Healing Contact Dermatitis Gently: A Natural Routine That Works

If you’ve ever dealt with contact dermatitis, you know the nightmare of skin issues it brings and how hard it is to not only manage them but also get them to heal gently. It usually starts with a small red patch and then suddenly intensifies, causing your skin to itch intensely or feel uncomfortable. Some people experience burning, peeling, and flaking.

The scary part is, it can spread if your skin barrier remains compromised. If left untreated, contact dermatitis can worsen and lead to prolonged inflammation that may require the help of a dermatologist.

A variety of factors can cause contact dermatitis. Harsh skincare products, touching houseplants (hello, fiddle leaf fig!), sweating during the summer without rinsing off, leaving sunscreen or makeup on too long, and even certain metals. The list is long, and the possibilities are endless when it comes to a flare.

But dermatitis is also your body’s way of waving a red flag. And the good news? You don’t have to turn to over-the-counter steroids or harsh treatments to get your skin to calm down and return to the healthy, radiant version of itself you’ve been missing.

There’s a gentler approach, and it starts with natural ingredients.

My personal story

I first developed contact dermatitis while on vacation (super fun! Ugh) after using a harsh, chemical-filled hotel hand soap. The worst part? I used it one night to remove my makeup because I had run out of my Facial Cleanser & Makeup Remover...rookie mistake. That moment taught me a lesson I’ll never forget; you will not catch me traveling without my Honey Girl Organics travel set ever again. My favorite for my sensitive skin is the Facial Care Extra Sensitive Set.

[Photo placement + idea: A photo of hands that are flared with signs of dryness, redness, cracking, etc.]

Back to the flare. Within two days of using that generic soap, the back of my hands and parts of my face were raw. Painfully dry, cracking, bleeding, peeling, and so uncomfortable that it affected my mood and everything I did. The drugstore options only inflamed my skin more. I couldn’t find anything organic, clean, or trustworthy while away. My skin just kept getting worse.

As soon as I got home, I knew I could heal once I returned to my tried-and-true Honey Girl routine. I focused on deep hydration and repairing my skin barrier, and within just 2 to 3 days, I watched my skin come back to life. No more itching, no more pain. Just soft, happy, healthy skin…finally!

Now I want to turn you onto the exact routine and products that helped me, because if you're suffering through this too, I want you to have a plan that works and one rooted in organic, nature-based healing.

Here’s the approach that helped me:

Simplify everything, literally.

First, strip your routine down to the basics. Ditch anything with fragrance, harsh preservatives, or alcohol. Less is more when your barrier is compromised. That 10-step influencer routine? Ditch her. We need simple, concentrated organic formulas with healing botanicals.

Time to repair.

Look for ingredients like organic olive oil, beeswax, and raw honey, nature’s own anti-inflammatories and skin barrier builders. In other words, look for Honey Girl Organics.

Hydrate gently and often.

Apply a rich, emollient cream or salve multiple times a day, especially after washing your hands or cleansing your face.

Remove the triggers.

Wear gloves when doing the dishes, cleaning, or gardening to protect your hands. Switch to fragrance-free laundry detergent. Get rid of all toxic makeup, skincare, and even perfume while your skin heals, and honestly? Keep them out. If you’re prone to flares, they’re probably part of the problem!

What you need from Honey Girl Organics:

For facial flares: Face & Eye Crème Extra Sensitive

Made without essential oils and packed with nutrients to calm and restore irritated skin.

For dry patches or intense spots: Super Skin Food

A rich balm that can be used as a spot treatment for the hands, face, feet, or anywhere dermatitis is showing up. This protects the skin and promotes deep healing.

To cleanse without stripping: Facial Cleanser & Makeup Remover

Rich in organic olive oil, this cleanser gently removes makeup, SPF, dirt, and buildup, allowing your skin to breathe and repair.

For body flares: The Lotion Extra Sensitive

Lightweight but powerful, this absorbs quickly and doesn’t irritate. No essential oils, just peace for your skin.

To soothe and calm: Facial Toner

My unsung hero. Whenever spots got itchy or tight, I sprayed this generously to calm and rehydrate the area instantly. From face to feet, use it whenever you need to! 

Your skin deserves a healing routine that actually works and doesn’t exacerbate the problem. If you’re in the middle of a flare or just want to be prepared for the future, let this blog be your guide!

Let me know in the comments if you’ve dealt with contact dermatitis and what your healing journey looked like. And if you need help customizing your Honey Girl routine, I’m here for you!

Aloha,

Ashley Ivy & Honey Girl Organics