A Gentle, Natural Approach to Soothing Eczema - How Henley Naturals began with one very simple moment as a mother.
The story behind Henley Naturals actually began in the bathroom one ordinary evening while bathing my children. Like most parents, bath time was part of our bedtime routine. But one evening, when I lifted two of my children out of the bath, I noticed their skin had suddenly flared up - red, irritated and patchy. At first, I assumed it must be the cold air or the towel rubbing their skin. But something didn’t feel right. So I picked up the bottle of the very well-known baby wash we had been using and began reading the ingredient list.
What I discovered genuinely shocked me
⚠️Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) a detergent used to create foam which can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the delicate skin barrier. Studies have shown it can cause irritation and dryness, particularly on sensitive or developing skin.
⚠️Parabens, preservatives linked to hormone disruption in some studies
⚠️Synthetic fragrance, a blanket term that can hide dozens of chemical compounds known to irritate sensitive skin
⚠️PEG compounds, which can sometimes be contaminated with harmful by-products during manufacturing.
For adults these ingredients can be irritating. For children’s delicate skin, which is still developing its protective barrier, the effects can be even more pronounced.
As someone with a nursing background and a deep interest in complementary therapies, I realised I needed to understand more about what we were putting on our skin every single day. That moment was the beginning of Henley Naturals. I started creating natural formulations made with pure plant oils and therapeutic essential oils, focusing on ingredients that would support the skin rather than aggravate it, especially for conditions like eczema.
Understanding Eczema
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy and irritated skin.
It occurs when the skin’s protective barrier becomes weakened, allowing moisture to escape and irritants to enter. This can trigger inflammation and the uncomfortable symptoms many families know all too well.
While the exact cause of eczema isn’t fully understood, research suggests it is linked to a combination of:
Genetics
Environmental triggers
Immune system sensitivity
Stress and emotional wellbeing
The Importance of Gentle, Natural Ingredients
One of the most important steps in caring for eczema-prone skin is protecting the skin barrier.
This means avoiding harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances and heavily processed ingredients that can strip natural oils from the skin. Instead, gentle plant oils and botanical ingredients can help restore balance and hydration. At Henley Naturals we focus on ingredients that are traditionally known to support skin health.
The Benefits of Essential Oils for Eczema-Prone Skin
Essential oils have been used in natural medicine for centuries. When used correctly and diluted appropriately, they can offer powerful therapeutic benefits.
Lavender is one of nature’s most comforting essential oils. It is widely known for its calming scent, but it also offers wonderful benefits for the skin. Lavender oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm redness and irritation while supporting skin repair. It also helps balance moisture levels in the skin, making it particularly helpful for dry or eczema-prone skin. Beyond the skin benefits, lavender’s soothing aroma can help relax the nervous system, which is important because stress is often a trigger for eczema flare-ups.
Rosemary essential oil has long been used in traditional herbal medicine for its invigorating and restorative properties. Research suggests rosemary oil contains powerful antioxidants that help protect skin cells from environmental stress and inflammation.
Peppermint oil brings a fresh, cooling sensation to the skin thanks to its natural menthol content. This cooling effect can help soothe itching and irritation, providing comfort when skin feels inflamed or uncomfortable.
Eucalyptus oil is valued for its purifying and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help calm irritated skin and support overall skin comfort.
That moment with my children in the bathroom taught me something incredibly important. What we put on our skin matters just as much as what we put into our bodies. Our skin is our largest organ, and every ingredient we apply interacts with it in some way. Henley Naturals was born from a desire to create products that feel safe, gentle and nurturing. Products I would happily use on my own family.
Lets catch up soon
Sarah xx
