Dec
The constant heat and humidity of Singapore can take a toll on your skin. When it’s hot, you get sweaty. But shower too often, and it strips away our natural skin barrier. This can leave your delicate skin vulnerable and prone to flare ups.
And when flare ups happen, it also causes a vicious cycle. The constant itch turns into an irresistible urge to scratch, leading to tiny micro-tears in the skin. These small wounds can then ooze, paving the way for more inflammation and lack of sleep, which causes more itching.
The most common clinical way to calm a flare up has always been topical steroid creams. And when used correctly under medical supervision, they are incredibly effective for short, targeted patches.
But, like many of you, I also hit my ceiling of steroid cream usage. Over-reliance or prolonged use can lead to concerns like skin thinning, over-dependence, and loss of effectiveness.
So, 15 years ago, I stopped steroid creams entirely. And the photos below show what happened.
Basically, I was going through Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), a challenging period where the skin reacts intensely after stopping steroid use.
During TSW, symptoms can be severe, including burning, stinging, the characteristic “red sleeve” appearance, persistent oozing, and extreme hypersensitivity. I was misearble.
In these delicate times, it’s so important to have gentle, fragrance-free skincare products. Every product needs to be considered carefully to support the skin’s healing without causing further irritation.
One product that helped me immensely during TSW and to get yourself away from steroid creams, was using emu oil for skin.
Why Emu Oil Helps
What makes emu oil suitable? It’s due to its unique composition. This natural oil boasts an impressive omega-rich profile, packed with essential fatty acids like omega-3, 6, and 9, as well as oleic and linoleic acids. These are crucial components that work in harmony to support your skin’s natural barrier repair. Think of them as the building blocks your skin needs to recover, and become stronger and more resilient.
Beyond its barrier-boosting properties, emu oil is naturally anti-inflammatory. Studies suggest that emu oil can reduce inflammation and promote skin healing by speeding up wound closure rate and collagen formation. This means it actively helps to reduce redness and tenderness. Its small molecules absorb incredibly fast, without stinging. This translates to a less heavy, occlusive feeling that can be uncomfortable in hot weather.
Benefits You’ll Actually Feel
The difference with emu oil isn’t just theoretical; it’s something you can truly feel on your skin. One of the most immediate benefits is rapid comfort. It eases that uncomfortable tightness and pulling sensation that often triggers the urge to scratch, providing much-needed relief.
During TSW, your skin becomes dry and flaky patches, which causes more irritation if your clothes brush against them. Emu oil works to soften them, which in turn lowers mechanical irritation. This means less friction and discomfort as your skin heals. Plus, it’s excellent at sealing in moisture after cleansing or even when used with wet wraps, ensuring your skin stays hydrated and protected without any stinging.
Emu oil is non-stinging, fragrance- and dye-free, making it a gentle choice for delicate skin. It’s also low comedogenic, meaning it’s less likely to clog pores.
It’s important to note that emu oil is not vegan, as it comes from an animal source. If this is a concern for you, always choose a supplier with transparent sourcing. Emu oil is supportive care, not a cure, and while it can offer significant relief, always perform a patch test before widespread use. If you notice any signs of infection or severe swelling, it’s crucial to seek care from a medical professional.
After 3 years of eczema, she can hold her boyfriend’s hand again
Valerie (not her real name) works in the Singapore healthcare industry and was applying steroid creams on her hands for three years to manage “excruciatingly itchy” eczema. After applying emu oil and seeing a huge improvement, she now uses it regularly, and no longer relies on medication to manage her flare-ups. Full story
How to Use Emu Oil for Skin
Ready to introduce emu oil into your skincare routine? It’s a powerful ally, but like any new product, knowing how to use it correctly can make all the difference. We’ve put together a simple, step-by-step guide to help you integrate emu oil effectively, especially with Singapore’s climate in mind.
Patch Test
Before you apply emu oil to larger areas, a patch test is absolutely essential. We recommend applying a rice-sized amount to a discreet spot, such as your inner arm or jawline. Observe the area for 24–48 hours to ensure there’s no adverse reaction.
It’s crucial to avoid testing for the first time on any open or infected skin. Your skin is already compromised there, and introducing a new product could cause unnecessary irritation or complications.
Daily Routine
Integrating emu oil into your daily regimen can be simple, even in our humid climate. For your morning routine, start with a gentle cleanse or a quick water rinse. While your skin is still damp, apply 2–3 drops of emu oil, letting it absorb fully.
If needed, follow with a light ceramide layer and always remember your SPF when heading outdoors. In the evening, after cleansing, apply a thin layer of emu oil. You can then follow with a barrier cream or a wet wrap if you’re experiencing a flare.
