Eczema skin guide
Soothe Your
Eczema Naturally
A complete, step-by-step approach to managing eczema with gentle, natural products that work with your skin barrier, not against it.
We Understand Eczema
Our founder created Apothecary & Me whilst her daughter battled Topical Steroid Withdrawal and eczema. We know the frustration of trying product after product or worse, making things worse with harsh chemicals and steroids.
That's why every product uses only natural ingredients, free from preservatives, parabens, and synthetic chemicals. Simple formulas that let your eczema-prone skin breathe, heal, and thrive.
Your Eczema Routine
Recommended Products
Start with the essentials and add the scrub once your skin has settled. Our products are steroid-free, preservative-free and made with 100% natural ingredients.
No 1 - Illuminate Face Oil
£38.00
Our bestselling face oil deeply cleanses, boosts hydration, and reduces fine lines. Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that calm inflammation and restore your skin's natural barrier.
Why it works
Mimics the skin's own lipid barrier with natural fatty acids, deeply hydrating without triggering reactions. Calms redness and inflammation from the first use.
How to use
Apply 3–4 drops to cleansed face morning and evening. Gently press into skin — don't rub. Can also be used on eczema patches on the body.
No 3 - Calm Butter
£28.00
Unscented body butter for dry, reactive, and eczema-prone skin. Creates a protective barrier while deeply moisturising without any irritating fragrances.
Why it works
Specifically formulated for eczema-prone skin. The unscented formula means zero irritation, while the rich butters lock in moisture and protect cracked, raw skin.
How to use
Apply generously to affected areas 2–3x daily, especially after bathing while skin is still slightly damp. Focus on dry, rough patches.
No 2 - Glow Face Scrub
£36.00
A gentle exfoliating scrub that removes dead skin cells without micro-tears. Leaves skin feeling nourished and deeply cleansed, perfect for congested or textured skin.
Why it works
Once your eczema is calmer (usually after 4–6 weeks), gentle exfoliation helps remove built-up flaky skin and allows your other products to penetrate deeper.
How to use
Use 1–2x per week on calm, non-flaring skin only. Avoid active flare-ups. Follow immediately with Illuminate Face Oil.
Your healing timeline
Skin Progress Guide
Everyone's journey is different, but here's a general roadmap for what to expect as your skin begins to heal.
Calm & Soothe
Focus on reducing inflammation and itching. Keep your routine minimal, just Illuminate Face Oil and Calm Butter.
- Lukewarm water only
- Pat dry, never rub
- Apply products to dry skin
Repair Your Barrier
Your skin barrier starts to rebuild. Flare-ups should become less frequent and less intense.
- Continue 2–3x daily application
- Itching should reduce
- Skin feels less tight
Strengthen & Protect
Visible improvement in texture and tone. Dark patches from old flare-ups begin to fade. You can introduce the Glow Scrub.
- Use scrub 1x per week max
- Only on calm skin
- Follow scrub with oil
Maintain & Thrive
Your skin is significantly calmer and more comfortable. Maintain your routine and adjust seasonally as needed.
- Fewer flare-ups
- Faster recovery
- Confidence in your skin
Setting expectations
What to Expect
Healing isn't linear, but knowing what's ahead can help you stay the course. Where you're introducing more than one new product, leave 3 to 4 days between each.
Initial Adjustment (Days 1-7)
- Your skin is getting used to new products, so go slowly
- Skin may look slightly more red at first as it settles
- Any itching may briefly increase before it begins to ease
- Keep routine simple: Illuminate + Calm Butter
Hydration Phase (Weeks 2-3)
- Skin starts to feel less tight and dry
- Flaking and rough patches begin to soften
- Itching becomes less intense and less frequent
- You may notice fewer new flare-ups appearing
Repair Phase (Weeks 4-8)
- You may see improvement in skin texture and tone
- Dark patches from old flare-ups begin to fade
- The skin barrier feels stronger and less reactive to triggers
- If you feel ready, introduce the Glow Face Scrub at this stage
Maintenance (Month 3+)
- Skin tends to feel calmer and more comfortable
- Flare-ups are less severe and recover faster
- Confidence in your skin grows
- Adjust routine seasonally as needed
Important guide
Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW)
Understanding Topical Steroid Withdrawal and how to support your skin through the recovery process.
6–18 months
Average Recovery
100% Steroid-Free
Our Products
2+ weeks daily use
Risk Increases After
Medical Disclaimer:
This guide is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you suspect you are experiencing TSW, please consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about this condition.
TSW occurs when the skin becomes dependent on topical corticosteroids after prolonged use. When steroids are stopped or reduced, the skin can react with intense redness, burning, flaking, and oozing — often worse than the original eczema. This is sometimes called 'Red Skin Syndrome' or 'Steroid Addiction.'
Common signs include: spreading redness beyond original eczema areas, burning/stinging skin, intense itching, skin shedding/flaking, oozing or weeping skin, insomnia due to discomfort, and symptoms that worsen after stopping steroids. If you suspect TSW, consult a dermatologist who understands this condition.
Recovery varies widely — from a few months to 2+ years depending on duration and potency of steroid use, skin type, and overall health. Most people experience significant improvement within 6–12 months. The journey isn't linear; expect cycles of flaring and healing.
Yes. All our products are 100% steroid-free, preservative-free, and made with natural ingredients. During active TSW, we recommend starting with just the Illuminate Face Oil and Calm Butter. Some TSW sufferers practise 'moisture withdrawal' — if this applies to you, consult your provider before starting any moisturiser.
This is a medical decision that should be made with your dermatologist. Some doctors recommend gradual tapering, while others support immediate cessation. Never make changes to prescribed medications without professional guidance. Our products can support your skin during either approach.
What Our Customers Are Saying
Real results from real people with eczema
The most amazing product!
“I have experienced eczema all my life and my face was so dry to the point it was flaking off. Within 6 weeks of using the oil twice a day, it has completely cleared up. My skin is soft, with ZERO dryness or redness. It has changed my life!!”
Eczema breakout
“My daughter has suffered with eczema since being a baby. At 18, she's still having flare ups. I bought this oil for her to try and it is amazing. Her dry, sore skin has healed straight up! It's a lovely oil that isn't greasy, it feels luxurious.”
Soothing and healing
“I have had lots of problems with eczema around my eyes and this miracle bottle is the best. I have tried so many different products but this face oil both soothes and heals. Also using the thick balm for extra protection.”
Amazing products
“I came across these products when searching online for something to heal my eczema. They have helped me so much, taking the redness away and giving relief from itching. Also appreciate the help Anita gave me. I will be ordering more.”
Game changer
“I’m aged 57 and have had eczema most of my life. I’ve been using the oil 3 wks now and it’s helped calm my face. It doesn’t sting my eyelids. I use it as a moisturiser. My eyelids are improving a lot. I strongly recommend this soothing oil.”
My skin saviour
“I have been suffering with eczema on my eyelids and around my lips for a few years. After nearly 2 weeks of using this amazing oil my dry flaky eyelids and lips are smooth and feel hydrated. Thank you Apothecary and Me, you've truly been my skin saviour.”
Ready to Start Your Eczema Healing Journey?
Stop battling your eczema with complicated routines and harsh chemicals. Start with our two essentials, Illuminate Face Oil and Calm Butter, and build from there.
Buy Our Recommendations →