What Does A Good Skincare Routine Look Like For Eczema
Eczema is characterised by skin barrier dysfunction, says Kluk, highlighting the crux of what a clever eczema skincare routine should set out to do: reinforce and take care of that skin barrier.
First things first: emollient therapy. This means cleansing twice daily with a soap substitute and frequently and liberally applying moisturiser, says Kluk, who suggests applying an emollient up to three times each day. In general, the dryer skin is, the greasier your emollient should be. Moisturising helps restore the integrity of the skin barrier, so it should be a fundamental part of an eczema sufferers skincare routine, even when flare-ups have been put to rest.
Kluks top tip is to monitor the general quality of skin. If it is dry in some places and oily in others, look to using a lighter moisturiser gel or fluid cream on the areas where skin is oilier, and a richer cream or ointment on areas where skin is drier. As for SPF you cant get away that easily its still important to use where possible, but as most eczema sufferers will know, it can be difficult to tolerate. Kluk recommends testing a few different formulas on a small area first to ensure they dont sting or further irritate skin. Look for mineral or physical sunscreens, and those labelled suitable for sensitive skin.
Below, some of the best skincare products for eczema-prone skin.
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Foundations That Work Wonders If Youve Got A Skin Condition
Because your makeup doesnt have to make your acne or eczema worse.
Finding the perfect foundation is already tricky enough. But if you have issues like cystic acne or eczema, it can feel totally impossible to find something that doesnt irritate your skin on top of it. So we asked leading dermatologists and a makeup pro how to play it safe and still get that flawless glow were all after.
What a derm says: Avoid oil-based formulas and concealers, and look for products that are labeled non-comedogenic so you dont break out from the makeup. A good ingredient to see listed is salicylic acid, which helps exfoliate and clear clogged pores, says Kaleroy Papantoniou, a New York dermatologist.
Try: Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup
What a makeup artist says: Foundation can slide right off zits! Instead, try pigment dropswhich you can even mix with a pump of acne medicationand apply all over with a brush. Then go back and dab a bit of the pigment drops directly on the blemish like concealer, says celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor.
Try: CoverFX Custom Cover Drops
Clinique Moisture Surge Cc Cream Hydrating Colour Corrector Broad Spectrum Spf 30 Color Light To Medium
This foundation is oil-free, so does not feel greasy. Its color-correcting, perfecting formula tends to create a natural glow. Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Hydrating Colour Corrector Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Color, Light to Medium hydrating and protects the skin. This one smooths out the complexion, corrects a range of complexion concerns including dullness, sallowness, itchiness, dryness, and redness due to eczema and creates an ultra-natural radiance. This lightweight cream moisturizes and protects the skin with sunscreen, leaving the skin soft, fresh, and flawless.
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Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
This product, recommended by Dr. Elias, is NARS #1 award-winning concealer that also received a 2018 Readers Choice Award in the allure beauty report.
According to the companys website, this is a multi-active botanical blend that includes Magnolia Bark Extract, Grape Seed Extract, and Vitamin E, which hydrates, firms, reduces redness and strengthens the skin by helping its barrier retain vital moisture. It also delivers essential antioxidant protection to help protect skin against damaging free radicals.
The product costs $30 on the NARS® website, where it received 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 395 customer reviews. It also costs $30 at Ulta Beauty, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom.
What Should You Look For In Cosmetics If You Have Eczema
- Ingredients to look for
Shea butter, glycerin, and lanolin are great moisturizing ingredients that not only repair your skin but also help it to look healthier. Hyaluronic acid is another wonder ingredient that helps draw moisture from the air into your skin and gives an extra boost of moisture to give relief to flaky, dry skin. Niacinamide, commonly known as vitamin B3 performs its magic on red patches on your skin, and a serum or cream with niacinamide can reduce redness caused by eczema by strengthening your skins natural barrier.
- Ingredients to avoid
Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and retinol tend to dry out and irritate skin with eczema. This happens usually because of a weak skin barrier, which lets irritating chemicals enter your skin more easily, and let its moisture evaporate. Preservatives like butylparaben and methylparaben which keep cosmetics from going bad can also lead to inflammation. Its better to use products with natural preservatives like neem oil or grapefruit seed extract instead. Fragrances, no matter how soft and subtle they are, can also trigger eczema flare-ups.
- Read labels
Now that you know what to look for while choosing cosmetics for your eczema prone skin let us tell you how to wear eczema-safe makeup for the best results, so that you not only look great but you also dont irritate your delicate skin in any way.
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Gone Are The Days Of Patchy Coverage Irritation Upon Application And Redness
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Suffering from dryness, redness or other skin conditions is hard enough, but then searching for a foundation that works well on top of them seems almost impossible. In a world obsessed with dewy, radiant looking skin, those of us with a sensitive complexion can struggle to feel good. Not to fear, weve got you covered.
Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce Redness Primer
According to Dr. Levy, the Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce Redness Primer makeup with sunscreen contain physical blockers zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which are less irritating than chemical blockers.
