If you’ve been dealing with problem skin you’re in good company. Did you know that 1 in 5 Australians will experience eczema at some point? For many, it’s not just a passing issue. Research shows that eczema affects 30% of babies and children and 10% of adults, causing flare-ups that range from mildly uncomfortable to truly debilitating - both physically and mentally.
And eczema isn’t the only concern. A staggering 60% of Australians report struggling with sensitive skin, making this a daily reality for millions.
Despite how common these skin issues are, many people feel isolated and frustrated. Unfortunately, conventional skincare routines often make things worse.
Common Irritants in Skincare Products
One of the biggest mistakes people make when managing eczema or sensitive skin is using products that contain hidden irritants. Many popular skincare products are packed with ingredients that can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier and trigger inflammation.
Ingredients to Avoid
➜ Fragrance (including essential oils)
➜ Drying alcohols (like ethanol and denatured alcohol)
➜ Harsh preservatives and surfactants (e.g. SLS)
While these ingredients might create a short-lived feeling of smoothness or cleanliness, they often compromise the skin barrier, leading to increased redness, itchiness and irritation.
Overuse of Steroids
Topical corticosteroids can reduce inflammation during flare-ups, but using them too often can backfire. Long-term use may lead to skin thinning, increased sensitivity and steroid dependence and topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) - a cycle that’s hard to break.
Smarter Skincare for Sensitive & Eczema-Prone Skin
The good news? You can break the cycle. The key is gentle, supportive skincare. Here are five essential tips to help you start healing from the inside out.
Simplify Your Skincare Routine
Less is more. Your skin doesn’t need a complicated regimen to thrive. Stick to a gentle, soap-free cleanser, a barrier-boosting balm and moisturiser and a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Read the Ingredients List
When shopping for skincare, choose fragrance-free, drying alcohol-free and dermatologist tested and approved products. If the products have been tested on for use on sensitive skin, like every Salvida product, that's an added bonus! Look for eczema-safe ingredients like:
➜ Colloidal oatmeal (calms itching and reduces redness)
➜ Zinc (support skin barrier repair and soothes irritation)
➜ Aloe vera (hydrates and support skin healing)
Patch Test New Products
Always test new skincare on a small area first. This can help prevent widespread reactions, especially when trying products designed for sensitive skin.
Establish a Daily Moisturising Habit
For dry or eczema-prone skin, moisturising is non-negotiable. Apply an emollient-rich moisturiser like Bodyguard within a few minutes of bathing to lock in hydration. Reapply throughout the day, especially on dry patches.
Know When to Seek Help
If flare-ups don’t improve or are affecting your quality of life, talk to a dermatologist.
Living With Sensitive Skin? You’re Not Alone
Having eczema, sensitive skin or frequent flare-ups can be overwhelming - but support is out there. With the right skincare choices and consistent care, you can improve your skin’s condition and break free from the cycle of inflammation.
Remember:
➜ Your skin is resilient
➜ Healing is possible
➜ You’re not alone
Every small step - whether it’s switching to skin-friendly skincare or finally seeing a specialist - is a move towards friendly skin.
Salvida® friendly skin