It often starts subtly: a slight redness next to the nose, a few flakes on the eyebrows, or itching at the hairline. If these symptoms recur frequently, seborrheic eczema is often the cause. Here, you'll learn exactly what's behind it, why it develops, and how you can permanently soothe your skin with the right care.
No Time? Here's the Short Version
- What it is: Seborrheic eczema (seborrheic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition – not a matter of hygiene.
- Why it develops: The cause is an interplay of overactive sebaceous glands and a disturbed skin microbiome.
- Where it appears: Typical areas are the sides of the nose, eyebrows, and hairline – primarily on the face.
- What helps: Light, non-greasy products instead of rich creams.
- The Routine: Sebum-controlling cleansing → strengthen microbiome → light daily care
- The Expectation: Complete disappearance is rare, but the skin's appearance can be permanently stabilized with consistent care.
What is Seborrheic Eczema?
Seborrheic eczema – also medically known as seborrheic dermatitis – is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that primarily occurs in so-called seborrheic zones. These are skin areas with a particularly high number and activity of sebaceous glands: scalp, sides of the nose, eyebrows, forehead, ear canal, and sometimes the chest.
Typical signs are:
- Reddish, slightly inflamed skin areas
- Greasy, yellowish-white scales
- Itching and feelings of tightness
- Shiny skin in the affected areas
Seborrheic eczema on the face is particularly distressing because it is visible and significantly limits many sufferers in their daily lives.
Seborrheic Eczema Causes: Why does it develop?
The causes of seborrheic eczema are complex. There isn't one single cause; rather, several factors work together:
Overactive Sebaceous Glands
Excessive sebum production plays a central role. In the affected areas, the sebaceous glands produce more sebum than necessary. This excess sebum creates an ideal breeding ground for microorganisms on the skin's surface – and this fuels the inflammatory process.
Dysbiosis of the Skin Microbiome
Another key factor is the skin microbiome. It describes the totality of microorganisms living on our skin. In seborrheic dermatitis, this delicate balance is disrupted. In particular, yeast fungi of the genus Malassezia, which naturally occur on the skin, multiply excessively in a sebum-rich environment and thus trigger inflammatory reactions.
Genetic Predisposition
As with many skin diseases, genetics also play a role here. Those with a family history have a higher risk of developing seborrheic eczema.
Trigger Factors in Everyday Life
Certain external influences can trigger or worsen a flare-up:
- Stress is one of the most common triggers. It weakens the immune system and promotes inflammation.
- Cold and dry heating air in winter worsen the skin condition for many sufferers.
- Hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, menopause).
- Certain medications such as cortisone or immunosuppressants.
- Wrong care products – especially rich creams that further promote sebum production.
Seborrheic Eczema on the Face: The Affected Areas
Seborrheic eczema on the face preferentially occurs where the density of sebaceous glands is highest:
- Sides of the nose and nasolabial fold – it often begins here with slight redness and flaking.
- Eyebrows and forehead – often with visible flakes and itching.
- Hairline and temples – the transition zone between the face and scalp.
- Ear canal – often overlooked, but also typically affected.
Characteristic is that symptoms appear in flare-ups. Phases of relative calm alternate with acute phases in which redness, itching, and flaking increase.
Treating Seborrheic Eczema: What Really Helps
Seborrheic eczema is not curable in the classic sense, as it is a chronic condition. However, with the right care routine, the skin's appearance can usually be very well controlled, and flare-ups can be significantly reduced. The key lies in a physiological approach: the skin should not be additionally irritated with aggressive ingredients, but rather supported in its natural function.
Step 1: The Right Cleansing
Cleansing is the foundation. Soapy or aggressive products attack the acid mantle and worsen the skin's appearance. Crucial is a soap-free, sebum-controlling cleansing that removes excess nutrients from the pores without destroying the barrier.
The Phyto Oil Cleanser from Chris Farrell works on the principle "like dissolves like": The plant-based cleansing oil effectively dissolves excess sebum and dirt without drying out or irritating the skin. For a complementary, deep pore cleansing effect, the Deep Skin Cleanser is suitable. The cleanser is a mild, soap-free cleansing emulsion that leaves the skin soft and clear without attacking the acid mantle.
