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
Cetaphil Healing Ointment $1699
Enter one of Cetaphils newest launches and one Dr. Libby is excited about. Making the sensitive skin line complete, this fragrance-free, hypoallergenic healing ointment is lanolin-free and is formulated with 71.5% petrolatum, shea butter, and vitamin E to protect and heal dry, irritated without leaving behind a greasy residue, she explains.
Oh, and Dr. Libby labels it her new favorite petrolatum ointment, too.
What Is It Like Living With Eczema
Many people live with eczema . As many as 15 million Americans may have this skin condition. Living with it can be challenging.
There may be times when your eczema disappears. This is known as a remission period. Other times you may have a flare-up, which is when it gets worse. The goal of treatment is to prevent such flare-ups, preventing your symptoms from getting worse. Be sure to avoid triggers, moisturize, take your medicine and do anything else your healthcare provider recommends.
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Burt’s Bees Ultimate Care Aloe And Rice Milk Body Lotion
Burt’s Bees Ultimate Care Aloe and Rice Milk Body Lotion, £10.99, FeelUnique
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Loved by eczema sufferers, this dermatologist-approved moisturising body lotion is made with rice milk to soothe, plus anti-inflammatory aloe to hydrate the skin. It also has baobab, jojoba and shea butter oil which creates a layer on top of the skin to strengthen that all-important skin barrier to stop moisture creeping out. This has also been approved by the National Eczema Association, for an extra vote of confidence
What The Experts Say
Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotions formula has hyaluronic acid, an ingredient recommended for building up the skins moisture barrierit can retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water, so it will keep skin hydrated throughout the day. Angie Seelal, registered physicians assistant at Advanced Dermatology PC
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Ultraviolet Light And Phototherapy
Light therapy is often used to treat severe eczema that doesnt respond to creams. This involves a machine that exposes your skin to ultraviolet light.
UVB light is most common. However, some forms of eczema therapy use UVA. According to the National Eczema Association, about 70 percent of people with eczema had improved symptoms after phototherapy.
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The Science Behind Eczema
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.
In 2006, researchers found a strong link between people lacking a specific skin protein and the risk of developing eczema. Scientists built on those results to show exactly what goes wrong, meaning their results could even take us closer to an eczema cure.
In the past decade, scientists determined that eczema is associated with a lack of filaggrin, a filament aggregating protein that plays a vital role in the skins barrier function.
When individuals possess a genetic mutation that inhibits filaggrin supply, they can develop skin conditions such as eczema.
Keeping the skin hydrated can help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier to prevent or treat flare-ups. Flare-ups can occur sporadically and sometimes go away for years.
Related: The Best Face Moisturizers
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Best For Hands: Exederm Flare Control Cream
Courtesy of Walgreens
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Contains hydrocortisone to heal irritated skin
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Relieves itching, inflammation, and rashes quickly
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Works on hands and face
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Not suitable for those sensitive to hydrocortisone
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Expensive
Specially formulated for very sensitive skin, Exederm Flare Control Cream contains 1 percent hydrocortisone, an ingredient that can help heal inflammatory skin conditions. It has no fragrance, parabens, color or dyes, and it is also accepted by the National Eczema Association.
While not suitable for those sensitive to hydrocortisone, it can provide fast, soothing relief for eczema flare-ups, which are typically characterized by dry skin, inflamed patches, serious itching, and small raised bumps.
Price at time of publish: $14
Active Ingredients: Hydrocortisone | Scent: Fragrance-free | Usage: Apply to the affected area not more than three to four times daily
What To Look For In An Eczema Cream
Hydration makes for happy skin. If you have eczema, its extremely important to keep your skin hydrated, Dr. Anthony says.
In looking for an eczema product, there are three categories of ingredients to know about:
You see all three of them in some of the products we use for eczema, Dr. Anthony explains. And some popular ingredients pull double duty, acting, for example, as both humectant and occlusive, or emollient and occlusive, which can make things confusing.
He walks us through the categories, including ingredients to look for.
