I bought a new shampoo a few months ago with the intention of writing a review. I had to reorder because the first one was stolen. I hope they opened my parcel, we’re initially disappointed and then loved it once they tried it. It’s a good shampoo.

It is the Handmade Naturals Herbal Shampoo for Sensitive Skin which I bought from Amazon for £8.45.

This product is scent-free and contains all natural ingredients, as described. Although scent-free it does have a vinegar scent due to the ingredients used but there is no perfume added to it. My hair doesn’t smell like vinegar afterwards.

This product does not contain sulphates which some people do not like. It can be an irritant for eczema. As I have mentioned in a previous post it can be hard to find a shampoo which is free of sulphates and I have found one in the past which does not clean as well as this.

My hair feels very fresh afterwards and the product lathers too. I have read some reviews that people find this dries out their hair. I haven’t found this and I use a normal conditioner afterwards. If you do have have dry hair use this instead. However, it is scented. They have a range of conditioners too that I haven’t tried.

Overall, it is a great product for people with sensitive skin or who want a natural alternative which cleans their hair thoroughly.

I have a new product I received for Christmas. It’s from Piotis Naturals. It’s a body butter for eczema, psoriasis and dry skin. They have other other products for sensitive skin. I’m going to try their lipstick next, which can be made to order.

This product smells really nice. If you have sensitive skin you may shy away from products with scents but this contains natural ingredients. It has a mixed lavender scent.

It’s very soothing, moisturising and helps with my skin. It’s £12.99 and is recommended for use three times a day. I have been using this for a month (perhaps a little too generously) and still have half of it left.

I recommend this product not just for people with sensitive skin but everyone because it is such a good quality body butter. Please have a look at their website and Etsy Store. They have a wide range of vegan and natural products.

I have used coconut oil on my skin in the past and am currently using Lucy Bee. It’s primarily advertised for consumption but you can use it on your hair and skin as well. Most coconut oil manufacturers will list its uses. Have a look on their website or on the packaging if you’re unsure. Most will list it’s usefulness as a beauty product.

Here are three great uses for coconut oil I have discovered:

Add it to Your Bath

This can be soothing for skin and will not harm people with sensitive skin or flare-ups of eczema. I add around one or two teaspoons to my bath. You can add more as long as you’re aware the bathtub will become very slippery.

I don’t use coconut oil as a sole moisturiser because it is absorbed too quickly and doesn’t quite cut it with my skin. I love using it in the bath and following this up with a heavier moisturiser or emollient.

Condition the Ends of Your Hair

I mentioned this in my previous post coconut oil can be used as a replacement for hair products such as leave-in conditioner. Don’t use too much! Start with a small amount and apply it after your hair is dry. I have tried using it on wet and dry hair and it’s easier to use on dry hair because you can get the quantity right.

This can be a great natural alternative to hair products which can cause flare-ups. It also smells really good.

To Remove Make-Up

This is my favourite use for coconut oil and I was surprised by how effective it was the first time I used it. When I wear mascara this is the absolute best thing to remove it. I’d go as far to say it’s even better than a lot of eye make-up removers made specially for the job.

It’s so soft and doesn’t cause redness or dryness like cleansers can do. Coconut oil is comedogenic, so be aware if you’re skin is sensitive to breaking out.

Why Is It Good for Eczema?

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, making up half of the fat in coconut oil. People with eczema benefit from it because coconut oil can reduce inflammation and is antibacterial, antifungal and is an antioxidant. All of as well as hydrating the skin.

Coconut oil can be found in most supermarkets, pharmacies or online. I have found a 125ml tub from Superdrug at an affordable price of £2.49.

Coconut oil will often come in a solid format but will melt quickly when applied to the body. It is best applied before bed because it can make your clothes oily.

This week I have published my first product review of a brand I have discovered, Eucerin. It is their Control Bath and Shower Oil.

This bottle from Eucerin was on the shelf in Boots. It wasn’t the cheapest product on sale at £14.99 for 400ml (on sale for £11.19 at Superdrug and Amazon) but it was something I had not tried before and I liked that it was oil-based.

Eucerin describe it on their website as:

‘soap-free and enriched with a high concentration of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Oils to gently cleanse and soothe skin with Atopic Dermatitis’

It specifically mentions usage during and between flare-ups. Perfect.

