Cerave Therapeutic Hand Cream $10
This formulation contains dimethicone, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and ceramides. All of the above ingredients help to lock in hydration and improve the functionality of the skin barrier, Dr. Mack said. I use this personally after hand washing multiple times a day the nongreasy formula makes compliance easy.
How Often Should People With Sensitive Skin Apply Moisturizer
How often you apply your moisturizer depends on your specific formula, though Dr. Nichols says a good rule of thumb is twice per day, in the morning and evening. Ultimately, you should follow the instructions outlined on the product packaging, as some moisturizers are uniquely formulated for daytime use or nighttime use.
$25 First Aid Beauty Gift
Read Also: Side Effects Of Eczema Medication
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.
Dyshidrotic Eczema And Sweat
Excessive sweating may cause DE to flare up. If you are experiencing flare-ups related to excessive sweating in the area you have blisters, your healthcare provider may suggest:
- Prescription antiperspirant for the affected area
- Botox , which has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat excessive sweating
Make sure you go to a board-certified dermatologist for Botox treatment.
Recommended Reading: Different Types Of Eczema Rashes
Aquaphor Healing Ointment $16
Dr. Libby adores Aquaphors Healing Ointment as one of the best eczema ointments because its an occlusive moisturizer to seal in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss from the skin. Not to mention, its relatively affordable at less than $20.
Both Dr. Chan and Dr. Mack recommend this as one of her favorite eczema ointments, too. Formulated with 41% petrolatum, glycerin and panthenol, Aquaphor helps to repair dry, cracked skin in the setting of eczema, Dr. Mack adds. Its also preservative and fragrance-free, helping to minimize the risk of allergic contact dermatitis.
Cerave Daily Moisturizing Lotion
The dermatologists we spoke to recommended this lotion from CeraVe, citing its use of ceramides as the main selling point. “This lotion has a unique blend of high-quality moisturizing agents ,” said Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, dermatologist at Khrom Dermatology. “Specifically, ceramides play a key role in skin protection and barrier function,” she added. The ingredients are released slowly during the day for all-day hydration, according to the brand.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Get Rid Of Eczema On Your Face
How We Chose The Best Eczema Creams
We talked with the pros to find out what to look for in an eczema cream as well as what to avoid. The advice of board certified dermatologists informed every option on our list, helping us single out the products that truly deliver.
- Contains proven ingredients.Dr. Jeannette Graf, board certified Dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai, gave us some tips for scouring ingredient lists:
- Unscented petroleum jelly helps repair skin barrier function and lock in hydration.
- Aloe vera soothes inflammation and can aid in the healing process.
- Niacinamide helps improve skin function.
- Other effective ingredients include ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, and other humectants like glycerin, lactic acid, and hyaluronic acid
Price: $$
If youre overwhelmed by the options out there, Vanicream is a solid place to start. The petroleum jelly-based formula seals in moisture and is perfect for dry, sensitive skin which more than likely describes your skin sitch if you have eczema.
Price: $$
Price: $
Price: $
Price: $$
Price: $
Price: $$$
Price: $
Is There A Way To Prevent Eczema
You can prevent eczema by avoiding triggers, for some, skin irritants like dry heat, wool, harsh soaps, fabric softeners and sweating may lead to flares, Dr. Libby said.
Dilute bleach baths using a quarter cup of bleach in a half tub of water and thoroughly mixing is also a mainstay of eczema prevention and treatment, as they have been found to reduce eczema symptoms by reducing bacterial load and inflammation on the skin, she adds.
Recommended Reading: What Treats Eczema On Face
Should I Use An Eczema Cream An Eczema Lotion Eczema Oil Or An Eczema Ointment
While an eczema lotion might seem like a sensible choice to calm and hydrate your skin, most of the time eczema lotions just arent hydrating enough. We recommend an eczema oil, eczema cream or an eczema ointment- – Choose whichever one you will use- because if you do not like the feeling and you do not use it- it will not work.
Eczema ointments are greasy, but medicated ingredients penetrate the skin better as an ointment, so prescription eczema treatments often come in ointment form. These are usually very sticky and get on your clothing and sheets.
Eczema creams are far better options to treat eczema because they are thick and luxurious, but no greasy. Look out for soothing fatty acids and ingredients like argan oil in your eczema cream, which work to hydrate the skin and soothe inflammation.
