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6 Holistic Remedies To Try If You’re Over Your Eczema
I've suffered from eczema since I was a baby. As a child, my eczema was severe and very uncomfortable to deal with. As an adult, it has lessened in severity and sometimes disappears for months at a time. However, in the spring of 2018, my eczema made a reappearance, but this time more severe than it has ever been in my adult years. Usually, I've been able to manage at home with no problems, but this time it was so out of control, I visited a dermatologist for the first time in my life. I was prescribed topical steroids to apply to my problem areas (face, neck and ears).
After about a week of use and research on the long-term side effects of the steroids, I decided to ditch them and try some at-home remedies instead. Long story short, I have yet to return to the dermatologist for my eczema and my eczema flare-ups have lessened tremendously.
What Is Eczema?
According to the National Eczema Association, "Eczema is the name for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become red, itchy and inflamed. There are several types of eczema: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis. Eczema is very common. And in many cases, it's also manageable... over 30 million Americans have some form of eczema."
Eczema Symptoms
Everyone doesn't experience eczema the same way. While some may experience mild itching every now and again, some may experience more severe ongoing symptoms that may interfere with their everyday lives. Some symptoms of eczema include:
- Dry, sensitive skin
- Inflammation
- Very bad uncontrollable itching
- Dark-colored patches of skin
- Rough, leathery, or scaly patches of skin
- Oozing or crusting on the skin
- Areas of swelling
Most dermatologists prescribe topical steroids to patients dealing with eczema. However, the long-term effects of topical steroids such as thinning skin are a cause of concern for many patients. If you suffer from eczema and want to find ways to naturally manage it at home without the use of steroids, here are 6 holistic remedies that you can try.
Eczema Remedies
1.Meditate and eliminate stress
Believe it or not, your mind is powerful, especially when it comes to bodily functions and aliments. Stress is another known cause of eczema flare ups. Much like hives caused by stress, when you're already going crazy about the discomfort and itchiness that comes with eczema, stressing over it may cause the condition to worsen. When you're in an eczema-related rut, try calming your mind and taking your thoughts away from the situation at hand. If you're not familiar with meditation, you can try guided meditation apps to help you.
2.Hit the gym
Another great way to relax and relieve some stress is through exercise. And no, you don't have to do an intense 2-hour high-intensity interval training session to see results. Whether you're going for a light jog or participating in a beginner's yoga session, exercising can be a great way to get your mind off of eczema while improving your overall health.
3.Check your diet
Many people tend to forget that much like your heart, lungs, and stomach, your skin is an organ and what you put into your body does affect it. Though eczema hasn't been scientifically linked to diet, there are a few foods known to cause inflammation in the body. These include peanuts, milk, soy, wheat, eggs, and alcohol. Try eliminating these from your diet (even if it's for a short period of time) to lessen the inflammation on your skin due to eczema.
4.Clean up your laundry day
Even if you don't enjoy doing laundry, you must admit that the fresh scent of clean clothes is the one thing about laundry day that you genuinely look forward to. Unfortunately, all of those dyes, fragrances, and other added chemicals that we associate with the fresh scent of laundry are absolutely no good for your skin, especially if you are battling eczema. Instead, you need to be reaching for clean detergents that don't have any of those pesky chemicals that will further upset your skin.
5.Turn down the temperature of your shower water
We all know how amazing a long hot shower at the beginning or the end of a long day is, but when you suffer from eczema, it's best that you shower in lukewarm water. Hot water (and cold water) tends to dry out the skin, while lukewarm water helps your skin retain moisture. When you already suffer from a condition like eczema, where your skin already tends to be dry and scaly, hot water will only agitate your skin more. If you opt to take baths while experiencing an eczema flare, try an oatmeal bath that can help soothe your skin (specifically the itchiness).
6.Transition to clean beauty products
Similar to what we said about your laundry detergent, the products that you put directly on your skin have a big impact on your eczema. Transitioning to clean beauty products that are free of dyes, added fragrances and other artificial ingredients that may be irritating your already inflamed skin can make a huge difference. Start by gradually incorporating natural and clean products into your skincare routine (face and body) until you find natural products that work for you and your eczema.
While eczema may be discomforting and maybe even frustrating, it's not impossible to take control of. Try these holistic remedies until you find one that makes living with eczema much easier.
Featured image by Getty Images
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Wealthy Restaurant Owner Shares The Money-Saving Hack She’s Used Since Childhood
“It doesn’t matter how big or small your finances are, the real gem is prioritizing what you have,” that’s the candor advice Ebony Austin, owner of Noveau Bar and Grill made sure she emphasized in our authentic convo. As a multi-hyphenated go-getter, she’s created more than 100 job opportunities and given away over $100 million to the community. When I inquired about her secret, she simply credits her skill to proper planning and a trusted team.