Step 2: Stabilizing the Skin Microbiome
After cleansing, the goal is to bring the disturbed microbiome back into balance. This requires products that specifically strengthen the skin flora without burdening the skin with heavy fats.
The Clear Skin Gel supports the natural balance of the skin flora and helps the skin find its own balance again. The transparent, light texture absorbs quickly and is ideal for sensitive or irritated skin. For acute areas of unrest, the Concentrate Acnol Serum, with its antibacterial properties, offers targeted topical support. It addresses inflammation and visible impurities.
Step 3: Light Daily Care for Seborrheic Dermatitis
Choosing the right seborrheic eczema cream is crucial, and here many sufferers make a critical mistake: they opt for rich creams that seal off the skin and further accumulate sebum. What is needed is the opposite: a light, non-greasy care that strengthens the skin flora and reduces redness.
The Skin Balancer is the first choice here: The light oil-in-water emulsion soothes skin irritations, strengthens the protective barrier, and balances the skin flora, without feeling greasy. If the skin reacts particularly sensitively to emulsions, the Santel Cream is the ideal alternative. This light soft cream was specially developed for fat-intolerant skin conditions and noticeably reduces redness.
Step 4: Targeted Deep Cleansing as Weekly Care
Once or twice a week, a targeted deep cleansing of the pores is recommended. The Desincrusting Mask deeply cleanses the pores of excess sebum and keratinization, visibly refining the skin's appearance. Especially in the oily areas around the nose and eyebrows, this weekly care makes a noticeable difference.
In addition, the Concentrate pH 5, as a pore-regulating herbal serum, refines the skin's appearance and supports the normalization of sebum production.
What to do against Seborrheic Eczema: The Most Common Mistakes
Many sufferers unknowingly make mistakes that tend to worsen seborrheic eczema:
- Using overly rich creams: Heavy fats and oils form a sealing film on the skin and promote the growth of Malassezia yeast.
- Aggressively cleansing the skin: Frequent scrubbing or alcohol-containing toners additionally irritate the skin and trigger flare-ups.
- Using cortisone creams long-term: Short-term effective, long-term they weaken the skin barrier and can worsen the situation.
- Ignoring stress: Stress is one of the strongest triggers. Relaxation routines are not a luxury, but part of the treatment.
- Using soapy products: Soap destroys the acid mantle and worsens the tendency for inflammation.
Seborrheic Eczema and Diet: Is there a connection?
The data is not yet conclusive, but there are indications that certain dietary habits can influence seborrheic eczema. A sugar-rich diet and many processed foods can promote inflammatory processes in the body. Some sufferers report improvements through:
- Reduction of sugar and simple carbohydrates
- More omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish, flaxseed, walnuts)
- Sufficient zinc and vitamin D
- Probiotics to support the microbiome from within
These measures do not replace skin care, but can usefully supplement it.
Professional Skin Analysis: The Right First Step
Especially with seborrheic eczema, individual classification is important: Is it really seborrheic dermatitis? Or is it perhaps rosacea, psoriasis, or contact dermatitis? The symptoms sometimes overlap, and the wrong care routine can worsen the condition.
Chris Farrell offers a personal digital skin analysis: You send photos and a short questionnaire, our skin experts analyze your skin condition individually and create a tailored care plan including test samples. The service fee of €10 is fully credited for purchases of €40 or more.
The Right Care for Seborrheic Eczema
Seborrheic eczema is a chronic condition that cannot be cured once and for all. What does work, however, is to permanently stabilize the skin's appearance, reduce flare-ups, and noticeably improve the quality of life with a consistent, physiological care routine.
The formula is clear: sebum-regulating cleansing + microbiome strengthening + light, non-greasy care. Products that do not overtax the skin, but support its natural functions – this is exactly Chris Farrell's approach.
All recommended products can be found in our → Care Collection for Seborrheic Eczema
