If your skin often feels itchy, tight, or suddenly reactive, you may have found yourself wondering if you have eczema. But is it really the condition?
What is eczema? It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the way the skin protects and hydrates itself. It’s not rare, it’s not contagious, and it’s not a reflection of how well you take care of your skin. Eczema-prone skin is simply more sensitive—more responsive to its surroundings, and sometimes, to what’s happening within.
What Causes Eczema?
When discussing what causes eczema, it helps to think of it as a combination rather than a single reason. Genetics often play a role, especially if there’s a family history of allergies, asthma, or sensitive skin.
Environmental factors can also contribute. Changes in weather, exposure to irritants, harsh cleansers, fragrance-heavy products, or even certain fabrics may trigger discomfort. At the core of it all is the skin barrier. In eczema-prone skin, this barrier is less effective at holding onto moisture and keeping irritants out. When the barrier weakens, the skin becomes dry, inflamed, and more reactive.
Can Eczema Be Caused by Stress?
It’s a question many people quietly ask: can eczema be caused by stress?
Stress may not be the original cause, but it often acts as a trigger.
When the body is under prolonged stress, inflammatory responses can increase. For some, this shows up on the skin as flare-ups, redness, or heightened itchiness. Eczema has a way of reflecting both physical and emotional states—making gentle routines and moments of rest just as important as topical care.
Eczema: 7 Types, Different Experiences
Eczema doesn’t appear the same for everyone. There are eczema 7 types, each with its own characteristics:
• Atopic Dermatitis – The most common form, often appearing early in life
• Contact Dermatitis – A reaction to something the skin touches
• Dyshidrotic Eczema – Clusters of tiny fluid-filled bumps on the hands or feet.
• Nummular Eczema – Round, coin-shaped patches
• Seborrheic Dermatitis – Common on the scalp and face
• Stasis Dermatitis – Often linked to circulation issues
• Neurodermatitis – Thickened skin from repeated scratching
Understanding the type can help make sense of symptoms—and guide more thoughtful care.
Eczema vs Psoriasis: Knowing the Difference
Although they can look similar, eczema vs psoriasis involves different underlying processes.
Eczema is closely tied to skin barrier dysfunction and sensitivity, often accompanied by itching and inflammation. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to regenerate too quickly, leading to thicker, more defined patches. Recognizing the difference is important, as each condition responds to different approaches.
How Eczema Heals
If you’re curious about how eczema heals, the answer is best described as gradual and ongoing. While eczema doesn’t have a definitive cure, symptoms can be managed effectively over time.
In daily life, this healing process is closely tied to routine. The way the skin is cleansed, moisturized, and cared for on a regular basis plays a quiet but important role in supporting recovery. Gentle formulas, adequate hydration, and consistent care can help reinforce the skin barrier, allowing eczema-prone skin to feel more resilient over time.
Building a Gentle Routine for Eczema-Prone Skin
Living with eczema is less about control and more about understanding. It’s about choosing gentle care, paying attention to signals, and allowing the skin the time it needs to settle.
For eczema-prone skin, everyday routines often play a bigger role than expected. Cleansing and moisturizing aren’t just about habits, but about how the skin feels afterward—whether it remains comfortable and hydrated, or tight and easily irritated. For sensitive skin, products that focus on supporting the skin barrier tend to make the most difference over time.
A gentle body cleanser, for instance, should help remove impurities without leaving the skin feeling dry or stripped. Grasse’s Ceradew Sunflower Oil Shower Butter was created with this balance in mind. Its soft, butter-like texture melts onto the skin as it cleanses, offering a nourishing feel that helps maintain moisture. After rinsing, the skin feels supple rather than rough or “squeaky clean,” which can be especially comforting for skin that is prone to dryness and flaking.
Both the cleanser and the follow-up care are centered around sunflower oil as a key ingredient. Naturally rich in essential fatty acids, sunflower oil is known for helping reinforce the skin’s natural barrier and reduce moisture loss—two things dry, eczema-prone skin often struggles with. Its lightweight yet deeply nourishing nature allows the skin to feel moisturized without feeling heavy or overwhelmed.
Following cleansing, maintaining hydration becomes just as essential. The Mild Cotton Dew Sunflower Oil Body Lotion focuses on deep moisturization while remaining gentle on sensitive skin. With consistent use, it helps support dry, compromised skin, allowing it to feel softer, smoother, and more comfortable throughout the day.
Caring for eczema-prone skin is rarely about quick fixes. It’s about choosing gentle textures, thoughtful formulations, and ingredients that work quietly in the background. When the skin feels supported rather than overstimulated, comfort becomes part of the routine—one calm step at a time.