds, can all cause eczema. The environment can also cause eczema by exposing a person to things like dust, pollen, and pet dander.
Emotional stress
Eczema is a skin condition that can be caused by emotional stress. When a person experiences emotional stress, it can cause the body to release cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that can increase inflammation and make eczema worse. emotional stress can also cause people to itch their skin more, which can lead to further irritation and inflammation.
Emotional stress can also cause people to have more flare-ups of eczema. When a person is feeling stressed, their immune system can become weakened, which can make them more susceptible to getting eczema. Additionally, emotional stress can lead to problems with sleep, which can also aggravate eczema.
Hormones
Many people do not realize that hormonal imbalances can be a cause of eczema. When the body’s hormones are not in balance, it can lead to all sorts of problems, including eczema. Eczema is often caused by an imbalance in the body’s immune system, and hormonal imbalances can also affect the immune system.
Infection
Infection is a common cause of eczema. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Bacteria are the most common cause of infection-related eczema. Infections can also cause eczema to worsen. If you have eczema, it’s important to keep your skin clean and dry to prevent infection. eczema can also be caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin. This is called candida or seborrheic dermatitis. Infection-related eczema is treated with antibiotics or antifungal medications.
Eczema is a common skin condition that can be caused by many things. One of the most common causes of eczema is infection.
Infection-related eczema can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Bacteria are the most common cause of infection-related eczema. However, infections can also cause eczema to worsen.
Medication
There are a number of medications that can worsen eczema or even cause eczema. Topical steroids, for example, can cause eczema to flare up. Antihistamines and other allergy medications can also make eczema worse. If you have eczema, it’s important to talk to your doctor about what medications are safe for you to take. Some medications may be necessary, but there are often alternatives that won’t make your eczema worse. Finding the right balance is key to managing eczema.
17 Best Essential Oils for Eczema
If you’re looking for natural ways to treat eczema, essential oils can be a helpful option. Essential oils can help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. They can also help improve circulation and promote healing. Here are some of the best essential oils for eczema!
If you are considering using essential oils to treat your eczema, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional first. Essential oils should only be used topically, and should never be ingested. When used topically, they should always be diluted with a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil.
Balsam (Peru and Tolu)
Peru Balsam is derived from an evergreen tree in El Salvador. It’s useful in reducing inflammation caused by eczema and killing bacteria. It has a soothing and softening effect on the skin.
In hypersensitive individuals, there is a slight risk of skin sensitization.
Tolu Balsam is closely related to the peru balsam and extracted from the bark of the snowbell tree. It is rich in a floral scent. It blends well with other essential oils great for eczema, such as cedarwood.
Note: Tolu Balsam contains an allergen called cinnamaldehyde.
Blends Well With: Cedarwood, Flower Oils
Bergamot
Bergamot is a type of citrus fruit that is used to make essential oil. The properties in bergamot that can help with eczema are its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Bergamot can help to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. It can also help to kill bacteria that may be causing an infection. Bergamot is a safe essential oil to use on the skin and is typically well tolerated by people with eczema.
Bergamot blends well with lavender, palmarosa, and geranium.
Birch Bud
Birch Bud is a type of essential oil that is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the European birch tree. It is often used to help relieve symptoms of eczema, as it has skin-healing properties. Birch bud oil is also known to be anti-inflammatory and can help reduce swelling and redness. it also has a cleansing and purifying effect on the skin.
Blends Well With: Lavender
Carrot Seed
Carrot Seed essential oil is steam distilled from the dried seeds of the wild carrot plant. It has a sweet, earthy, and slightly spicy aroma. Carrot Seed oil is high in antioxidants and is a good source of vitamin E. It is also beneficial for eczema and other skin conditions. The oil helps to soothe and protect the skin, while promoting cell regeneration. It is also anti-inflammatory and can help to reduce inflammation and redness.
Blends Well With: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Geranium, Lavender, Juniper, Melissa, Rosemary
Cedarwood
Cedarwood essential oil is derived from the leaves and sawdust of the Atlas cedar tree. It has a woodsy, earthy smell and is a pale-yellow color. Cedarwood oil is soothing and anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for treating eczema. It also has antiseptic properties, which can help to prevent infection.
Blends Well With: Bergamot, Juniper, Lavender, Rosemary
Chamomile
Chamomile essential oil is a soothing oil that helps to calm and relax the body. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe eczema flare-ups. Chamomile oil is also gentle and safe for use on children. It’s the perfect oil to use if you suffer from allergic skin reactions.
Blends Well With: Chamomile, Geranium, Rose
Geranium
Geranium oil is a natural oil that is derived from the flowers of the geranium plant. It has a sweet, floral scent and is often used in aromatherapy. Geranium oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be helpful in treating eczema. It can be applied topically or diffused into the air to help soothe and calm inflamed skin.
Geranium essential oil is perfect for any and all skin types and helps balance out sebum production. It can work by stimulating both dry and oily skin.
