Friday, September 15, 2023

My eczema skincare journey: How I'm using wet wraps to help my eczema.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes the skin to become itchy, dry, and inflamed, which can lead to discomfort, irritation, and even infection. For many people, like me, eczema is a lifelong struggle that can be difficult to manage. However, there are many treatments available that can help soothe symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with eczema.

One such treatment is wet wrapping, which involves using damp bandages or clothes to cover affected areas of the skin. Wet wraps can help to soothe eczema by reducing inflammation, increasing moisture, and providing a protective barrier against further irritation.


I have been using wet wraps as part of my eczema skincare routine for several weeks now, and have found them to be incredibly effective. Here is my journey with wet wrapping and how it has helped my eczema:


My Journey with Eczema


I have had eczema all my life, and have tried countless treatments and skincare products over the years. While some have been helpful, many have been ineffective or even made my eczema worse.

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I first learned about wet wrapping from my own research and learned it is  recommended as a natural and gentle way to soothe my eczema. At first, I was skeptical - wrapping my skin in damp fabric seemed like it would only make things worse. However, after trying it a few times, I quickly realized how beneficial it was for my skin.


How I Use Wet Wraps


Here's what you'll need:

-some type of wrapping - https://amzn.to/3sTcwsi

-a moisturizer - https://amzn.to/3Rpac6z

- an emolient - https://amzn.to/3Zmss2c


If after consulting your doctor, you decide you want to use wet wraps, here's what I did. I start by taking a warm bath or shower to hydrate my skin. I then apply a moisturizing cream and an emollient to the affected areas, gently massaging it in to ensure it is absorbed. After that, I take a damp cloth or bandage and wrap it around the affected area, making sure it is snug but not too tight. I then cover the wet wrap with a dry layer such as a thin layer of clothing or a bandage to prevent the dampness from evaporating too quickly. I typically leave the wet wraps on for several hours or overnight.





I would like to clear up my skin so I'm doing the as often as possible. And since my eczema covers my entire body, I use legging and long sleeve shirts as my wet wraps. I soak them in warm water and then put them on once I've moisturized. I also do this when my eczema is particularly severe or flared up. And when I do, I feel the immediate relief from itching and inflammation also I notice sgnificant improvement after each treatment. 


Living with eczema can be challenging, but there are many treatments and remedies available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Wet wrapping is an effective, all-natural way to soothe eczema and provide relief from symptoms, including itching, dryness, and inflammation. While it may seem intimidating or unusual at first, wet wrapping is a simple and gentle tool that has made a significant difference in my eczema skincare journey.

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Natural colorants and fluid hot process soap method experience.


A few days ago, I finally got around to using a botanical and a clay as colorants for my soap! I also experimented with the fluid hot process soap method.

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Natural colorants
In this soap, I made my normal soap recipe using the hot process soap method. I left half of the soap without colorant.

The other half I split and used spinach powder and rose kaolin clay as colorants. I used 1 tsp./lb dispersed in carrier oil, then another tsp. because it didn't get dark enough.

I was hesitant to add any more since I didn't know how it would turn out. Then I did a hanger swirl and topped with ground rosehips. Now that I know it dries lighter, I think I will try and go darker in the next batch.



Fluid hot process method experiment
I had been wanting to try the fluid hot process soap method so that I could be more creative with my soaps. 

Most fluid hot process recipes include an ingredient called sodium lactate and yogurt to make the soap pourable.

But I would prefer not use sodium lactate due it's chemical sounding name. And I omitted yogurt because it's not vegan friendly. I could probably try plant-based yogurt but generally they are more expensive. So I left both out and I replaced with coconut milk and agave nectar.




I decided to use the recipe from Lovin Soap Studio as a guide. I used my normal recipe and incorporated the following suggestions:  adding sugar (agave syrup), maybe extra water, using plastic wrap on the lid and minimal to no stirring during the cook. 


While I am pleased with the results, the soap has a caramel color, which is from adding the milk and sugar while the soap was too hot. I prefer a creamy white soap so that the colors are more distinct.


Next time, I will eliminate the milk and sugar and just use extra water. When I mixed the colorants with water and added to the soap, I noticed the soap got more fluid.




I chose to name this soap, Happy Soul, because the scent blend makes me feel happy in my soul. It's an earthy, unisex blend of patchouli, cinnamon, lemongrass and lavender. You're gonna love it!