Facial eczema / Eyelid eczema: how to soothe your skin every day?
You have localized eczema of the face and/or eyelids. You may experience symptoms such as redness, dry or peeling skin, itching, tightness, tingling or burning. Eyelids may be swollen, irritated or very sensitive, sometimes making make-up or certain products difficult to tolerate.
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Facial eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that evolves in phases, with flare-ups and lulls. There is no cure for facial eczema. On the other hand, the right gestures, specific to this fragile area, can help relieve symptoms and protect the skin over the long term.
This sheet summarizes the essential points discussed during the consultation.
Facial eczema (including eyelids): 4 steps to regain control
Treat the flare-up at the first sign
Apply the prescribed treatment to the affected areas without delay.
Why?
On the face and eyelids, inflammation can set in quickly. Early treatment helps to calm the outbreak more quickly, limit the spread of plaques and reduce the risk of repeated rubbing and scratching.
How?
- Start as soon as the 1st signs appear (redness, itching, swelling)
- Apply the prescribed cream only to the affected areas, respecting the instructions discussed during the consultation (area, frequency, duration)
- Do not stop too soon, even if improvement is rapid
Moisturize your face every day
Reinforcing the cutaneous barrier even when skin is feeling better
Why?
Even outside of flare-ups, the skin on the face and eyelids remains thin and reactive. Daily moisturizing helps restore the skin barrier, reducing dryness and tightness, improving comfort and spacing out attacks.
How?
- Apply an emollient care product suitable for the face and eyelids, 1 to 2 times a day.
- Spread gently, without rubbing or massaging
- Adjust the quantity to comfort (it's better to use little but regularly).
- When medication and soothing facial care are used on the same day:
- Apply medicated treatment first, on the patches
- Wait a few minutes if necessary
- Then apply the daily skin care product to the entire face
Gently cleanse the face
Gently cleanse, especially around the eyes
Why?
Inappropriate cleansing can weaken the skin barrier, increasing dryness and rekindling redness and itching, especially on the eyelids.
How?
- Use a mild, soap-free, fragrance-free cleanser
- Clean with lukewarm water
- Apply with hands (avoid abrasive cotton/wipes)
- Pat dry, without rubbing
Simplify your routine
Fewer products = less risk of irritation
Why?
On the face, the accumulation of products (skincare products, serums, make-up, make-up removers) increases the risk of irritative reactions and can maintain eczema.
How?
- Stick to the essentials: cleanse + moisturize + treat in case of flare-ups
- Avoid testing several new products at the same time
- During a flare-up, reduce the use of products as much as possible (and suspend make-up if possible).
Make-up, make-up removal and cosmetics: the right reflexes to have
When eczema affects the face and/or eyelids, make-up and certain everyday products can contribute to the irritation :
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1/During a flare-up, stop using make-up. The skin is too inflamed to tolerate products, and repeated make-up removal may maintain the irritation.
2/When eczema subsides, make-up can be gradually reintroduced, provided you :
- Choose products formulated for fragile or allergic skin
- Choose simple, easy-to-remove textures
- Avoid long-wearing or waterproof products
- Reintegrate products 1 by 1 to observe the skin's reaction
- Before applying make-up, apply the appropriate emollient to reinforce the cutaneous barrier.
- Make-up removal should be as gentle as possible: use a suitable, fragrance-free product, with gentle movements, then apply the emollient care product.
- Make-up accessories (brushes, sponges) must be cleaned regularly and kept in a clean environment, to avoid any irritation or contamination.
- Also consider products that may come into contact with the face without being intended for this area: shampoos, hair care products, shower gels, styling products or perfumes. When using them, make sure they don't drip onto the face and eyelids, and always rinse well.
- Focus on eyelid eczema: avoid wearing make-up and rubbing your eyes. Wash your hands before any contact with the eyelids. In the event of discomfort, the application of cold can help to soothe quickly.
1.
Wash
2.
Soothe the face
3.
Soothing eyelids
The right skincare routine for facial and/or eyelid eczema
How to apply care products
Doctor's stamp
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