5 natural ingredients to help soothe itchy skin

Wave goodbye to itchy, red, cracked skin and say hello to smooth healthy skin.

Battling dry, itchy and scaly skin can be not only uncomfortable, but also distressing – especially when the condition is visible for all to see.

The frustrating search for relief can be emotionally draining, whether you’re experiencing the symptoms yourself or are a parent watching your child suffer itchiness.

What causes itchy skin?

Several conditions can cause itchy skin.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common condition characterised by dry and itchy patches of skin – usually on the cheeks, elbow creases and behind the knees.

It can be triggered by various factors such as allergens, irritants or even stress.

Psoriasis is another skin condition that results in itchy, red and scaly patches. It is thought to occur when the immune system mistakenly triggers an inflammatory response, leading to an accelerated production of skin cells.

Then there’s contact dermatitis, which happens when something that touches your skin causes an adverse reaction.

Natural plant-based soothers

Fortunately, there are also a number of natural ingredients with moisturising and healing properties which can work together to provide relief and comfort.

Aloe vera

Known for its soothing and healing properties, aloe vera’s cooling and moisturising effects¹ have been traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to provide relief from itching and irritation, while its anti-inflammatory compounds may help reduce redness and inflammation.

Manuka honey

Recognised for its antimicrobial and wound-healing abilities², Manuka honey’s moisturising qualities can aid in soothing unhappy skin.

Calendula

Derived from the beautiful yellow and orange flowers of the marigold plant, calendula is known for treating inflamed skin and skin healing.

Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine for skin healing to calm and soothe dry, flaky, itchy or fragile skin.

Licorice root

Another plant extract used in traditional Western herbal medicine and shown to have skin-nourishing properties³, licorice root contains compounds that help to reduce inflammation, redness and itching.

Gotu kola

This herbaceous flowering plant has been used for years in Western herbal medicine, with modern science finding⁴ it contains triterpenoids that have anti-inflammatory effects which can help calm itchy skin.

The hope for itchy skin, eczema and psoriasis

Hope’s Relief Premium Eczema Cream is a premium concentrated product which contains ingredients, traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to soothe and calm itchy skin associated with mild eczema, mild psoriasis, and mild dermatitis.

Unlike regular moisturisers or barrier creams, the advanced formula contains a highly concentrated therapeutic amount of plant-based actives at 300mg/g.

Its unique combination of ingredients like aloe vera, calendula, gotu kola and licorice root are traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to promote skin healing and relieve skin irritation while supporting and restoring the protective barrier.

One of its premium ingredients is Manuka honey NPA 10+.

Hope’s Relief Premium Eczema Cream is pH balanced and suitable for babies, children and adults with itchy and dry skin, prone to mild eczema, mild psoriasis and mild dermatitis.

A family favourite for over 15 years and now available in a new bulk 125g size.

* This post is brought to you by Hope’s Relief Premium Eczema Cream. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, speak to a healthcare professional. Test on skin before use. External use only.

¹ Hekmatpou et al, 2019, The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review, Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, 44(1), 1-9, retrieved June 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/

² McLoone et al, 2016, Honey: A therapeutic agent for disorders of the skin, Central Asian Journal of Global Health, 5(1), retrieved June 2022, https://doi.org/10.5195/cajgh.2016.241

³ Saeedi et al, 2003, The treatment of atopic dermatitis with licorice gel, Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 14(3), retrieved June 2023, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09546630310014369

⁴ Park, 2021, Pharmacological Effects of Centella asiatica on Skin Diseases: Evidence and Possible Mechanisms, Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Cosmetics and Dermatology, retrieved June 2023, https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2021/5462633/