But the more the discussion progressed, the depth of that answer was revealed. Ebony opened up about how saving during the pandemic, a time when many businesses were forced to close their doors, aided her through difficult chapters. And after our authentic conversation, it made the importance of saving and business research crystal clear. Check out the convo below.
What was your journey like into money management? Have you always been good with your finances?
Yes, I learned it early. My grandparents had a construction company when I was growing up and my grandmother would teach me that with everything they worked for, she’d put 30% away. So no matter how many jobs I’ve had, once I tithed, I’d put up 30% away too. If I couldn’t pay my bills with that remainder, I’d get a second job. As crazy as it sounds, I’ve always been amazing at that.
So you’re definitely more of a saver then a spender, right?
Well, yes, but I do have a shopping addiction. But I save a lot. I’ve gone months and months without buying anything, then I’ll just go buy something big or small. But I’ve always known I still need backup plans. The beauty of having it is that you’re never trying to scramble. Even with my first property, I didn’t have any problems because my money was seasoned. I’ve always been consistent and knew a certain amount of money was going in the bank every paycheck.
Photo by Rari Filmz
Okay, so I can’t ignore the “shopping addiction” comment. Tell me about your splurge
So Louis Vuitton and Chanel are my favorites. Then I’m really big on supporting Black-owned businesses. I put that in my budget every month – sometimes a few times a month.
That’s a good one! What advice do you have for people trying to tighten up their budget?
Prioritize. When the pandemic happened, it gave us all a new outlook on life and what’s important. For example, going out to eat with my friends and family is essential. So I take time out monthly and figure out my expenses. For example, a lot of my friends are Tauruses, so that month, I need to plan extra birthday dinners. It only takes me like an hour, but it makes such a difference. People need to figure out what that looks like for them.
And what is your current final goal? Like, do you have a retirement plan?
Yes, once I get Noveau to 100 million! My biggest goal is for my team members to buy homes and establish themselves. But my end goal would be 15-20 restaurants, with five being investment restaurants. Also, of course, I want properties. I understand the importance of owning land. I think those are the main things.
Okay, so what is the worst piece of business advice you’ve been given?
Someone told me that I don’t need finances to open up a business. People say if you have a 590 credit score you can start it, but why would you do that? I mean you can do it with that score, but the interest looks way different. Build your credit first and avoid the extra costs. I used my own money to start a lot of businesses. Now when I look back I wouldn’t have even done it that way.
How would you have done it?
I would’ve used the bank's money. When you’re building your first location it can be really hard, but they do give them out. But you can’t just come in with a concept with no experience and ask for $100,000. No one will bet on that or believe in it. But if you have a concept, with a real plan and projections, start off with lines of credits. You can start small and build your business with $5,000.
Out of curiosity, what are your thoughts on investing and how do you do it?
I’ve invested in two restaurant concepts. Also, I have my own real estate investment company where we build, sell, and flip. I think investments are important to keep. Some of them require work. Personally, real estate is always key. To me it’s a safe option but they’re smart in general. That’s the only way you get to certain goals. Don’t let money sit in the bank – invest it.
Are there any unhealthy habits you had to unlearn in regards to investing or money management in general?
I had to learn to say no. A lot of times, everybody wants something. It’s hard to say no to people who are capable of doing things for themselves.
Heavy on the “who are capable of doing things for themselves.” What’s been your biggest struggle in building your business? Was there ever a moment you questioned it?
As an entrepreneur, we all have those moments where we’re ready to throw in the towel. But my biggest challenge was building a team and getting the word out there. But I also know God doesn’t make mistakes. At the time, the more I prayed and started to get to know the team, I came to the realization that I needed to let go of almost all of them. It wasn’t just about what was aligned with me and my purpose but also Nouveau.
Also, I had to separate myself and the business because I’m not going to care if they’re late three times in a row but the business will. Those were the most challenging things for me: saying no, building the right team, and separating the business and myself.
God heard every prayer though. Because now the team at Nouveau is amazing. They put all the pieces together. It’s all about praying and taking care of your people.
Finally, what does wealth look like to you?
Making sure my family is good and my mother doesn’t have to work again. Also, wealth is ensuring my team is reaching their goals. I teach my team how to save money, too. It makes no sense that I’m the only one that’s profitable. When I became a millionaire, my goal was to figure out who I’ll make the next millionaire. I want families to understand how we get here and how we stay here. Wealth is not a one-woman show.
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Feature image by Rari Filmz