What Ingredients To Avoid In Eczema Creams
Of course, there are ingredients youll want to avoid too, Dendy Engelman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, tells SELF. Ingredients to watch out for include fragrances, exfoliating acids , harsh soaps, and retinol, she says: These can further irritate the skin by drying them out.
Dr. Nada Elbuluk, M.D., director of the Skin of Color Center and Pigmentary Program at USC, also notes to look at ingredients lists for anything you might be allergic to, because that will also cause a flare-up. I also recommend avoiding physical exfoliants and even certain fabrics such as wool, which can make eczema worse, she says.
So what are the absolute best eczema creams to hydrate, strengthen, and protect against flare-ups? We asked dermatologists to tell us what moisturizers they commonly recommend to their eczema patients. Heres what they suggest.
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Bioderma Atoderma Cream $18
It is no secret why dermatologists love Atoderm Cream from Bioderma. From the first application, the ingredientsâglycerin and mineral oilâare already locking in moisture and providing lasting softness. The formula has vitamin B3, which helps restores the skin’s barrier. Apply the cream once or twice a day for the best results.
Best For Lips: Vaseline Lip Therapy
For Dr. Markowitz, Vaseline Lip Therapy is a go-to because of its simple formula. “The best lip balm for eczema is one that is thick and doesn’t have too many preservatives,” she shares. With the brand’s famous petroleum jelly at its base, this pick infuses inflamed, chapped lips with rich, soothing moisture and locks it in to prevent future dryness. Not only is it great for long-lasting relief, but its non-greasy and non-sticky formula ensures comfortable wear. For those who prefer a tinted lip balm treatment, Dr. Markowitz also recommends the Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm. She adds, “I really like this because it also has SPF in it.
“When my lips are super dry and cracked, this is the only product I’ve found that truly helps,” one reviewer said of the Vaseline Lip Therapy. Another shared, “I had a skin reaction to something and it’s recommended by my dermatologist. Soothing and helps healing.”
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Best Moisturizer: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer
Dr. Hayag is a fan of this face cream for eczema breakouts. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid , ceramides, and antioxidants and will keep your skin hydrated all day. “It also contains Pentavitin, a proprietary ingredient that binds to the skin and keeps it moisturized even after washing,” adds Dr. Hayag. Those with eczema will appreciate that it’s free of alcohol, fragrance, and oil, as well.
When describing the texture, one eczema-prone reviewer said that it “glides on so smoothly. It’s very sheer and velvety, but still feels very moisturizing.” They also added that it “will always be a part of my skin-care regimen” and that it “does not irritate my skin.”
Controlling Eczema By Moisturizing
Keeping your skins moisture intact is one of the most important things you can do to help control your eczema.
Moisturizers helps protect the outermost layer of skin known as the stratum corneum or skin barrier. People living with eczema have a damaged skin barrier, which makes their skin more sensitive to irritants, allergens, bacteria and other invaders. A damaged skin barrier also make it harder for the skin to retain water, leading to chronic dry, itchy skin, which can cause eczema to flare or get worse.
Wind, low humidity, cold temperatures, harsh soaps and prolonged exposure to water, all lead to dry skin. So, its important to understand how and when to properly moisturize and which products are best to use when you have eczema.
Some things to remember when moisturizing:
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What To Look For In An Eczema Lotion
Though eczema can be finicky to treat, dermatologists told us that lotions can help make the condition more manageable. There are two main formula types to be on the lookout for: ones that reduce and soothe the symptoms of eczema and ones that work to repair and maintain your skin barrier function.
If you’re looking to get rid of the discomfort associated with eczema, go for humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and panthenol that work to attract and hold water in the skin, according to Kazlouskaya. Emollients like butters, oils and ceramides can also help make the skin smoother by filling in the “gaps” between skin cells, Kazlouskaya explained, and they’re ideal for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis as they can help relieve itchiness, dryness and scaling on the skin. To strengthen your skin barrier, Kazlouskaya said to opt for occlusive ingredients like lanolin, squalane, petrolatum jelly and mineral oil these create a film on the skin’s surface and prevent transepidermal water loss .
One ingredient that’s common among products geared toward healing eczema is colloidal oatmeal. The ingredient, which is made of ground-up oat kernels, helps relieve the common side effects of eczema such as inflammation and itchiness as well as keep your skin barrier intact to prevent future damage and moisture loss. One study found that even low amounts of colloidal oatmeal helped soothe inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier among eczema patients.
Humectants Bring In Moisture
Humectants are designed to try and draw moisture into the skin, Dr. Anthony explains. They attract and bind to water, pulling it from the air and from deeper within your skin. They include:
- Alpha hydroxy acids, like glycolic acid and lactic acid.
- Hyaluronic acid.
Applied on their own, humectants can cause stinging and burning. Instead, eczema creams combine these ingredients with more soothing emollients and occlusives.
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Other Medications For Treating Atopic Dermatitis
In some cases, antihistamines may be used to treat specific issues associated with atopic dermatitis.