If Skin Is Weeping or Broken
If you’re experiencing TSW, apply emu oil 2–3 times daily. Remember, thin layers work best. Extra care is needed to prevent infection and promote healing. First, gently rinse the affected area with lukewarm water, then carefully pat it dry with a soft, clean towel. Allow it to air dry for a moment.
Next, apply a thin antimicrobial layer, such as a silver gel, directly onto the open areas and let it set completely. Once dry, you can apply emu oil on the affected sites, but avoid massaging it vigorously. Always monitor the area closely for any signs of further infection and consult a healthcare professional if concerns arise.
Wet Wraps and Nights
Nighttime can be particularly challenging, but wet wraps combined with emu oil can provide significant relief. In the evening, after your cleanse, apply emu oil followed by a barrier cream. Then, apply a damp layer of dressing, followed by a dry layer, using wraps or sleeves for protection.
To maximise comfort, keep your room cool and trim your nails short to minimize damage from scratching. Protective gloves or sleeves can also be invaluable in curbing subconscious scratching throughout the night, helping your skin to heal undisturbed.
Layering with other treatments
Emu oil plays well with other ingredients like ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, and even low-percentage niacinamide, if your skin tolerates it. These ingredients can help fortify your skin barrier even further.
However, if you’re experiencing TSW, it’s wise to pause or avoid harsh ingredients like acids, retinoids, essential oils, menthol, and camphor, as these can be highly irritating.
Darren’s Journey Through Eczema and TSW
Darren relied on steroid creams to manage the itch and flare-ups, pairing them with moisturisers for temporary relief. But in mid-2024, Darren decided to stop using steroids altogether after realising they weren’t the solution he needed. This decision led him down the challenging path of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). By the end of a steroid-free month, Darren’s legs, arms, and hands looked drastically different. The wounds were gone, the redness had faded, and the itch was far more manageable. Full story
Choosing the Right Products
Navigating the vast world of skincare products can be overwhelming, especially when your skin demands extra care. At Skinshare.sg, we understand this challenge intimately. That’s why we’ve meticulously curated a selection of products designed to work in harmony with your skin, supporting its healing journey in Singapore’s climate. These are our trusted picks, chosen for their efficacy, gentleness, and ability to truly make a difference.
100% Pure Australian Emu Oil
One of our flagship products, 100% Pure Australian Emu Oil, is a cornerstone of gentle eczema care. This is the pure, natural support your skin craves.
For open skin: Argasol Silver Gel
When your skin is weeping or broken, it needs targeted, gentle care to prevent infection. Argasol Silver Gel is an excellent choice for these delicate areas. Watch video
Protective clothing
Breaking the itch-scratch cycle is fundamental to healing. Our range of protective clothing—including eczema gloves, arm sleeves, and leg sleeves—is designed with your comfort in mind. They allow your skin to rest and recover, free from further irritation, which is vital for sustained progress.
Gentle cleansers
The foundation of any good skincare routine begins with cleansing. For eczema and sensitive skin, gentle is the operative word. View product range
FAQs
We often get a lot of questions about emu oil, especially when you’re looking to integrate something new into your sensitive skin routine. It’s completely natural to have concerns, and we’re here to give you quick, clear answers to some of the most common queries.
Emu oil is generally well-tolerated across various sensitive skin types, including for babies, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding. However, every individual’s skin is unique, so we always recommend performing a patch test first. If you are breastfeeding, it’s wise to avoid applying the oil directly to the nipple area just before feeds. As always, for personalized advice or if you have specific medical concerns, it’s best to consult your clinician.
A common concern with oils is whether they will clog pores, especially in Singapore’s humid climate. Emu oil is considered low comedogenic, meaning it’s less likely to block your pores. The key is to use thin layers, allowing your skin to absorb its benefits without feeling heavy. If you have acne-prone skin, we suggest doing a spot-test on a small area first to see how your skin reacts before wider application.
Yes, you can often use emu oil in conjunction with steroid creams, but always under the guidance of your healthcare professional. The general rule of thumb is to apply your prescribed steroid cream first, allow it about 10–15 minutes to fully absorb, and then you can apply emu oil sparingly to the surrounding skin. It’s important not to occlude (cover tightly) the steroid cream with emu oil unless your doctor has specifically advised you to do so.
Healing takes time, and while some individuals experience rapid comfort from emu oil within a few days, more significant changes to the skin barrier typically become noticeable within 2–6 weeks of consistent use. Remember, consistency is far more important than applying large quantities. Small, regular applications will yield better, more sustainable results.