Eczema oils are a great alternative to treat eczema especially if you want an organic or natural eczema treatment. If you do not mind the greasy feeling of oil- you can apply a soothing oil to your eczema like PAORR 100% moroccan argan oil. You also can choose to first use an oil for eczema and then follow with an eczema cream. Applying the oil first on damp skin and then covering with the eczema cream the best way to moisturize the dry skin caused by eczema.
How We Tested The Lotions For Eczema
The Verywell Health team bought and tested 16 lotions for eczema based on three main criteria: efficacy, texture, and value. To assess the effectiveness of each lotion, our team used each product for at least two weeks on eczema-ridden skin, noting how long it took for the flare-ups to improve. We also looked for adverse effects, like excessive dryness, redness, or irritation.
In terms of texture, we looked for lotions that were thick enough to provide long-lasting hydration but not so thick they felt greasy or heavy on the skin. Staining clothing and bedding was also a concern, so we looked for lotions that absorbed quickly and didn’t leave residue behind. Finally, we considered value by taking into account the price of each lotion and the results we experienced. We also looked at whether high-priced items were worth the extra cost based on performance and overall quality.
You May Like: Does Biotin Help With Eczema
Are There Different Types Of Eczema
There are a lot of different kinds of eczema, explains board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara. While most eczema will be treated relatively the same way, a quick trip to your doctor can help identify the specific type of eczema youre dealing with. Nummular eczema appears as round, red, and scaly plaques and most commonly presents on the arms and legs, says Dr. Greenfield. Dyshidrotic eczema shows up as small fluid filled vesicles on the fingers and toes on the hands and feet. Theres also atopic dermatitis, which is a bumpy rash thats very common in babies.
What Is The Best Eczema Cream
People who suffer from eczema know how important it is to find a soothing eczema cream. Eczema is also called Atopic Dermatitis. People who suffer from eczema are said to have atopic skin.
There are many body creams on the market for the atopic skin seen in eczema, but many of these creams do not have the proper ratio or types of lipids to repair the skin barrier and they do not have the desired maltese cross pattern found in the best barrier repair moisturizers. We will discuss the best eczema creams to soothe itchy dry skin.
Recommended Reading: Does Eczema Have Tiny Blisters
How Can I Reduce Eczema Scarring
The best way to prevent eczema scarring is to effectively prevent and manage itching in the first place. When the itch is out of control, patients do the most damage. Keeping the skin well moisturized and nails trimmed and smoothed go a long way to reduce the risk of eczema scarring, warns Benjamin.
Nussbaum explains scarring is usually from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or residual redness from inflammation which may hyper- or hypopigment. The most important thing is to maintain a healthy skin barrier by using a gentle cleanser twice daily and moisturizer twice daily without any harsh ingredients, she shares.
Other key ingredients including vitamin C, niacinamide and aloe vera can assist with evening our skin tone, minimizing inflammation, and boosting collagen production. Oatmeal baths for 30 minutes a day can also help remove dead skin cells, calm inflammation and restore hydration while reducing scarring, shares Nussbaum. But, should the scarring be severe, we can certainly use laser resurfacing or other types of lasers to lessen the redness and hyper-pigmentation.
High Inflammation In The Body
A diet high in inflammation increases the rate of glycation in the skin. With increased glycation, adjacent proteins are damaged. This makes collagen proteins in your body dry, weak, and brittle.
If youre eating a diet high in sugar, alcohol, processed foods, sweets, etc., its going to damage your collagen production.
Dont Miss: What Percent Of The Population Has Eczema
Recommended Reading: Non Steroid Ointment For Eczema
Eau Thermale Avne Xeracalm Ad Lipid
Amazon
Who its for: Those with dry, flaky skin who need a major dose of hydration.
Who it isnt for: Those who want a lighter cream.
Hydrate and soothe dry skin with the Eau Thermale Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream, a French formulation you can scoop up without traveling overseas. It contains soothing emollients, amino acids, and antioxidants that work together to protect and nourish your skins microbiome.
It has the National Eczema Associations seal of acceptance, a testament to this rich and velvety formulations ability to soothe itchinessfast. Aside from being suitable for eczema, its also a good option for those with atopic dermatitis, as well as those dealing with the effects of inflammation.
