One of the most tried and trusted ways to help provide deep, lasting relief to the itch and irritation of eczema is with using bathing oils. This simple technique allows you to help lock in the beneficial moisture your child’s delicate skin gets from a bath while also helping the skin strengthen and tone for hours after the soak is over. Using oils in a bath for eczema is such a popular technique that you can actually find pre-made oils in many specialty shops these days – but it’s actually really easy to make your own as we’ll explore below. If you’ve never worked with bath oils before, we hope this article encourages you to give them a try!

How Bath Oils Help Eczema

Many oils are great for the skin because they mimic the skin’s natural elements while also helping to provide deep hydration, cleansing, and protection. Oils absorb into the topmost layers of the skin locking bath moisture into deeper layers and providing an extra layer of defense for skin that may be irritated or sensitive.

How To Use Bath Oils

The simplest way to work with bath oils is to add them directly to your child’s warm bath. The oils will float on the surface of the water where they can evenly coat and nourish the skin while the bath happens.

If your child uses a full size tub filled with water, 2-3 tablespoons of oil may be a good amount to work with. If they use a smaller tub or basin, adjust the total accordingly. Your child’s skin should have a noticeable layer of oil after the bath that isn’t too thick or intense.

How To Make Your Own Bath Oils

We’re big fans of simple – and a one-ingredient bath oil for eczema doesn’t get much easier!

You can use these oils on their own, or mix-and-match them in various combinations to maximize their benefits. This can actually be a fun way to make your own special eczema bath oil blend!

Here are some popular oils to try…

• Coconut oil
• Olive oil
• Jojoba oil
• Avocado oil

As always, only use oils that your child doesn’t have sensitivity to. If they have nut allergies, for example, coconut oil may not be the best choice. Use organic, cold-pressed oils whenever possible and make sure to store your oils in a cool, dry, dark place to prevent them from going rancid.

You can also make your own herbal-infused bath oils by soaking herbs like calendula, aloe vera, lavender, chamomile, and thyme in the oil for a week or two, straining the herbs out, and using the infused oils in baths.