Antihistamines can help relieve itching in the case of hives and other allergic conditions, but the drugs donât relieve itching associated with atopic dermatitis, because the underlying cause is different.
Instead, classical antihistamines, which cause drowsiness and are the active ingredient in over-the-counter sleep aids, are occasionally used to help people with atopic dermatitis get a better nightâs sleep.
People with atopic dermatitis are at an increased risk of infections, especially bacterial skin infections from staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria. These infections worsen eczema symptoms and must be treated with antibiotics, such as cephalexin or dicloxacillin, before eczema can be brought back under control.
Why Do We Need Moisturizers
Healthy skin appearance is essential as flawed presentation may result in reduced self-esteem.3 Moisturizers are commonly used to reduce fine lines, smoothen and hydrate skin which may improve a patients social life, psychological satisfaction and quality of life. 4
Moreover, either normal skin or dermatoses with dry skin symptoms may both gain optimal benefit from proper utilization of moisturizers. Impression of skin dryness consist of visible and tactile changes of the skin as well as alteration in skins sensory components, which presents as dry skin symptoms. These symptoms include dryness feeling and discomforts consist of tightness, pain, itch, stinging, and tingling.5 Moisturizers work effectively to overcome dry skin underlying dermatoses, interrupting dry skin cycle while maintaining skin smoothness.6
Moisturizers also have several benefits aside from skin moistening. Some of the possible functions provided by moisturizers are as follows:
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How To Use Them
It is important to follow a healthcare professionals instructions carefully. Usually, they recommend using a topical steroid to ease symptoms of an eczema flare-up and reducing or stopping the treatment once the symptoms are under control.
The right amount of medication depends on the affected area. The doctor might give instructions in FTUs. This refers to the amount of the medication that could fit on the tip of an adult index finger. The National Eczema Association provides guidance about FTUs and areas affected by eczema.
While there is currently no cure for eczema, a wide range of treatments can manage the symptoms. Beyond avoiding possible triggers and maintaining good skin health, a person might try:
- Bathing, moisturizing, and wet wraps: Very dry skin is a common symptom of eczema, and moisturizing may help heal any damage from dryness and prevent flare-ups. It can also improve how well the skin absorbs medications.
- Over-the-counter medicines: Some examples include lower-potency steroid creams, antihistamines, and pain relief medications.
- Prescription medicines: These include stronger topical steroids and calcineurin inhibitors, injectable drugs called biologics, and oral drugs, such as immunosuppressants and steroids.
- Alternative and complementary treatments: Relaxation techniques, mindfulness training, and acupressure may provide a whole-body approach to the treatment.
- This involves using different wavelengths of UV light to reduce inflammation and itchiness.
Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream $747
Eucerins Eczema Relief Cream for eczema-prone skin is excellent at reducing flare-ups thanks to its ingredients of colloidal oatmeal, which treats redness and swelling, and ceramides that help to repair the skin barrier, Dr. Mack said.
Not to mention, the less-than-$10 ticket price on this formula cant be beaten.
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Eczema Steroid Cream Names
Tacrolimus topical is available in a 0.03% and a 0.1% ointment, a moderately potent topical steroid cream , Topical corticosteroids are classified by their level of potency, 3, Betesil, Locoid, They generic availability.24 Brand name agents may be moreBest Overall: Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream at Amazon Provides immediate relief thanks to its contents like ceramides and colloidal oatmeal. Best Budget: Neosporin Eczema Essentials at kroger.com This gentle formula is super healing and restorative to irritated skin. Best for Sensitive Skin: Gladskin Eczema Cream at us.gladskin.com
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Reserveage Nutrition Hydrating Hand & Foot Cream $37 Original Price: $46
According to Dr. Libby, Reserveages hand cream is a rich, luxurious cream that absorbs in quickly to moisturize skin with humectants like glycerin and repair the skin barrier with copper-encapsulated peptide technology. Not to mention, its a collagen booster and comes in the loveliest pink packaging weve seen.
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Hydrocortisone Cream And Ointment
Creams are better for skin that is moist and weepy. Ointments are thicker and greasier, and are better for dry or flaky areas of skin.
Most people need to use hydrocortisone cream or ointment once or twice a day. If you use it twice a day, try to leave a gap of 8 to 12 hours before putting on any more.
Fire warning
Skin creams can dry onto your clothes and bedding. This makes them more likely to catch fire. Avoid naked flames.
The amount of cream or ointment you need to use is sometimes measured in fingertip units. This is the amount you can squeeze onto the end of your finger.
A fingertip unit is generally enough to treat both sides of your hand.
For babies and children, the right amount depends on their age. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you.
Say No To Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Once a common ingredient in aqueous creams, SLS is now thought to worsen eczema by causing stinging, itchiness and redness. Studies show that non-SLS aqueous creams are less likely to irritate skin than aqueous creams that contain SLS. These days, many products have been reformulated to remove the ingredient.
