Best Eczema Products For Face

Im A Dermatologist With Eczema Heres How I Keep My Skin Clear

ByCynthia Bailey MD

I am a dermatologist who depends on my own eczema skin care routine to keep my skin comfortable, clear and eczema-free. I have eczema. I knew as a kid that I had dry sensitive skin and I’ve experienced many times in my life how easily my skin becomes tight, itchy and broken out with one type of eczema or another. As a dermatologist, I also know what is going on inside sensitive skin and how to prevent and control eczema. The trick it to take the time and mindfully create an eczema healing skin care routine and then stick to it.

For over 35+ years, Ive helped many people with their skin problems daily, including eczema and sensitive skin. Yet, Im often the last person to get my own attention.

Sometimes I get my best personal advice when I actually listen to myself explaining a skin problem to a patient.

This was how I figured out my allergic eczematous dermatitis to citrus. I was treating a woman for this on her lips. She had been squeezing lemon in her tea and her upper and lower lip skin was cracked, red and stung. The allergic dermatitis looked and felt like chapped lips – just like mine! All of a sudden, I realized that my chronically chapped lips were caused by the same allergy to citrus and I too had been squeezing lemons from my tree in my water glass every day for years!

Curl Itch Defense Lotion

According to the manufacturers website, this lotion immediately relieves dry and itchy skin. As regular use of the lotion will hydrate the skin, it can also help control eczema flare-ups. Parents and caregivers can use this lotion on an infants skin from 6 months of age.

The National Eczema Association awarded Curél Itch Defense Lotion their Seal of Acceptance, so people with eczema-prone skin can feel confident when using this product. If necessary, people can apply Curél Itch Defense Lotion to the face.

Why You Must Moisturize When Treating Eczema

Speaking of prioritizing products that hydrate and soothe, an eczema-friendly moisturizer can play a vital role in your skin-care routine, not only by helping relieve some of the itch of dry skin but also by helping your skin heal, according to the AAD. The organization also notes that it may even decrease your need for eczema medication and prevent eczema flare-ups from becoming difficult to treat.

An emollient-rich moisturizer can sometimes be effective alone, but when used in conjunction with a corticosteroid cream, the moisturizer makes the cream even more effective and may reduce the amount of time you need to use the steroid. Harvard Health Publishing notes that you should just avoid putting the steroid cream on at the same time as you apply your moisturizer. As for the order of which to apply, its up for debate, says Zeichner. I personally have people moisturize first to prime and hydrate the skin moisturizers are applied liberally, while steroids more sparingly. So applying the moisturizer over the steroids may also inadvertently spread it to places beyond where it was not originally intended to go, Zeichner adds.

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Eczema On Babies And Infants

During the first few months of life, your baby may experience symptoms of red, crusty patches of skin. If you are unsure if your child has eczema, it is best to consult your doctor to find out exactly what is causing this. Babies may show signs of eczema anywhere on their body, but most commonly it is found on their cheeks and the joints of their arms and legs. If eczema runs in the family, then your child may be more likely to have it. Treatment options for infants with eczema include applying a fragrance-free cream or ointment such as petroleum jelly, which may help the babys skin retain its natural moisture. A short, lukewarm bath may help cool their skin and reduce itching.

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How To Care For Eczema Skin

Not only is eczema uncomfortable, but it can also be unpleasant. You can lower your self-confidence to such a degree that you avoid leaving the house, fearing that others will see your skin irritation, as well as avoiding elements of the environment that aggravate or trigger eczema.

If this happens to you, then these handy eczema skincare tips will do the trick:

Avoid hot showers

A hot shower is relaxing, but it wont help when it comes to eczema skin. Rather than being calming, it can remove the skins natural protective barrier, which can aggravate the condition.

In addition to triggering flare-ups of eczema, the loss of skin protection can also make it more prone to infection. The next time you need to shower, keep using warm or cold water and make sure you dont spend more than 10 minutes in it.

On the other hand, just as you are trying to obtain a suitable facial cleanser for skin with eczema, you should look for an equally suitable body cleanser. Whether you prefer a recommended liquid eczema soap or stick to your taste for the best eczema soaps, it is always preferable to rely on formulations specially designed for your condition.

Apply a moisturizer after showering

When you shower, you allow the water to soak into your skin. The best way to seal in that hydration is to apply a good layer of moisturizer or lotion after your bath.

Since it can be very easy to forget this step, it is a good idea to keep a bottle near the towel or in an area where you can easily see it.

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Best Lotion To Use After Showering

Dermatologists also recommend using a thick layer of moisturizer all over the skin after taking a shower. Doing this helps lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier.

Lotions typically evaporate quickly and are not the best moisturizers to use after showering. However, some lotions may still be effective moisturizers.

The Best Natural Products For Sensitive Skin

Now for the fun stuff! Well share the best natural products to clean and soften your skin without irritating it.