The company website states that this green-toned face primer color-corrects redness, blurs pores and fine lines while evening out the skin tone. It also contains an antioxidant blend of vitamins A and E to help protect the skin from environmental pollutants, damage, and stress.
It costs $39 on the Smashbox website and costs the same at Sephora and Ulta. Comparatively, it costs $33 on Amazon, where it received 4 out of 5 stars based on 247 customer reviews.
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What To Look For
1. Shea butter, glycerin, and lanolin. These moisturizing ingredients repair your skin and help it look healthier. Look for skin care products that list one of these first, second, or third on the ingredients list.
2. Hyaluronic acid. It helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. Smooth on cream with hyaluronic acid for an extra boost of moisture and to ease flaky, dry skin.
3. Niacinamide. If red patches show through no matter how many layers of makeup you pile on, try a serum or cream that has this compound, also called vitamin B3. It can reduce redness from eczema by strengthening your skinâs natural barrier. Apply niacinamide cream first, then put on cosmetics.
Holland & Barrett Clean Beauty Gift Set
This is the ultimate beauty gift set for anyone who experiences eczema and sensitive skin. It includes: Beauty Kitchen Natruline 20g, Faith in Nature Blueberry Shampoo 400ml, Faith in Nature Blueberry Conditioner 400ml, Sukin Revitalising Facial Scrub 50ml, Weleda Skin Food 30ml, Dr Organic Snail Gel Cream 50ml, Holland and Barrett Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30ml.
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Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint 30ml: 51 John Lewis & Partners
Technically this is an anti-aging skin tint rather than a foundation, but because of its hydrating formula aimed at tightening the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles it also works well on dry and sensitive skin. Hourglass promise an “ultra rich and deeply moisturising” product with moderate coverage, and we think it delivers. Our tester said this cream is perfect for those looking for a product that is both sensitive and also anti-aging. The added bonus of SPF 15 also helps with those with skin conditions sensitive to sunlight.
Avene Mineral High Protection Tinted Compact Spf 50
Dr. Levy said the Avéne MINERAL High Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50 is a personal favorite for those that suffer from both eczema and melasma or hyperpigmentation.
According to the companys website, this 100% mineral sunscreen with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide is non-irritating and safe for intolerant and sensitive skin types, including hypersensitive and allergenic skin. Out of 64 reviews, it received 4.9 out of 5 stars.
This product costs $36 on the Avéne website it also costs $36 on Amazon and at Walgreens.
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Global Care Essential Eclipse Silk Facial Primer
Along with tackling the redness of eczema, Global Care Essential Eclipse Silk Facial Primer protects the skin from dirt and bacteria while maintaining natural moisture. It works to reduce the effects of aging, fill in fine lines, wrinkles, and crows feet. It can smoothe away enlarged pores, dry patches, age spots, and damaged skin and stick to that all day long. This all-day foundation serum instantly hides 100% of blemishes, enlarged pores, and lines for a gorgeous airbrushed look on oily or dry skin, acne, rosacea, and eczema. It is silky, not greasy.
W3ll People Expressionist Volumizing Mascara
Contact dermatitisa form of eczema that comes from using irritating productsis especially prevalent around the eyes. And since many people are irritated by preservatives often found in traditional mascara, you might find it beneficial to switch to a natural option that uses more gentle preservatives.
Expressionist Volumizing Mascara, W3LL People
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What Is The Best Makeup For Eczema
As you shop for a product when you eczema, its best to rely on the label, to begin with. Most products that are safe for sensitive skin and are hypoallergenic are a safe bet for those with eczema. And besides that, you can also consciously make an effort to avoid products that contain questionable, chemical ingredients. Its a good idea to look for products that are alcohol, phthalate, and paraben-free and contain hyaluronic acid which is very hydrating, along with vitamins C, E, and other natural ingredients that prevent dryness. So rather than go for a normal moisturizer, you should go for one thats for sensitive skin or specifically for eczema.
What’s The Bottom Line With My Personal Skin Care Routine For Eczema
Youll notice that my products sound custom designed for someone with dry sensitive eczema-prone skin – like me. Youre right! I, like my patients and so many others, need exactly this mindful level of skin care.
I am a dermatologist who knows sensitive skin from the inside out. Add to that my 35+ years caring for people with the same problem but unique product preferences and lifestyles and I’ve had a lot of experience solving sensitive skin problems. Dry sensitive skin is common – over 60-70% of women and 50-60% of men have it – this is skin care for us!
