Your skin makes up the entirety of your body, so you want to ensure it is cared for and nourished at all times. Sadly, when you suffer from a skin condition like psoriasis or eczema, this can become more difficult to do.
Luckily for you, we have just the solution to help soothe your skin and help provide you with the relief you deserve. Below, we’ll dive deep into all things psoriasis and eczema, ending with the ultimate salve recipe that you can easily follow yourself.
Psoriasis symptoms and triggers
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes flaky and scaly patches of skin on the body, usually around the knees, elbows, scalp, and bottom of the back. There are several different types of psoriasis, and you will usually only have one type, but sometimes you can have two types at the same time, making it more severe.
Symptoms
The symptoms of psoriasis will vary depending on the type you have, but here are the most common ones:
- A rash that forms in patches, looking either flaky or scaly
- A rash that varies in colour, from purple and grey to pink and red
- Dry and cracked skin that causes pain and sometimes bleeds
- Itching and burning sensations
- A rash that flares up for weeks or months at a time
Triggers
There is no one trigger for each person with psoriasis, however these are some of the potential things that could lead to an outbreak:
- A large amount of stress on your mind and body
- Injury to the skin, such as sunburn, bug bites, or cuts
- Various infections throughout the body
- Change in weather, especially when it is dry and cold
- Smoking and heavy drinking
- Medications such as antimalarial drugs and lithium
Eczema symptoms and triggers
Many people get eczema and psoriasis confused, but there are actually quite a few differences between the two. Eczema, also known as dermatitis, causes your skin to become dry, itchy, and flaky. You will usually see this type of skin condition form in children first, but it is possible to develop in adults later in life. It is a chronic condition that can be treated and might even clear completely in the future.
Symptoms
Similar to psoriasis, not all those suffering from eczema will display the same symptoms. However, there are some common signs that you may be suffering from an outbreak:
- Skin that has become dry, itchy, sore, and flaky/cracked
- It can either affect small patches of skin or the entire body
- Various different colours, such as red, dark brown, purple, or grey
- Often flares up in the hands, elbows, knees, face, and scalp
- Periods of time where symptoms are less noticeable
Triggers
No one knows for sure if there is one thing that may trigger an eczema outbreak, but there are some potential causes you might want to consider:
- Allergies, or a sensitivity to certain allergens that sparks an outbreak
- Other family members also suffer from the skin condition
- It develops alongside other conditions like hayfever and asthma
- The use of certain soaps and detergents
- Change in weather, especially when it is dry and cold
- Eating certain types of foods
How the ingredients contribute to skin health
If you suffer from psoriasis or eczema, we have the perfect remedy for you. However, before we show you how to make it, let’s take a deep dive into the ingredients involved in the salve and how they contribute to skin health.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil offers many moisturising properties because it is a natural emollient. This means it hydrates the skin, locking in any moisture and reducing the dryness, scaliness, and flakiness of the two skin conditions. It also contains fatty acids, which offer anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness on the skin.
Shea butter
Similar to coconut oil, shea butter has moisturising properties due to the fact it is rich in vitamins A and E. This helps nourish the skin, reducing discomfort and offering a smoother finish. Whenever your skin is irritated and red, the anti-inflammatory effects of shea butter is there to help.
Beeswax
Beeswax isn’t only to help produce honey. When placed on the skin, it helps create a barrier that will lock in any moisture and protect any potential allergens and irritants from accessing it. Beeswax works with the coconut oil and shea butter, as both these products offer moisture, and the beeswax helps seal it into the skin.
Lavender oil
You may have used lavender oil to try and soothe the mind before, but it also helps calm irritated skin when applied to it. This ingredient also has antiseptic properties, which can reduce the chances of infection when you break the skin due to scratching.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is another ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which are highly beneficial to those suffering from psoriasis and eczema. Similarly, it also has antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the risk of infection, similar to how lavender oil works.
Miracle salve recipe
You now know all about how the beautiful ingredients in our miracle salve can help save your skin, but now it’s time to show you how to make it. It is a super easy recipe with a few steps to follow, but make sure you follow them closely!
Ingredients
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup shea butter
- 2 tbsp beeswax
- 10-15 drops lavender oil
- 10-15 drops tea tree oil
Instructions
- Simmer some water in a pot on your stove and place a heatproof bowl over the pot. In this pot, melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax.
- Once you are sure that all ingredients are thoroughly melted, remove the bowl from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Add the drops of lavender and tea tree oils to the mixture and ensure that you stir them in well.
- Find a clean container or jar and pour the mixture in. The choice of container you use is entirely up to you, but ensure it is clean.
- Allow the salve to cool and turn into a more solid product. This can take up to a couple of hours.
You are now ready to use your miracle salve! Apply a small amount, about the size of a pea, to the irritated areas of your skin when there is an outbreak. Remember to be careful, as these areas of your skin may be sensitive.
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