I was pleasantly surprised with this product. It is fragrance-free as you would expect and the product has an oily consistently without being greasy.

When I first rubbed this product between my hands it transformed into a white foam but reassuringly not too ‘lathery’. This meant it was easy to apply, went further and felt more like a traditional body wash without the itch.

I have also used this in the bath and it does have bubbles but nothing that would alarm you i.e. an irritant.

It’s smooth and cleansing without drying out the skin. It’s not the most attractive product and it isn’t cheap but it is good for sensitive skin and for when someone is experiencing an eczema flare-up.

Paying attention to your haircare routine could help your skin. If you have hair that’s long enough to reach your shoulders or back then the chemicals you’re using have contact with your skin. Not to mention those who suffer from sensitive skin or eczema on their face and scalp.

It can be incredibly frustrating maintaining smooth hair if the products you’re using cause flare-ups.

Therefore, I have listed some basic haircare tips that leave skin happier and won’t cost the Earth:

Stop Washing It So Much

Leave it alone. It doesn’t like it. It is probably in your hair’s best interest that you wash it as little as possible, for example every 2-3 days but definitely not every day.

Over washing can become a vicious cycle because your scalp will overcompensate by producing excess natural oils. This led to an oily scalp but dryer ends. Let the natural oils run their course. You could invest in a good dry shampoo to help with this process or use talcum powder as I have done.

Switch Up Your Shampoo

You’ve probably heard about SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) and how it isn’t a good thing. It is listed on the back of most shampoo bottles and it’s actually quite hard to find products that don’t have it.

Be warned, some products don’t have it listed as SLS but under other aliases such as sodium coco sulphate. The chemical formula may be slightly different but it’s essentially the same thing.

The bottom line is, don’t use anything that is hurting you. I find the lather from regular shampoos can sting and cause flare-ups.

I have used L’Oreal’s Elvive Extraordinary Oil Low Shampoo in the past. It takes some getting used to because this shampoo doesn’t lather. Leave these no-lather products in for three minutes or as instructed. It’s also better for winter because it won’t dry your hair out like regular shampoo can.

I found my hair felt thicker afterwards. I forgot to repurchase this because I was busy moving and changing. That being said, I have ordered a similar product and will let you know the results.

Avoid The Heat

I haven’t used hair straighteners in a very long time. The heat that comes off of these tools can cause flare-ups. The same goes for hair dryers, I tend to use the lowest heat setting or let my hair air dry.

It might be worth looking at the products you’re applying to your hair post-wash. I have stopped using these for now and am occasionally using a small amount of coconut oil by running it through the ends of my hair. It keeps my hair soft and smells great but use a tiny amount. Too much leaves your hair looking saturated.

As with a lot of cleaning products your laundry detergent could be affecting the health of your skin. I have also heard this from people who do not necessarily suffer from sensitive skin or eczema.

Some brands are harsher than others. I was using Daz before and I was sure it didn’t agree with me. I was a new graduate who had just got my first full time job and my mindset at the time was to buy the most affordable product.

Fairy Non Bio is what I use now. It has been voted the number one laundry detergent for sensitive skin. You can buy the pods in bulk from Amazon.

Or find their other products here.

I prefer the pods because they’re easier in the sense that they don’t require cleaning out the drawer afterwards. Laziness is just efficiency, right?

How Does It Work?

Non bio products don’t contain the enzymes that regular bio detergents do. These aid in the breakdown of stains containing protein, starch and fat.

This can cause concern that your washing is not being cleaned as thoroughly.

Unfortunately, those enzymes that are so good at removing stains are also what may be upsetting your skin. If you wash your clothes regularly and at a higher temperature then you shouldn’t have an issue. If possible, try to get your wash above 50° C and avoid the quick wash cycles.

I understand that it is not always possible to find this time during the week or even at the weekend. Before I moved into my new flat I was living communally with five washing machines between four blocks of flats. I realised that the best time of day to get a machine was earlier on or straight after work.

I now live in my own flat with my own washing machine (I was so excited when we got this – maybe too much so). It has a timer that allows me to put my washing in the drum at night and start so it would complete after I finish work.

I admit that I didn’t use fabric softener until I moved in with Barry who does, therefore I don’t have much to say about it. We’ve been using Comfort and it doesn’t seem to be causing any issues. If anyone has any recommendations let me know.

I’m going to try the EcoEgg next time.