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Best Multitasking Cream: Vanicream Moisturizing Ointment
According to Dr. Marmon, this ointment soothes irritated and cracked skin anywhere on the body, so it can be used for eczema symptoms as well as other general skin issues.
Its great for chapped lips and hands. Plus, its fragrance- and preservative-free and comes in an easily portable travel size, she says. I also love to use it on my kids when they come home with cuts and scrapes.
âBuy itâ: âPriceâ: $10 for 2.5 oz
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What To Look For In An Eczema Product
When shopping for an eczema product, your best choices are thick bland emollients that help with soothing the skin and repairing the integrity by providing barrier support, says Dr. Sonal Choudhary, MD, Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist at UPMC, Assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Choudhary adds that its a good idea to try and avoid fragranced products, and instead of long, hot baths, opt for short, cool showers. Plus, using detergents that are free of dyes and fragrances can also help prevent skin irritation.
Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
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Best For Face: Eucerin Daily Hydration Lotion
Courtesy of CVS
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Enriched with sunflower oil and vitamin B5
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May not be heavy enough for severe eczema or dry skin
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Slight smell may be unappealing to some
If youre looking to soothe facial eczema or dry patches on the face, this lightweight, non-greasy lotion is a great pick for daily use. Users find that it hydrates skin effectively but is gentle enough on the most sensitive skin.
The Eucerin Daily Hydration Lotion contains ingredients such as sunflower oil, which studies have found to have benefits for dry and scaly skin, and pro-vitamin B5, which helps moisturize and protect the skin.
Price at time of publish: $29
Active Ingredient: Helianthus Annuus seed oil, petrolatum, glycerin | Scent: Fragrance-free, users report a slight smell | Usage: Apply right after bathing
Best Prescription Eczema Creams
Dr. Hayag often prescribes topical steroid creams to her clients due to their effectiveness in rapidly treating redness, inflammation, and itchiness. Specifically, she likes calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus for reducing the immune response that causes these irritations. These are great non-steroidal creams that help maintain control of eczema and decrease the number of eczema flare-ups, she adds.
She also recommends crisaborale as a non-steroidal cream that can be used in children as young as 2 years old, and mupiricin ointment, which is a topical prescription antibiotic for staph infections commonly found in eczema patients. (
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What Kind Of Products Treat Eczema
From creams and lotions to ointments and oils, it can be hard to know whats what and whats best. Before you start looking into ingredients, its helpful to understand the difference among products.
- Lotions are spreadable and sink into your skin the best. But because theyre quickly absorbed, they dont last as long as other options. They also have a bit higher risk of stinging raw skin, Dr. Anthony warns.
- Creams have more oil and less water than lotion, and theyre a little thicker/heavier. They wont sink in as quickly, but you also dont need to apply them as often.
- Ointments are the most occlusive option, meaning theyre the best at locking moisture into your skin. But theyre also the greasiest. They spread well and last longer, but they get on things like clothes and bedsheets, Dr. Anthony notes.
- Oils are fats that are liquid at room temperature. Most skin oils are plant-based think argan oil, rose hip oil and tea tree oil, among others. And while some people find success with oils, for the most part, Dr. Anthony doesnt recommend them for eczema.
If youre looking for a one-size-fits-all answer to the best product for your eczema, you wont find one. It ends up being about each patients preference and tolerance, Dr. Anthony says. What feels good on your skin is probably the best product for you.
But knowing your options including what products are available, what they do and what ingredients to look for can go a long way in helping you decide.
How To Help Prevent Eczema Breakouts
How can you keep your skin barrier intact so that it can actually perform its skin-protecting duties and keep eczema at bay? For one, keep exfoliation especially physical exfoliation to a minimum. Products that fall into the category of physical exfoliation include cleansing scrubs with solid particulates, mechanical facial brushes, sonic devices and micro-exfoliating rollers, Kung said. While these may remove the top layer of dull-looking skin, Kung explained they can be too abrasive and may disrupt the skin barrier.
Chemical exfoliants should also be kept to a minimum. If you’re eczema-prone, aim for exfoliating acids in lower concentrations and use them no more than a few times a week.
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Things To Consider With Otc Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration decides whether a medicine is safe enough to sell over the counter. However, using OTC medicines still has potential risks. Some interact with other prescription or OTC medicines, supplements, foods or beverages. Others cause problems for people with certain medical conditions. Be sure to talk to your dermatologist or healthcare provider before taking any OTC medicines for eczema.
Its important to correctly follow directions for OTC medicines and be careful when administering them to children. You should never take OTC eczema drugs for longer durations or in higher doses than the product label recommends.
# Offers Made By Investors
The best deals are often found on online marketplaces. body wash for dry eczema skin is sold in many places by retailers. It is possible for online platforms to compete with physical retailers when they have an efficient supply chain and a large dealer network.
It is not uncommon for online platforms to offer discounts and promotions during holidays such as Black Friday. These offers cannot be found anywhere else.
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