This Organic Body Wash is made with sage and lavender essential oils. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties help protect irritated skin while the organic essential oils take care of the rest. You can also try this body wash as a natural shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis or eczema of the scalp.

Draw up a bath and relax in this Conqueror Oatmeal Bath for Eczema. Free from parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, dyes, petrochemicals, and mineral oils, its a gentle remedy that soothes itchy, red, and cracked skin like a dream. Rich in beta-glucans, this gentle bath soak also helps diminish visible redness and fight skin sensitivity.

Looking for the best eczema shower soap? Check out our Coconut and Sunflower Oil Soap. Coconut and sunflower oil, combined with shea butter, make for one nourishing, cleansing lather. Its a wonderful choice for babies and adults with even the most delicate skin. Feel free to try it as a hand soap throughout the day or as a full body soap.

Last but not least, our Tallow Skincare Bundle makes for the perfect natural bathing kit. It includes the softest of soaps and a super gentle tallow balm renowned for its antimicrobial and antioxidants properties.

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Avne Soothing Eye Contour Cream

People travel the world to visit Avènes thermal springs in the south of France, known for having minerals that relieve skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema. Youll find the thermal water in this eye cream . Whats more, its formulated with hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that attracts water to the skin and locks in moisture.

One Last Thing About Taming Eczema Symptoms With A Smart Skin

Remember that eczema symptoms may change as you age, as the AAD notes. Check in regularly with your dermatologist, who can help keep your eczema skin-care routine individualized, introduce you to newer treatment products, and help you sort through cleansers and moisturizers to find the best ones for you.

Additional reporting by .

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Best For Face: Eucerin Daily Hydration Lotion

• Enriched with sunflower oil and vitamin B5

• Has a slight smell

You dont need to spend a lot of money on an effective eczema face cream. Eucerin Daily Hydration Lotion is a non-greasy but hydrating lotion that will feel silky on your the most sensitive skin without clogging pores. Fragrance-free, like the majority of eczema-specific lotions, it includes effective ingredients such as sunflower oil and pro-vitamin B5.

Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus SeedOil, Petrolatum, Glycerin | Uses: Light-weight and fast-absorbing

• Too heavy for face

• Thick texture

Dr. Saedi is a huge fan of Cerave products, including their Moisturizing Cream, which has ceramides to help strengthen the skin barrier and will help lock in moisture while keeping potential eczema-triggering irritants at bay. Your skin will also reap the added hydration benefit of hyaluronic acid. This giant tub of ultra-rich moisturizer is perfect for your body, but probably too heavy for your face.

Ingredients: Glycerin, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop | Uses: Moisturizes, restores and maintains skins natural barrier

What Should You Look For In An Eczema Cream

Eczema is a condition in which the skin barrier is not able to maintain the necessary moisture to provide protection from allergens and environmental stressors. People with eczema tend to have dry, irritated, inflamed skin, says Shari Lipner, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of clinical dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine. Choosing the right moisturizer can help in preventing eczema flares and treating the eczema.

The best eczema creams and lotions are thicker moisturizers, Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, M.D., double board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mudgil Dermatology, tells SELF.

Its especially important to look for a product that contains humectant ingredients as well as moisturizing and skin-protecting ingredients . Humectants help add additional hydration, while ceramides and occlusive ingredients reinforce the skin barrier, ultimately helping to protect you from irritants that might trigger an eczema flare. Keep an eye out for products with a high oil-content-to-water-content ratio as well, recommends Dr. Lipner.

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 , and retinol, she says: These can further irritate the skin by drying them out.

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Best Budget: Cetaphil Dailyadvance Ultra Hydrating Lotion

• Some users said it blocked pores, causing acne

• Remains tacky on skin after applying

Cetaphil is another dermatologist-endorsed brand that uses non-irritating ingredients to formulate effective, hydrating products for people suffering from skin issues. This ultra-hydrating lotion is made with moisturizing shea butter and glycerin to keep dryness at bay, macadamia nut oil, and vitamins E and B5. It is a great budget-friendly option for people who prefer a lighter texture than an ointment or cream, as it goes on thin, spreads easily, and will leave skin silky smooth without any stickiness or oily residue.

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, Macadamia Nut Oil, Shea Butter | Uses: Hydrates, restores and protects dry skin.

How Do I Know If I Have Facial Eczema

Believe it or not, one of the most frustrating aspects of facial eczema is figuring out whether you actually have eczema. Your dry or irritated skin could be the result of a bad reaction to a product you’re using, harsh weather, and other common factors that can impact skin health.

“It can be difficult to distinguish the two as skin affected by eczema is dry and irritated, generally, dry skin is not irritated and itchy to the level of eczema and will readily respond to moisturizers, gentle skin care, and bringing humidity back to the environment,” explains Sejal Shah, a New York City-based dermatologist.

Sadick adds that unlike the mild flaking, dullness, and tightness associated with dry skin, facial eczema generally involves intense itchiness, cracked skin, and even bleeding. If you’re still stumped, or just want a second opinion, visit your dermatologist to find out for sure.