Price at time of publish: From $34
Product Details:
- Key Ingredients: Cer-Omega , Avène thermal spring water
- Size: 6.7 or 13.5 ounces
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.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Read Also: Colloidal Oatmeal Cream For Eczema
Eczema Creams For The Face
Zerafite Barrier Repair Moisturizer is the best face cream that is safe for eczema-prone skin. Choose it if you have dry skin, itching and scaling but no inflammation. This hydrating skin barrier cream replenishes lost lipids and soothes and nourishes the skin- leaving it moist and hydrated. This eczema cream is a gentle cream that contains soothing niacinamide in addition to many beneficial fatty acids. Niacinamide works in conjunction with the mutilamellar emulsion technology to strengthen the skin barrier by increasing ceramide and fatty acid levels in the skin, as well as retaining moisture.
If your skin has inflammation from eczema with patches and plaques that are pink or red, then you have skin inflammation. The best face cream to calm inflammation when you have atopic dermatitis is Zerafite Soothing and Calming Moisturizer. This soothing barrier cream is perfect for eczema because it has grape seed oil, glycerin, that also hydrate skin. This rich cream also contains soothing argan oil and niacinamide help to reduce inflammation and calm skin. Argan oil in particular is a key anti-inflammatory ingredient, which makes Zerafite Soothing and Calming Moisturizer an ideal calming cream for use on the face.
Another eczema cream for the face uses a technology called Physiology Lipid or PSL Technology. This is a light cream that soothes and heals irritated skin. Medature PSL Repair Moisturizer can be used twice a day.
How Do I Prevent A Damaged Skin Barrier
So, am I cured? Maybe but maybe not. According to Dr. Wexler, patients with barrier issues could have a genetic predisposition and should be extremely careful. However, if its due to an allergen, which seems likely in my face, recurrences arent expected.
If youre wondering how you can avoid all of this in the first place, though, having a daily skincare routine filled with good-for-you ingredients is step one. Dr. Chang also recommends avoiding excess sun exposure, which disrupts your skin barrier and causes premature skin aging.
It is crucial to moisturize your skin daily to repair the skin barrier, she says. Also, avoid harsh soaps, scrubs, and excess exfoliation, and long, hot baths. She adds that using humidifiers during the winter to keep the air and your skin moisturized is also helpful.
My suggestion, though? If youre dealing with a bad reaction to a product or suspect youre having issues with your skin barrier, dont diagnose yourself and go see a dermatologist as soon as you can.
And while Im so excited to give my anti-aging serum the limelight once again, I will definitely be taking it one tub of cream at a time.
Also Check: What Oils Help With Eczema
Whats Making Your Skin Act Up
It can be triggered by cold weather, stress, infections and illness, Yu says. And in most people, it affects more than the skin, since its been shown to be associated with depression, insomnia and other medical conditions.
The good news is that there are things you can do to help. Youll need to start by paying attention to everything that might affect your skin.
We need to do some careful questioning to look for irritants that can damage the skin barrier and even cause irritation, said Peter Lio, a dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine. In addition to other factors, you might also consider things like frequent washing, the use of hand sanitizsrs and certain chemicals you might be exposed to at work or home.
Are There Products That Can Help
The care regime for dry skin and eczema is similar, since in both cases the goal is to repair and protect your skin barrier to prevent water loss from the skin, Shi says.
So, start with what youd do for dry skin. Yu suggested thick moisturisers that prevent water loss from the skin, especially in drier and more arid conditions.
In general, you want to choose a product that has very few ingredients in it and ideally one that contains ceramides,paediatric nurse practitioner Sam Casselman advises. Those are the proteins which repair the skin barrier and relieve dry skin, so use that moisturiser with ceramides as often as possible. For more severe dry skin, get a thicker alternative with a petrolatum base.
Also Check: Aquaphor For Eczema On Face
Ingredients To Look For In The Best Eczema Creams
Several over-the-counter ingredients are effective in the fight against eczema. They are soothing and can help calm swelling, redness, and itchiness, helping you sleep better and experience overall less discomfort.
- Colloidal OatmealColloidal oatmeal is a remedy used for centuries to soothe dry, itchy, irritated skin, thanks to the exceptional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant chemicals called avenanthramides, which support the health of the skin.
Related: Best Face Oils