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We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
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In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust â every day, every purchase.
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Toss Out Harsh Soaps And Detergents
If moisturizing body wash isnt enough to treat your dry or tired skin, its time to examine any other laundry detergents or soaps in your house. Harsh laundry detergents will stick to clothes, and chemicals may rub and irritate the skin. Choose a laundry detergent that is free of fragrances and other harsh chemicals.
The same goes for other soaps in your household. If you notice yourself reaching for a bar soap in the bathroom or liquid soap at the kitchen sink, make sure theyre optimal for your skin type and dont cause irritation. Theyre easy to swap out, and formulas free from harsh chemicals are easy to find.
What To Look For In Lotions For Eczema
Luckily, affordable treatments are available over the counter to keep flare-ups at bay. When choosing the right lotion, Dr. Nazarian recommends looking for products that do not strip the skin of natural hydration and protect the skin’s barrier such as ceramides. Ceramides work like glueâthey occur naturally in our skin and are known as the building blocks of its barrierâand hold our skin cells together to ensure they remain intact. When our own ceramides are compromised, which is the case with eczema, we have to supplement them with topical products.
Another key ingredient to keep your eyes peeled for is hyaluronic acid, which helps to retain moisture. Small traces of hyaluronic acid are actually found in our skin, but the amount that our bodies produce on their own decreases as we age. Because of this, Dr. Nazarian suggests looking for a lotion with hyaluronic acid to replenish our skin’s natural supply.
As far as textures go, Dr. Sperling suggests sticking with thicker creams and ointments, because these products have a thicker consistency and tend to be more moisturizing because they lock in moisture and keep irritants out. When it comes to preventing flare-ups, “the thicker the better,” she says.
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Should I Use A Product That Earned The National Eczema Foundation Seal Of Approval
The National Eczema Association created the Seal of Approval acceptance program to help sensitive-skinned consumers properly select skincare.
The NEA Seal of Approval criteria includes a list of ingredients that are known for causing irritation, Dr. Mack explains. The Seal of Approval review panel evaluates ingredient and formulation data. Lastly, the Seal of Acceptance makes the products ideal for sensitive skin types easily identifiable.
Best With Hydrocortisone: Sarna Eczema Relief Whipped Foam
Courtesy of Amazon
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Absorbs fast and isnt greasy
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Foaming texture
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Shouldnt be used daily/continuously
The truth of the matter is, when a really bad eczema flare strikes, a plain old lotion isnt going to do much. You need a little more of a heavy-hitting active ingredient, such as hydrocortisone. The OTC steroid is often recommended by dermatologists to help quell redness, inflammation, and itchall symptoms of an eczema flare. Here, it comes in a maximum-strength 1% concentration, though in a lightweight and fast-absorbing foam thats much more enjoyable to use than other, goopy hydrocortisone creams.
Active Ingredients: Hydrocortisone | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Unknown | No
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Cetaphil Restoraderm Skin Restoring Unscented Body Moisturizer $19
This body lotion is one of Dr. Libbys favorites for relieving dry, itchy eczema-prone skin. Its armed with colloidal oatmeal, allantoin, shea butter, ceramides, sunflower seed oil and Cetaphils patented Filaggrin Technology to help soothe dry, stressed skin, and repair and nourish the skin barrier, she notes.
Best For Very Dry Skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
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Can be used on face or body
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Available in multiple sizes
“First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is a double hitter because it’s a head-to-toe moisturizer that provides instant relief and long-term hydration for dry, distressed skin, even when eczema is involved,” explains Fusco of one of her go-tos. You get the benefits of colloidal oatmeal, a time-honored calmer of eczema, without having to sit in an oatmeal bath, she adds. And along with being super hydrating, it also helps quell itch.
Active Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, allantoin | Size: 6 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Yes
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What: Is: Eczema: 4jpg
Though eczema can appear anywhere on the body, in adults it is usually seen on the neck, upper arms and back, elbow and knee creases, and back of the hands, feet, fingers and toes. The skin around the eyes, including eyelids, may also be affected. While many people first develop eczema as children, it can develop at any point in your life and have a significant impact on overall quality of life.
