With all of the excitement, stress, temperature changes and synthetic itchy jumpers, it’s no wonder that many of us feel itchier around Christmas time. We’re sharing our top tips to keep your skin calm and soothed this festive period.
Choosing a Christmas Tree
Feeling stuffy? Watery eyes? It might not just be the common cold but a pine tree allergy, or 'Christmas Tree Syndrome' as it's also known, with symptoms similar to hay fever (red, itchy or watery eyes). Mould and pollen on real Christmas trees can cause problems for individuals with allergies and eczema. Studies have shown that shaking as much debris as possible out of the tree before bringing it inside, or rinsing off the tree with a hose and sprayer, and then leaving the tree somewhere warm to dry for a couple of days before bringing it into the house, can significantly reduce allergy symptoms. Using an air compressor to blow off debris might be an alternative to avoid having to dry the tree out afterward.
If fir trees are a no-go for you, you may be better off opting for an artificial tree like our MD Jo and her family. After discovering her daughter Bonnie was allergic to real trees, Jo bought her fake Christmas tree in 2004 in a classic style and has used it every year since. It's now 17 years old! However, artificial Christmas trees that have been improperly stored can accumulate significant amounts of dust, mould spores, and other irritating detritus. In addition, some of the materials used to manufacture artificial Christmas trees could cause sinus irritation for those who are especially sensitive. This means that regardless of what type of tree you buy, it would be advisable to clean the tree off before bringing it into your home.
If you are opting for an artificial tree, it's worth investing in a good quality tree that's made in the UK and that you can use year on year. To balance out the carbon footprint of a fake tree you need to use it at least 10 times over, so why not opt for a classic tree shape and design that won't go out of style. Ebay and charity shops are also a great place to look for fake trees and decorations. There's no need to splash out on the latest accessories. Miranda got the fairy lights on her tree from the charity shop on her high street. It's much more economical and when it's lit up at night and you're gathered with loved ones, the last thing on people's minds will be whether your tree is flaunting this season's Christmas decorations. Do be sure to check that any second-hand electrical equipment has been properly safety checked before you buy and use the item.
If artificial trees aren't for you, why not follow in the footsteps of Dorothy, our original founder, who used to gather branches of fallen wood and decorate them instead. This can be really stunning when lit up with fairy lights and is a great zero waste alternative to plastic or real trees. Why not gather the family and kids to collect branches together? A fun activity that you could incorporate into a new Christmas tradition.
Decorations
Christmas decorations are usually stored in boxes in the attic or a closet and set aside for 11 months of the year. During this time decorations may gather dust, mould spores and other allergens. Wipe down the decorations with a damp cloth before putting up and store away in an airtight container to avoid dust build up.
Whether you're going for artificial, branches, or real trees, do be sure to vacuum often to pick up stray needles and minimise mould and dust spores. Vacuuming isn't exactly top of our wish list of festive activities, but it is important to get rid of the pesky dust mites that lurk under our trees. To limit dust gathering and make your life easier, why not hold off putting your gifts under the tree until Christmas Eve. Build up the sense of excitement by keeping the gifts in a cupboard so they're free from dust and any excited little hands that may want to take a cheeky peek before the big day.
Gift Giving
Have you got your Christmas gifts sorted yet? We’re all trying to gift less with carefully made pieces that will last for years. If you’re still looking for last minute skin friendly gifts, then why not browse our Gift Guide.
Pjs are a Christmas classic for a reason. Steer clear of cheap, synthetic fabrics which are largely made of plastic – no wonder they make us itch, and treat your loved ones to 100% organic cotton sustainably sourced and crafted Cotton Comfort Pjs. With kids & adults' sizes available & a range of colours and prints, your skin is sure to feel calm even if you perhaps...don’t.