Blends Well With: Most Essential Oils
Helichrysum
Helichrysum oil is a natural extract that has anti-inflammatory and antiallergenic properties. It is often used to help treat eczema, as it can help reduce inflammation and itching, as well as promotes cell growth. Helichrysum oil is also known for its ability to boost the immune system!
Blends Well With: Citrus Oils, Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender
Hyssop
Hyssop is a small, bushy plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. The essential oil is extracted from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant. It has a fresh, herbaceous, minty aroma. Hyssop essential oil is high in monoterpenes, which give it anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It can be helpful for treating eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. It’s excellent in contracting and toning tissue.
Blends Well With: Citrus oils, Geranium, Lavender, Rosemary
Juniper
Juniper essential oil is derived from the juniper berry, a small coniferous fruit. The oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making it a beneficial treatment for eczema. It can help to soothe inflammation, reduce itching, and fight infection. Additionally, juniper essential oil is a natural detoxifier, which can help to clear toxins from the body that may be aggravating eczema.
Blends Well With: Citrus Oils, Lavender
Lavender
Lavender oil is a natural essential oil that is extracted from the lavender plant. It has a sweet, floral aroma and is often used to promote relaxation and calmness. Lavender oil is also known for its skin-healing properties and can be helpful in treating eczema. It is gentle and soothing, and can help to reduce inflammation and itchiness.
Blends Well With: Citrus oils, Geranium, Rosemary
Melissa
Melissa essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the Melissa officinalis plant. The oil has a sweet, floral aroma and is known for its calming and uplifting properties. It can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including eczema, by helping to soothe and protect the skin. Even if you have skin allergies, melissa is safe to use!
Blends Well With: Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender, Rosemary
Myrrh
Myrrh essential oil is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions, including eczema. Myrrh oil is derived from the resin of the myrrh tree and has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that can help relieve the symptoms of eczema.
It has a cooling effect on the skin that can help reduce redness associated with inflammation.
Palmarosa
One of the most underrated essential oils for skincare, palmarosa essential oil is a light, sweet smelling oil that is extracted from the flowers of the palmarosa plant. It is a great choice for treating eczema because it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can moisturize and tone the skin, while killing off bacteria on the skin.
Blends Well With: Bergamot, Geranium, Lavender
Rose
Rose essential oil is known for its many therapeutic properties. It is a natural anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for treating conditions like eczema. It also has soothing and moisturizing properties, which can help to keep skin healthy and protect it from further irritation.
Rosemary
Rosemary is an essential oil that has been used for centuries to improve memory, circulation, and digestion. It is also effective in relieving pain and inflammation. Rosemary essential oil is a natural anti-inflammatory, making it a good choice for treating eczema. The oil helps to soothe the skin and reduce redness and irritation. It’s also excellent for toning and tightening the skin!
Blends Well With: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Citrus oils, Lavender
Rosewood
Rosewood is a type of wood that is native to South America. The essential oil is extracted from the wood and has a number of properties that can help with eczema. It is anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and helps to reduce scarring.
Rosewood assists in cell regeneration and can be used as a natural calming effect!
Blends Well With: Most other Essential Oils
Essential Oils for Eczema Recipes
Below, I’m going to provide several different recipes for you try out! Even if you don’t know where to start or what causes your eczema, this is a good place to start!
Essential Oil Compress Blend for Eczema
Here is a blend you can use to make a healing compress that will decrease inflammation and itchiness associated with eczema.
Ingredients
- 2 drops geranium or lavender essential oil
- 2 drops lemon or myrrh essential oil
- 1 drop chamomile essential oil
- 2 cups cool water
- small non-reactive bowl
Instructions
- In the small non-reactive bowl, combine and mix essential oils.
- Pour 2 cups of cool water in bowl
- Stir well to disperse oils
- Soak a cloth in the mixture and wring out excess
- Place cloth on most affected area.
- Repeat twice daily!
Overnight Essential Oil Blend
Here’s a blend you can make that you can leave on your skin overnight!
Ingredients
- 60 ml glass dropper bottle
- 10 drops evening primrose essential oil
- 10 drops chamomile essential oil
- 5 drop myrrh essential oil
- 5 drop lavender essential oil
- 8 teaspoons grapeseed, sweet almond, or hemp seed oil
Instructions
- Add all oils to bottle
- Shake to blend
- Apply to affected areas
Essential Oil Cream Blend for Eczema
This is a great blend if your eczema is causing dry, cracked skin.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup shea butter
- 15 drops lavender essential oil
- 15 drops frankincense essential oil
- 15 drops myrrh essential oil
- 10 drops chamomile essential oil
- 2 250 IU Capsules Vitamin E Oil
- small glass jar
Instructions
- Melt Shea Butter in small pot
- While it’s cooling, add essential oils and mix well
- With the tip of sharp needle, pierce the end of the Vitamin E capsule and squeeze into mixture. Stir so all combines
- Pour mixture in small glass jar
- Screw lid on tightly and store in a cool, dark place
- Apply to affected area twice daily
Want more essential oil recipes for skin conditions? Check out these other posts!
