As is it National Eczema Week (9th – 16th September) we thought it would be helpful to put together our advice for those of you who have the skin condition and may be concerned about visiting a spa. We want to assure you that having eczema doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a relaxing, skin soothing spa experience! With 1 in 10 adults affected by atopic eczema in the UK, it’s a condition that our expert therapists are very familiar with and we want you to know that we have lots of spa guests who experience everything from very mild to more severe symptoms, and all are welcome to the spa!
Eczema varies from person to person, so it’s crucial to listen to your body during your spa visit. If you feel any discomfort or notice irritation during a treatment, don’t hesitate to speak up and ask the spa staff to adjust their approach. Ultimately, the key is to have a relaxing and enjoyable experience while being mindful of your skin’s specific needs!
If you have eczema and are planning on visiting a spa, we’ve put together four things to consider:
- Communicate with the Spa Staff: Before your treatment, you’ll have a consultation form to fill in and this gives you the opportunity to let your therapist know about your eczema, which you can then chat about before you start your treatment. Your therapist can provide guidance on suitable treatments and products that won’t exacerbate your condition. Additionally, they may be able to accommodate your specific needs, such as using fragrance-free products or which thermal experiences would be best for you. If you’re not having a treatment, our team on reception will be delighted to answer any questions you may have before you start your spa journey.
- Choose Eczema-Friendly Treatments: We recommend spa treatments that are gentle on sensitive skin for those with eczema. Avoid harsh exfoliation, such as deep peels or physical scrubs, or hot stone massages, which could irritate your sensitive skin and potentially trigger a flare-up. Opt instead for gentler exfoliation methods and consider hydrating and soothing treatments like a gentle facial or a moisturising body wrap with eczema-friendly products. I recommend booking a personalised facial or massage so your therapist can adapt it.
Another great option is the Top to Toe Face and Body Hydrating Treatment (£95.00 for 60 minutes) as sea salt is fantastic for those with dry skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. The treatment includes a full body Salt and Oil Scrub, which is exceptional for skin softening and exfoliation combining sea salts with essential oils to leave your skin nourished, smooth, and supple. With some extra luxury, and so that your face and scalp are not left out, your therapist will complete your treatment with a facial cleanse and exfoliation followed by a scalp massage with our super nourishing hair and scalp mask. This mineral rich treatment mask deeply conditions, leaving your hair soft and smooth and the scalp nourished.
- Stay Hydrated: Eczema-prone skin tends to be dry, so it’s essential to stay hydrated before and after your spa visit. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin moisturised from the inside out – you’ll find lots of water stations around the spa! Try to avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate your skin.
- Don’t over-do the Hot Tubs and Saunas: Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, making eczema symptoms worse. We recommend enjoying the hot tubs, sauna and steam room for short sessions, and always end your spa experience by locking in moisture with a rich eczema friendly moisturiser or emollient.
Please do get in touch with us if you have any questions at all and we hope to see you in the spa soon!
Until next time,
Kate x