Eczema is more than just a random itchy rash – it’s your body’s way of signalling that something deeper is out of balance, mostly associated with internal imbalances and compromised skin barrier, and it deserves care and attention. 

When there is a compromised skin barrier, one can witness symptoms such as Rashes, Bumps, Oozing, Gastrointestinal issues, IBD/IBS and nutritional deficiencies. At iThrive Alive, we believe in going far beyond surface treatments. Our root cause approach empowers you to restore skin barrier by healing from within as Functional Nutrition believes in healing through detox protocols, lifestyle interventions, and appropriate supplementation.. 

What is the Skin Barrier and Why Does it Matter? 

Understanding the Skin’s Defense System

Your skin barrier, also particularly known as the stratum corneum, is the outermost layer of the skin. It is the body's very first line of defence - a shield that locks in hydration while also keeping microbes, allergens and toxins out. It’s made up of lipids, primarily ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids. 

When your skin barrier is quite intact, your skin is too soft, resilient and smooth. When it’s damaged, it becomes sensitive, inflamed and vulnerable eventually resulting in eczema and other skin related concerns. 

How Eczema Disrupts the Skin Barrier 

Eczema fundamentally weakens the defence layer, resulting in flare-ups, discomfort and inflammation. 

Low Ceramide Levels: Eczema-prone skin lacks ceramides to a great extent, which compromises its ability to retain moisture and blocking irritants. 

Toxins Via Moisturizers: Ironically, many over-the-counter moisturisers and lotions contain toxic ingredients, involving emulsifiers, synthetic fragrances and parabens that break down the skin barrier and other health concerns/dysfunctions.¹

Inflammatory Immune Responses: Eczema is not just skin deep – it is also a sign that your immune system is overreactive, leading the body to attack its skin cells. 

High Skin pH Level: Healthy skin has a slightly acidic pH that is around 5.5, but eczema can shift this balance, permitting bad bacteria to thrive and triggering eczema inflammation further. 

At iThrive,   help you decode such disruptions to uncover the true drivers of your eczema.

The Root-Cause Approach to Eczema

It’s Not Just Topical, It’s Internal 

If eczema creams and steroid ointments worked long-term, you would not still be reading this. That’s because eczema starts from within. At iThrive Alive, we emphasize identifying and correcting internal imbalances via a root-cause approach. 

Common Internal Triggers of Eczema: 

• Leaky Gut Syndrome: A compromised gut lining permits undigested food particles, bacteria and toxins to leak into your bloodstream along with changing the gut microbiota, further resulting in systemic eczema inflammation that surfaces as eczema. ²
• Nutrient Gaps: Deficiencies in omega-3s, Zinc, Antioxidants and Vitamin-D affects your skin's ability to repair and defend itself. 
• Food Intolerances and Allergens: Sugar, Dairy, Soy, Gluten and artificial additives are common triggers for inflammation. 
• Cortisol Overload & Chronic Stress: High cortisol levels suppress the immune system, exacerbate eczema inflammation and also impact the neuroendocrine signalling.

Link Between Eczema and Gut Health

Your gut and skin are intricately connected to each other. Research mentions that poor gut health can disrupt the immune system, trigger histamine responses and also maximise the likelihood of eczema.³ Histamine can maximise inflammation and skin sensitivity, which further can worsen eczema by intensifying itching, flare-ups and redness. Additionally, steroids given for eczema also causes gut dysbiosis, which then becomes a vicious cycle of flareups. At iThrive, advanced tools such as the GI-MAP test are utilized for assessing gut microbiome and to identify yeast overgrowth, eczema inflammation and pathogens.

How Skin is Related to Memory 

Your skin has its immune memory. If you have ever experienced chronic stress, trauma, or past inflammatory conditions, your skin can “remember” and then react, resulting in recurrent flare-ups – specifically if the root causes remain unresolved.

Sweat: A Double-Edged Sword 

While sweat is beneficial in eliminating toxins, it can also aggravate eczema. When the skin barrier is compromised, sweat can sting, resulting in flaky skin, rashes and even fungal infections. Detoxifying through gut health, rather than just sweating it all out, is key to long-lasting relief.

At iThrive, healing journeys are personalized – combining functional nutrition, natural skin protocols and gut testing to get to the root of your eczema. 

How to Repair Your Skin Barrier

Healing your skin begins right with nourishing it from the inside-out, and then supporting it topically in safe, non-toxic ways. 

Nourish it From Within 

Anti-Inflammatory Foods 

A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can dramatically calm down the symptoms of eczema: 

• Salmon - Rich in omega-3 fatty acids 
• Ginger and Turmeric - Potent anti-inflammatory herbs 
• Berries - Packed with Antioxidants 
• Garlic - Supports immunity and detoxification. 

Skin-Nourishing Nutrients 

Include these powerhouse nutrients for rebuilding your skin: 

• Omega-3s - reduces eczema inflammation and strengthens skin membranes 
• Vitamin E - protects skin cells from oxidative stress 
• Probiotics - balances gut flora and also support immune regulation 

Hydration

Your skin needs a lot more than creams – it requires internal hydration well supported by electrolytes and trace minerals, that further helps in maintaining fluid balance, supporting skin cell function and enhancing the natural barrier of skin to avoid irritation and dryness. Drink sufficient water and eat water-rich fruits such as:

• Citrus Fruits 
• Blueberries 
• Dragon Fruit 

These not just hydrates, but also flushes toxins and enhances liver detoxification - a major factor in eczema recovery, as we focus on our iThrive Gut Reset Program. 

Healing Oils 

Support your body’s detox and immune function with: 

• Oregano oil 
• Black-seed oil 
• Tea Tree oil 

ALWAYS DILUTE in a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil for topical application. 

These oils have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making them perfect for holistic skin healing.

Support It Topically - The Right Way 

Want to know the biggest mistake eczema warriors make? Slathering on chemical-laden products further breaks down the natural defence of skin. Instead, opt for: 

• Oatmeal-based compounds - anti-inflammatory and soothing 
• Toxin-free Skincare  (Toxins such as Aluminium, Benzoic acid, Benzyl alcohol, Diethanolamine).
• Natural and Organic formulations 
• Tallow/Ghee Based Sunscreen

At iThrive Alive, each one of you will be guided in choosing clean beauty and skincare brands that support your healing journey – not sabotage it. 

Say NO to: 

• Sunscreens with toxic chemicals such as avobenzone and oxybenzone and avobenzone
• Commercial moisturisers packed with synthetic emulsifiers
• Harsh Exfoliants 
• Sulfates and Parabens 
• Alcohol-based Toners 

These ingredients might offer short-term relief but can do long-term damage by stripping away the microbiome and hydration of the skin. 

Healing Eczema is Possible, the iThrive Way

You don't have to live with eczema. At iThrive, we have helped hundreds reclaim their skin health via personalized, science-backed and root-cause protocols. 

Whether it’s healing your gut, effectively balancing your hormones, managing stress or guiding you to safe skincare – our mission at iThrive Alive is to help you thrive from within. 

Ready to Heal Your Skin for Good?

Book a free discovery call with an iThrive Functional Expert and take the very first step towards radiant, eczema-free skin – organically and naturally.