Candles, body lotions and creams always make a good gift but can cause an adverse reaction for those of us with allergies, eczema, or asthma. They also so often go to waste as regardless of allergies, scent is so specific to each person. The Skincare Discovery Box is a limited-edition gift set specifically curated for people with Eczema and sensitive skin. Filled with fragrance free and specialist eczema creams as well as the Cotton Comfort 100% Organic Cotton Gloves. It makes a crowd pleasing gift idea that is suitable for all skin types.
If you are spending Christmas with family or friends who may not have got the memo about scented products, then you are well within your rights to ask them not to open them to take a sniff until they are firmly in the comfort of their own bathroom!
Candles
If you plan to adorn your table with candles this Christmas, it's worth bearing in mind that the majority of candles are made using paraffin wax which may affect anyone with allergies. Paraffin wax gives off 11 known toxins, 2 of which are carcinogenic, including benzine and formaldehyde. Added to which most are synthetically scented, again an allergy trigger.
Though soya wax or palm oil sound more natural, they also contain chemical residues, another potential allergy trigger, by releasing soot and other chemicals into the air.
The best candles to use, although more expensive, are natural beeswax. Natural honeycomb pillar style beeswax candles provide a timeless elegant look and look effortlessly chic, especially when placed in a candlestick holder or wine bottle if you plan to be getting through any of those!
Why not also consider the many realistic battery-operated candles available that give the same atmospheric effect whilst negating the risk of worrying about fire hazards after a few sherries or lying in bed thinking 'did I blow the candles out.'
Can’t handle the heat?
Christmas can be hot! Lot of excitement (read stress), more bodies around, heightened emotions, and don’t get us started on synthetic jumpers. Why not consider allocating a 'cool space' away from the mayhem where anyone, sensitive skin or not, can retreat for a time if they need. Maybe a bedroom where the heating can be turned off and a window left open.
For additional calm, why not keep one of our Eczema Scratch Mitten T’s ready in the fridge to soothe itchy skin if a flare up occurs. Our opening hand ones are particularly handy; giving you the function to open them up for present time and easily fold the hands back if your skin becomes aggravated or when you want to apply cream.
If visiting friends and family over the holiday period, consider taking a cotton blanket or sheet to be a barrier between you/your child and the sofa. Our 100% organic cotton reversible playmat's are excellent value (£5) and designed specifically for this purpose.
If staying overnight, then take your own pillows and cotton sheets to prevent possible reactions to unknown perfumed washing powders or fabric conditioners. If there’ll be pets then it’s a good idea to wear a pair of our organic cotton gloves or our open hand mitten T’s, so that you/your little one’s can cover and protect itchy hands.
Enjoying a brisk walk?
Even if you manage to have a relatively stress-free Christmas, temperature change can be tricky for itchy skin. Try not to get too cold by wrapping up with thin cotton layers that can be added or removed to regulate your temperature. If you're extra chilly after a walk, resist the urge to jump into a hot shower or bath and allow your body to warm up gradually. Then have a lukewarm shower or bath that will soothe and calm inflamed skin.
If you're heating your house, and to save yourself having to spend on a humidifier, place a bowl of cool water next to the radiator. This will stop the room from getting too dry which your skin won't like.
Food & drink triggers
We don’t think an all or nothing mind-set is healthy, and though we know that alcohol can be a trigger for itchy skin, if you do want to celebrate with a tipple this Christmas then just ensure that you have plenty of water to go along side it. If you’ve got extra annual leave to use, why not schedule a day for yourself afterwards so that you can relax in your Pjs and not need to feel self-conscious if an alcohol induced flare does occur.
If booze is not an option, there are plenty of delicious alcohol-free alternatives on the market now. Our favourites are Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits.
However you spend your festivities this year, we hope that you manage to find moments of comfort and joy regardless of how your skin shows up. From all the team at Eczema Clothing, we wish you a very merry and itch free Christmas.
Final Thoughts
Christmas is a funny time of year. However you spend your festivities this year, we hope that you manage to find moments of comfort and joy regardless of how your skin shows up. From all the team at Eczema Clothing and Cotton Comfort, we wish you a very merry and itch free Christmas.
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