References
Hanifin JM, Reed ML Eczema Prevalence and Impact Working Group. A population-based survey of eczema prevalence in the United States. Dermatitis. 2007 Jun 18:82-91. doi: 10.2310/6620.2007.06034. PMID: 17498413. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17498413/
Thomsen SF. Epidemiology and natural history of atopic diseases. Eur Clin Respir J. 2015 2:10.3402/ecrj.v2.24642. Published 2015 Mar 24. doi:10.3402/ecrj.v2.24642
Farage MA. The Prevalence of Sensitive Skin. Front Med . 2019 6:98. Published 2019 May 17. doi:10.3389/fmed.2019.00098
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Various Sensitive Body Concerns We Cover
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Stay Clean Stay Beautiful
Good hygiene is vital for sensitive skin. Learn to sanitize your makeup products and use them in a hygienic manner. Wash your hands and cleanse your face before using makeup. Keep your brushes, lash curlers, etc, clean and sanitize them regularly.Were all prone to bouts of sisterly affection for those that share our love for makeup. But this should not mean that you express your generosity by sharing your makeup products with others. Thats a stupid and sure way of spreading germs and your skin will not thank you for it.
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I Exfoliate For Instantly Glowing Skin
Recently, Ive been able to use my Triple Action Exfoliating Cleanser several times a week because its formulation hits the mark for sensitive skin while also providing me a successful option for skin brightening. Only when eczema-prone skin is really controlled is this possible. For really glowing skin, I use my Bamboo and Clay Exfoliating Cleanser. It provides really good physical exfoliation in a hypoallergenic clay base that’s perfect for sensitive skin.
How To Care For Sensitive Skin
Feel like your skin dances to its own beat? Dont despair, were here to tell you how to help keep your sensitive skin in check. While certain causes can be managed, skin sensitivity is not something that you can necessarily be 100% free of. But, happily, with the right skincare including cream for sensitive skin and even makeup, you can help to protect your skin from its pet peeves and keep it feeling smooth and hydrated.
Beyond just getting on board with sensitive skin products, you should be on point with how you use them too. Taking a softly-softly approach will help to keep breakouts at bay dont wash too regularly or abrasively scrub, as both will likely worsen skin sensitivity. You should also keep your hands as clean as possible and be wary not to touch your sensitive skin or scratch any itchy bits.
Follow our sensitive skin tips and before you know it, never mind skin outbursts, youll soon have a singing outburst to the tune of youre not welcome anymore.
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Our Best Face Wash For Sensitive Skin
Our Aloe Calming Foaming Wash is the ideal face wash for those that need a gentle clean. The lather-y suds shimmy around the skins surface to help lift daily grime, all while helping your skin to rock again faces feel calmer and refreshed. A tip to help boost your use make sure your water temperature is tepid when using this face wash for sensitive skin to avoid the triggering effects of too hot H20.
Perricone Md Face Finishing And Firming Moisturizer
This product, recommended by Dr. Elias, is one of Perricones best-selling moisturizers. According to the companys website, its loaded with powerful antioxidants and nourishing nutrients to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also rich in texture and deeply hydrates the skin. This formulation contains vitamin E, DMAE, and kukui nut seed oil to combat everyday dryness.
This product costs $69 on the companys website, where it received 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 503 customer reviews. It also costs $69 at Dermstore, Ulta Beauty, and Sephora. It can also be purchased at Walmart for $29.99.
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What Is Dermablends Best Foundation For Sensitive Skin
All of Dermablends foundations are sensitive skin-tested, so the ideal product depends on your preference as well as your other skin concerns. From Continuous Correction CC Cream SPF 50+ CC cream and concentrated pigment drops to cream and liquid formulations, theres a Dermablend foundation for everyone with sensitive skin.
What Ingredients Should You Avoid
When selecting the make-up products that you will be putting on your skin it can be good to avoid products that have added fragrances and preservatives. Preservatives such as butylparaben or methylparaben can lead to additional skin inflammation and irritation. Looking for products that contain an oil like neem oil, is a natural preservative can be a good alternative.
If the product contains salicylic or glycolic acid, these are ingredients that can dry the skin out and dry skin is often a trigger for an atopic dermatitis flare. Products that are labeled as hypoallergenic and or good for sensitive skin can also be helpful to use as they tend to have limited ingredients. Testing out makeup on a small patch of skin before applying to the face can be a good way to gauge if the product is irritating to the skin or not.
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I Use A Botanical Face Oil At Night
I always top my anti-aging night routine with my Omega Enriched Oil. I apply a few drops in my palm, pat my palms together then pat my face with the oil. On the rare night when Im giving my skin a rest from anti-aging products, I apply my Daily Face Cream boosted with a few drops of my Omega Oil. My dry, sensitive skin loves the botanic oil formulation of my Omega Enriched Face Booster Oil.
I actually made my Omega Enriched Face Oil for my dear Australian friend Lorraine who has similar skin to mine. Its been so popular with my sensitive skin patients that I decided to make it available to everyone. I blended organic kukui, rosehip, pomegranate, argan and other oils with borage and sea buckthorn key ingredients to heal and support sensitive skin barrier.
Mineral oil and petrolatum, both time-honored dermatologic moisturizing ingredients, also work well as a heavy moisturizer for eczema-prone skin. But they lack the other attributes of botanical oils such as fatty acids that mimic skin lipids, antioxidants and vitamins known to benefit skin health. I prefer hypoallergenic eczema-friendly botanical oils.