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How To Prevent Eczema Flare

Theres no known cure for eczema, and symptoms wont go away on their own. For most people, eczema is a chronic condition that requires careful avoidance of triggers to help prevent flare-ups.

• Moisturize the affected areas at least twice a day. Weve taken the guesswork out of how to stop eczema immediately with an eczema cream.
• Take shorter baths or showers with tepid versus hot water. Pat versus rub your skin dry afterward.
• Try to identify and avoid the aforementioned triggers that can exasperate your condition.
• Only use gentle soaps, cleansers, and body lotions.
• Keep a humidifier in the rooms you spend the most time in, like the bedroom Hot, dry indoor air can parch sensitive skin and worsen itching and flaking. Opt for a portable unit or attach one to your furnace to add moisture to the air inside your home.
• Wear cool, smooth-textured clothing and avoid clothing thats rough, tight, or scratchy. Also, wear appropriate clothing in hot weather or during exercise to prevent excessive sweating. Take a short, tepid shower immediately after physical activity.
• Get a hold of your stress and anxiety. Such emotional disorders can aggravate atopic dermatitis. Try yoga, meditation, exercise, or an activity that brings you pleasure. Speak to a professional if need be.
• See a dermatologist to discuss your treatment options if topical creams and lotions arent working.

Gentle Soaps And Detergents

Laundry detergent can contain harsh chemicals that aggravate eczema.

Many body washes and cleansers contain detergents, which help provide a soapy lather. Detergents and other lathering agents can dry out the skin, especially in people with eczema.

Bar soaps can also be harsh on the skin because of their alkalinity.

Try using a gentle, no-lather, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid products with rough particles for scrubbing or exfoliating, as these can further irritate the skin.

Many people with eczema also find that switching to a more gentle, fragrance- or color-free laundry detergent can help improve symptoms.

Try skipping fabric softener, which lingers on clothes and often contains fragrances and chemicals that can cause skin irritation.

Sitting next to a fireplace or near a furnace may feel good, but it can make eczema symptoms worse. The hot, dry air can dehydrate the skin and aggravate the itchiness of eczema.

Use a humidifier during the dry winter months and avoid getting too close to heaters and fireplaces.

Read Also: How To Help Eczema Flare Ups

Proper Skin Care For Eczema Focuses On Hydrating And Soothing While Minimizing Irritation

Hydration is the operative word when putting together an eczema skin-care routine. We know that in eczema the skin barrier is not working the way it should be, so it is important to maintain skin hydration, says Dr. Zeichner.

Soothing is the other operative word. Look for products that are specifically made for sensitive skin, says Wu. These are usually free of fragrance and other ingredients known to aggravate eczema, including lanolin. Skip unscented products, which may contain a masked fragrance and could irritate your skin, and opt for a product labeled dye-free, notes the American Academy of Dermatology.

Also, avoid retinol, vitamin C, and alpha hydroxy or salicylic acids, as these can aggravate eczema, advises Wu. The National Eczema Association, for example, says that while retinol is beneficial for anti-aging, it can trigger eczema flares. One beneficial ingredient to look for is hyaluronic acid, which holds moisture against your skin without being irritating. Past research shows that a hyaluronic acidceramide foam may help improve the symptoms of mild to moderate eczema.

Another note: You can wear makeup if you have eczema just do your best to look for products that are fragrance-free, adds Zeichner.

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Best Vegan: Splendor Santa Barbara Pure Coconut Oil Soap

• Much better lather than many eczema soaps

• Mild but non-irritating scent from natural ingredients

• Made with coconut oil, not palm oil

• It doesnt last very long

• Handmade bars are not always consistent in amount of scent or oil

Coconut oil has proven to be an anti-inflammatory ingredient, both for topical uses and consumption. It’s the first ingredient in Splendors Pure Coconut Oil Soap, alongside aloe juice, colloidal oats, organic chamomile, and organic calendula. These all-natural ingredients are void of chemical allergens and irritants, creating a creamy soap that moisturizes and calms dry skin.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil | How to Use: With wet hands, rub the bar until it lathers apply to face, body, or hands, rinse, and dry.

• For use in treatment of eczema, folliculitis, and acne

• Safe for anyone 6 months and older

• Cleanses without disrupting skin barrier

• Some users reported breakouts or rashes after use

• More costly than other eczema soaps

CLns BodyWash is designed to reduce redness, dryness, and flakiness. It’s a cleanser that is safe for daily use, preserved with sodium hypochlorite for a strong but calming sensation for your eczema. This body wash does not contain any parabens, steroids, or fragrances, so it’s a great choice for both adults and children.

This product is recommended by the National Eczema Association.

Key Ingredients: Sodium hypochlorite | How to Use: Wet skin and pump small amount of soap into hands lather, massage into skin, rinse, and dry.

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