Conditions such as eczema are the result of a body that (for whatever reason) has lost the ability to keep the skin barrier. When this happens the barrier is lost and the skin is left ‘naked’ with no way to defend itself from the harsh dry world. A common treatment for eczema (that is out of control) is to soak in a lukewarm bath for 10-15 min, then cover the skin with an ointment or oil based product (oils soak in, ointments both soak in deeper than lotions and sit on top and keep water from getting out, so basically an artificial skin barrier). Something known as ‘weekend’ therapy is when an eczema patient, once a week, soaks in the lukewarm bath for 10-15 min (no soap) and then gets out to only pat dry the skin, then covers the skin in a medication steroid ointment, then covers the skin to keep the ointment from wiping off – then goes to bed. They do this once a week and usually this is enough to keep the skin under control.

So, the barrier is something to be cherished but it is also allowed to be disrupted – just make sure after you disrupt it, you give it what it needs to recover.

Klau, no I don’t. But I have been studying the science behind skincare for 8 years now. Such a fascinating topic!

Hi. Do you have a degree in biology?

Barbara, it’s true, a bit of heat can loosen stuff up. The problem is when this heat is too hot. Then it just disrupts the skin’s protective barrier. That’s why it’s best to do it in moderation.

As for herbal tea steaming, it’d be cool if it worked. But, sometimes, I haven’t seen any proof it does.

Ok, steaming. I don´t know. It doesn´t have to be actual steaming, but like you said, a hot cloth or even warm water, I feel like these “loosen” the skin and it´s easier to extract that stuff that was stuck inside. At least for me.

Here´s a question. What´s your opinion on herbal tea steaming? Apparently it gives your skin nutrients?

Laurie, we all did them, didn’t we? I agree, it’s not the most pleasant thing, and definitely something you don’t want to do too often.