The most common symptom of eczema is itch. Research shows more than 85% of people with eczema experience itch every day. For many people, the itch can range from mild to moderate. Up to 30% of people rate sleep disturbance as their most or second most burdensome symptom.
Eczema and its symptoms are different for everyone.
Heres what to look for:
Nuts and seeds
Wheat
If you suspect a food is making your eczema symptoms worse, talk to your doctor. You may be asked to keep a diary to help identify one or more suspect foods.
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream With Pump $13
Awarded the seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association, this dermatologist-tested formula won’t clog your pores. This Vanicream is recommended by dermatologists because it can be used on your face and body, so massage your skin with a pump or two right after your shower for long-lasting moisture.
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The Gamechanger: Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion: 508 Amazon Buy Now
For those who arent already familiar, American brand Aveeno is owned by Johnson& Johnson, and while founded in 1945, it was in the early Noughties that it started expanding its product range and gaining mainstream appeal. Jennifer Aniston became Aveenos brand ambassador in 2013, and says shes used it herself since she was a teenager.
The Aveeno offering is broad, with an array of delights to choose from, ranging from a baby soothing bath treatment to eczema therapy itch relief balm to scalp soothing shampoo and conditioner. After trying out a variety of the brand’s products, I have now been using two of them consistently for the last four years, and Ill tell anyone wholl listen how brilliant they are.
The active ingredient in all Aveeno products is colloidal oatmeal also called avena sativa, but simply fine ground oats to you and I. They are targeted at anyone with dry or sensitive skin, but theyve become known for being a gamechanger for those with skin conditions, as well as soothing hives, chickenpox and sunburn.
Do I Need To Use My Moisturizing Body Wash Every Day
If you want to hydrate your skin, yes! Regular body washes can dry out and even strip the skin of natural oils. The ideal body wash will nourish the skin and keep it moisturized, even after cleansing the skin.
If you skip the moisturizing body wash, you may notice your skin drying out or cracking more quickly. An easy remedy for this is immediately applying a hydrating lotion after finishing your bath and shower. This locks in the most moisture with the least amount of effort.
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Best For Itch Relief: Sarna Steroid
When itchiness strikes, Dr. Markowitz recommends reaching for this over-the-counter topical treatment, which soothes distressed skin using cooling camphor and menthol. It also locks in moisture to repair the skin and prevent future dryness and itchiness. The lotion is also available in a sensitive skin formula, which stops irritation with itch-relieving pramoxine hydrochloride.
Sarna is a skin and sanity saver, . I suffer from stress-induced eczema. I have a steroid cream that I can use up to twice a day, but Sarna makes a huge difference in how quickly my skin heals up, because it offers immediate relief and I can use it as much as I need throughout the day.
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Best Oil: Lizzie’s All
Courtesy of Lizzie’s All-Natural Products
While this one may *technically* not be a lotion, this nourishing body oil truly brings much-needed relief during an eczema flare-up. Infused with coconut oil and safflower oil, the formula has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties to soothe and protect the skin while strengthening its natural barrier.
Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, safflower oil | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Yes
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Impact On Quality Of Life
Dealing with eczema can take its toll. In fact, research shows atopic dermatitis is associated with a lower quality of life than a number of other common chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. The harmful effects can impact a range of areas, including emotional and mental health, physical activity, social functioning, sleep disturbance, work productivity, leisure activities, and family relationships.
Just know youre not alone. Half of adults with moderate to severe AD say that atopic dermatitis significantly limits their lifestyle and nearly 35% with mild atopic dermatitis also experience some lifestyle limitations.
Having eczema may make you feel anxious, embarrassed, or lacking in confidence. It could also make you feel angry, frustrated or depressed. More than one-third of people with AD say they often or always feel angry or embarrassed by their appearance due to the disease and one-third to one-half of adults with AD avoid social interactions because of their appearance. If youre experiencing anxiety or depression, consult a healthcare provider or mental health specialist.
- Use lukewarm water, not hot.
- Limit the length of your shower or bath to 10 to 15 minutes.
