We spoke with Bonnie, a nutritionist specializing in eczema diet consultations, about her approach to helping clients manage skin conditions through diet and lifestyle changes.
What dietary changes tend to make the biggest difference for someone with eczema?
One of the biggest things I explain to people is that there isn't one "eczema diet" that works for everyone. Eczema is incredibly individual, which is why I don't believe in handing everyone the same meal plan and hoping for the best!
Many people have already tried cutting out the usual suspects like sugar, gluten or dairy before they come to see me. While reducing these foods can absolutely make a difference for some people, it's rarely that simple. The foods driving one person's eczema may have little impact on someone else's, which is why taking an individualised approach is so important.
During my consultations, I guide people through the Food Intolerance Diagnosis (FID) program, which helps identify their personal food triggers. Once we understand what their skin is reacting to, we create a tailored eating plan that works for them. The goal isn't to avoid foods forever—it's to calm the skin, understand your triggers and, wherever possible, gradually reintroduce foods so your diet is as varied and enjoyable as possible.
How do you identify which foods might be triggering someone's eczema flare-ups?
It's a step-by-step process rather than guessing or cutting out dozens of foods all at once. We begin with a structured elimination phase, followed by carefully reintroducing foods one at a time to see how the skin responds.
It might sound overwhelming, but I promise it's much simpler than it sounds! I provide meal plans, recipes and plenty of support along the way, so people can focus on healing their skin while still enjoying delicious food.
Can diet alone manage eczema, or should it be combined with other treatments?
Diet is just one piece of the eczema puzzle. While nutrition can make a huge difference for some people, I always encourage a holistic approach.
Healthy skin starts with looking after your skin barrier through a gentle skincare routine, but we also talk about things like stress, sleep, clothing, home environment and other lifestyle factors that may be contributing to flare-ups. I often recommend gentle, eczema-friendly skincare, including the Skin Friend range, to help support the skin barrier alongside dietary changes.
Every person's puzzle looks a little different, so together we work out which pieces are most important for them.
What is the typical timeline for seeing skin improvements after changing your diet?
This really depends on the individual and how severe their eczema is, so there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people notice their skin becoming calmer within the first couple of weeks, while for others it can take longer.
I always remind my clients that healing isn't a race. The goal isn't just quick results—it's understanding what's driving their eczema so we can create long-term improvements that last.
How do you tailor your approach for children versus adults with eczema?
The overall approach is very similar because we're still trying to identify each person's unique triggers. The biggest difference is making it practical (and fun!) for kids. I love helping families find simple swaps, child-friendly recipes and strategies that fit into busy family life without making mealtimes stressful.
Whether I'm working with a toddler or an adult, my goal is always the same: to make the process feel achievable, supportive and as enjoyable as possible.