Why we made this video
Eczema affects up to 1 in 3 Australian children at some point in their childhood, yet so much of the information parents find online is conflicting or overly clinical. We wanted to give parents something different: clear, reassuring, expert-led guidance from a dermatologist who understands both the science and the day-to-day reality of managing a child's eczema-prone skin.
Dr. Rudd's approach is practical rather than prescriptive. She walks through the visible signs of eczema, why it tends to run in families, and — importantly — why it's never contagious. From there, she moves into the part parents care about most: what actually helps.
Building a routine that works
One of the most valuable parts of the conversation is Dr. Rudd's breakdown of what a gentle, effective daily routine should include, and just as importantly, what ingredients and habits to avoid. She also explains the difference between oil-based cleansers and traditional soap, and why that choice matters for skin that's already compromised.
She also touches on two ingredients worth understanding if you're comparing products: sunflower oil distillate, known for its skin-barrier-supporting properties, and prebiotics, which play a role in supporting the skin's natural microbiome. Both are worth keeping in mind next time you're checking a label.
Skincare designed for eczema-prone skin: Mustela Stelatopia
If you're looking to put Dr. Rudd's advice into practice, our Stelatopia range is developed specifically for very dry and eczema-prone skin, suitable from borth and the whole family. Every product is formulated with sunflower oil distillate, the same skin-barrier-supporting ingredient Dr. Rudd highlights in the video, alongside naturally-derived prebiotics to help support the skin's microbiome.
A few Stelatopia essentials to build into a gentle daily routine:
- Stelatopia Cleansing Oil — a soap-free, oil-based cleanser (exactly the kind Dr. Rudd recommends over traditional soap) that cleanses without stripping the skin's natural barrier.
- Stelatopia+ Lipid-Replenishing Cream — a rich, fast-absorbing cream formulated for the most eczema-prone skin, helping to replenish the skin barrier and soothe dryness and discomfort.
- Stelatopia Emollient Face Cream — a lightweight daily moisturiser designed specifically for delicate facial skin prone to dryness and irritation.
Every formula is fragrance-free, tested by paediatricians and dermatologists, so you can build the kind of simple, consistent routine Dr. Rudd talks about, without second-guessing what's in it.
It's not just about the skin
Managing eczema doesn't stop at the skincare routine. Dr. Rudd also speaks to something many parents don't expect to hear addressed: how eczema can disrupt a child's (and the whole family's) sleep, and what that means for day-to-day life at home.
Watch the full conversation
Every question above is timestamped in the video, so you can jump straight to what's most relevant to you, or watch the whole conversation for the complete picture. Dr. Rudd closes with her single best piece of advice for families navigating eczema, and it's worth sticking around for.