- Use a mild, non-drying, fragrance free cleanser.
- Gently pat skin dry dont rub.
- Avoid body sponges and washcloths.
Moisturizing Tips
As always, talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore : : 2 $136
This is a thicker cream that delivers ultimate hydration to skin to smooth and improve the health of your skin barrier, Dr. Libby explains. Plus, she recommends it because the formula replenishes the ceramides and healthy fats of the skin in the optimal ratio to help repair and restore the skins moisture barrier.
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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.
Best Overall Eczema Treatment
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Best Mask: Topicals Like Butter Mask Hydrating Mask
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Packed with soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients
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Safe for face and body
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Clean, vegan, and cruelty-free
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Can pill if too much is applied
While this is more of a treatment than a lotion, this creamy mask is choice for soothing and replenishing dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin. Safe for use on the face and body, it’s packed with skin-protecting and irritation-quelling ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, centella asiatica, and ceramides. Use it as a quick 20-minute mask before your shower, or leave it on overnight for a supremely nourishing treatment.
Active Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, centella asiatica, ceramides | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Yes
Is There A Moisturizing Bar Soap
There are bar soaps that contain natural, moisturizing ingredients. However, most bar soaps contain harsh soaps or other components that dry out the skin and strip it of its natural oils. To get the best hydration or moisture, it is better to use a moisturizing body wash. Body washes contain moisturizing elements and substances that bar soaps dont have.
If you prefer using bar soap, look for an all-natural product that uses fewer harmful chemicals. A great product to try is Ursa Majors Morning Mojo Bar Soap.
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What Should I Do If My Skin Is Super Sensitive And Dry
If you have super sensitive and dry skin, Kung recommends using mild soaps and cleansers that are formulated with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and petrolatum because they leave a moisturizing film on the skin.
She also recommends moisturizing when skin is damp to allow the body to absorb the moisturizer better.
In addition to applying your lotion regularly, you can use a humidifier to prevent your skin from drying out.
Kiehls Creme De Corps Smoothing Oil
| Creme de Corps Smoothing Oil-to-Foam Body Cleanser.
Ultimate hydration comes in the form of oil. Kiehls exclusive oil-to-foam cleanser transitions from a mild fragrant oil to a lightly foaming body wash to lightly cleanse the skin without irritation. If you feel like youve tried every body wash in the grocery store aisle, and nothing keeps your skin hydrated, maybe its time to try an oil-to-foam cleanser that wont strip your skins natural oils.
The unique formula utilizes a number of key ingredients to ensure your skin stays properly hydrated. Grape seed oil carries natural fatty acids, vitamin E and antioxidants to rejuvenate the skin without clogging pores. Castor oil is a natural soap alternative that gently washes the skin of impurities without stripping the skins natural oils. It is a perfect choice for men and women who want to switch up their traditional body wash and try something lighter and smoother.
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Eczema Cream: The Bottom Line
Eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis, is characterized by extremely dry skin, severe itching, red bumps that may leak fluid, and deep cracks. Eczema is believed to be caused by genetics rather than an allergic reaction. It surfaces when the skin barrier, which protects from pollutants, irritants, and bacteria, becomes compromised and cannot provide proper protection. Keeping the skin hydrated can help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier to prevent or treat flare-ups.
Along with avoiding the triggers that cause flare-ups and adopting an anti-inflammatory diet,
Several over-the-counter eczema creams can help alleviate even the most aggravating symptoms. Avoid those formulated with fragrances, dyes, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and potentially dangerous ingredients like parabens and denatured alcohol.
The best eczema creams contain skin-soothing and reparative ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, aloe, honey, ceramides, fatty acids, and glycerin.
Whats the best eczema cream, in your opinion? Let us know in the comments below!
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Satya Organics Satya Jar $21
This stuff is more than just a moisturizer: It’s a reliever for stressed-out skin. Made of organic calendula petals, almond oil, beeswax, jojoba, and colloidal oatmeal, this anti-inflammatory moisturizer is here to soothe and restore the skin’s barrier. And when you run out, keep the jar and purchase a refillable pouch. Your skin and the environment will thank you.
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