Many people with eczema find that glycerin can be helpful in treating symptoms. Glycerin is an emollient, an ingredient that helps balance or maintain moisture levels. It is usually derived from oils or created as a by-product of soap. These oils can be vegetable, animal or derived from petroleum.
Glycerin is actually part of the skin’s own natural lipid structure, so it can be very helpful in treating eczema. As a hydrating ingredient, glycerin helps skin attract and regain its own natural moisture, leaving it soft. Instead of settling on the skin, glycerin softens the skin and allows it to breathe. While some people believe that this softening is the result of glycerin drawing moisture to the skin, some researchers believe that glycerin has other properties of its own that are helpful to the skin.
One of the most important attributes of glycerin is that it is “hygroscopic”, which means that it absorbs water from the air. If you were to leave a bottle of pure glycerin exposed to the air in your kitchen, it would take the moisture out of the air and eventually turn into 80 percent glycerin and 20 percent water.
Glycerin has a long history of safe use in personal care products. It’s on the Food and Drug Administration’s list of ingredients that are generally considered safe.
Eczema is often dry and itchy, so applying moisturizers (such as glycerin) to keep skin moist is part of an effective treatment plan. Frequent hydration locks in the skin’s own moisture to prevent dryness and cracking. One of the best ways to hydrate is to apply a glycerin lotion after bathing. When bathing, it is important to avoid irritating the skin by using strong soaps or body sponges. Adding pure oils to the bath is also helpful in many cases.
People with eczema should avoid personal care products that contain alcohol. All clothing should be washed in hypoallergenic detergent and rinsed twice to ensure all detergents are removed from clothing, sheets, and bedding. It can also be helpful to wash new clothing before wearing to remove excess dyes and fabric finishers, which can irritate the skin. People with eczema should wear clothing made from 100 percent cotton and sleep on sheets made from 100 percent cotton. Synthetic fibers contain substances that can aggravate the symptoms of eczema.
Because no two people are alike, and even with pure, natural ingredients, some people can develop an allergic reaction that is unique to them. As with any product, be sure to discontinue use if you experience discomfort or unpleasant side effects that may mean that this product is not compatible with your body chemistry.