Eczema/TSW 2-3 hour Morning Routine

Morning and night routines are some of the best things we can do for our bodies. I will focus on my morning routine during the worst stages of topical steroid withdrawal because it helps to emphasize how time-consuming severe eczema can really be.

When do I start my routine?

Most workdays start at 9 am, but thankfully mine is often 10 am. That was one of my most appreciated parts of work while dealing with TSW and also eczema and extreme allergies in general, as it would unexpectedly surface throughout my adult life. Working remotely when desired is also a win for chronic disease.

I had to start my day at 7 am at the latest to have enough time to drink all of the liquids I’d drank daily and baths that I had to stay in for a minimum of 20 minutes each morning, plus the moisturizing process to function that day.

Step 1: Lemon water

(approx. 30 mins)

For many years, I didn’t drink lemon water because the citrus would cause a skin reaction. Once I found out in greater detail the benefits of lemon water first thing in the morning for gut, liver, and skin health, I decided to test it with the new suggestions I learned through other eczema warriors. Making sure only to use half a lemon and only using the freshly squeezed juice of the lemon, never putting the entire lemon in my water changed the lemon game for me! I did not have any itchiness after drinking lemon water this way. Honestly, even if I did, I would have kept going in hopes of adjusting because either way, during TSW, I would be itching; at least with lemon water, I know I’m exponentially hydrated and cleansed in the process.

This took approximately 30 minutes because the recommended dosage of 8-32 ounces to drink and then wait 20 minutes for it to run through your system before adding anything else was what I followed, and it worked best with my digestion.

Step 2: Celery juice

(approx. 30 mins)

The timeframe is similar because of the time suggested to wait after drinking. Also, at the time, I was following Anthony William’s suggestions completely from his health books, and I only drank fresh celery juice made the morning of to ensure the best benefits.

Step 3: Cold-pressed juice

This could be consumed simultaneously while getting ready or working. I often juiced apples and oranges the morning of rather than the night before for similar benefits suggested for celery juicing.

Step 4: Bathe

(30-45 minutes)

This was my first bath of the day, as soon as I was done drinking all of my juices because there was no way I would be able to be away from the toilet for more than 30 minutes in the middle of all of the liquid intake. I’ll say at least 30 minutes were spent in the bathtub, but it easily took 45 minutes to feel fully emerged and allow proper light exfoliation of my skin in the sea or Epsom salt water used.

Step 5: Moisturize

(30 minutes)

I often air-dried from the bath, applying my oils while wet so that they can absorb fully into my skin. Once dry, I would apply a second layer of oil. This was never a simple task during TSW. There was pain involved and exhaustion. I’d often just lay back on my bed before I could bear to do the final step, which is putting clothes on.

Step 6: Get dressed

(15 minutes)

It would be at least 15 minutes or so simply due to the discomfort to put on more clothes that were more than just an oversized t-shirt.

An extreme routine

Well, there ya have it! That was quite excruciating to bring that step-by-step tedious process back to my mind and list it in detail. But if it connects with someone or gives suggestions, it was all worth it. What’s your TSW or extreme eczema morning routine story? Thankfully, I no longer have to do this routine and have a very average morning routine now, 3 years after first beginning the process. Trust your process. Your body will thank you with time!