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Best Overall: Aquaphor Healing Ointment
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Multiuse: Good as a moisturizer and as an ointment for cuts, scrapes
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Not suitable for those sensitive to lanolin
Who else recommends it? Good Housekeeping, The Strategist, and Byrdie all picked Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
What do buyers say? 87% of 62,500+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 5 stars.
We love this ointment as our best overall pick because it’s made with 41 percent petroleum, but also contains glycerin, which has humectant properties that attract water from the dermis and a humid environment into the epidermis. The addition of lanolin in the ingredient list also adds more occlusive benefits for those who are not allergic. A 2017 study indicates that lanolin can reduce water loss through the skin by 20 to 30 percent, so it helps to hydrate and soften the skin.
Aquaphor is a multitasking skin protectant. Its not only a great, thicker moisturizer, it can also be used to relieve dry, chapped lips, and can enhance healing and soothe minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
Price at time of publish: $14
Active Ingredients: Petroleum | Scent: Fragrance-free | Usage: Apply to the affected area and can be used as often as needed
How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Eczema
There are steps you can take that may prevent eczema outbreaks:
- Establish a skin care routine, and follow your healthcare professionals recommendations for keeping your skin healthy.
- Wear gloves for jobs where you have to put your hands in water. Wear cotton gloves under plastic gloves to absorb sweat, and wear gloves outside, especially during the winter months.
- Use mild soap for your bath or shower, and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing. Apply a moisturizing cream or ointment immediately after drying your skin to help seal in the moisture. Reapply cream or ointment two to three times a day.
- Take baths or showers with tepid rather than hot.
- Drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Water helps to keep your skin moist.
- Try to avoid getting too hot and sweaty.
- Wear loose clothes made of cotton and other natural materials. Wash new clothing before wearing. Avoid wool.
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature and humidity.
- Learn to recognize stress in your life and how to manage it. Regular aerobic exercise, hobbies and stress-management techniques, such as meditation or yoga, might help.
- Limit your exposure to known irritants and allergens.
- Avoid scratching or rubbing itchy areas of skin.
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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
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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.
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Best For Toddlers With Eczema: Puriya Eczema Cream For Adult
We know from years of feedback from readers, amazon sellers, and family and friends what most people want in a convenient and appropriate cream. The Puriya Eczema Cream For Adults is exactly that its a simple cream that hits all the right notes. The puriya eczema cream for adults is very good, smells nice and it is allergic. The manufacturer says: Our lightweight formula is suitable for even the most sensitive skin types yet powerful enough to calm dry and itchy skin. Further, it is great for dry skin, is made for external use and it works wonders.
The cream is super soft and it is ugly. And, the cream is satisfactory and it is great for sensitive. Above all, the puriya eczema cream for adults absorbs easily and it helps heal.
Most buyers quickly discovered that the cream does not feel greasy or sticky. In addition, a few strongly agree that the cream is manufactured in the USA from domestically and globally sourced components. Also, a few also found that this cream is worth every penny.
Top Customer Quotes:
- It is hard to diagnose any particular result without firsthand observation of the specific problem.
- This is not false advertising in the least bit.
- This is good for sensitive skin on the face.
- This works well for radiation therapy, is good for rough skin and it works fast.
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Tips For Applying Your Eczema Cream
Dr. Anthony shares some of the key steps in applying your eczema products of choice.
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.
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What Creams Are Best For Eczema
In terms of what dermatologists recommend and what the reviews reveal, Diprobase comes out top for the best eczema cream. Its an emollient-based moisturising and protective cream that relieves and soothes red, inflamed, dry and chapped skin. Sounds like an all-round winner.
Eucerins Body Creme is a steroid free formula that is clinically proven to reduce eczema flare ups. One Amazon review read: I have been using it for 1.5 months and eczema is almost invisible. I had to wear cotton gloves before as my hand was red and itchy, now I can make it without.
Elsewhere, La Roche Posays Lipikar Moisturising Body Balm AP+M has singing reviews. Dermatologically tested, the formula calms irritated and sensitive skin with its gentle and hydrating balm-like finish. Locking in hydration for up to 48 hours, its perfect for eczema-prone skin as it encourages the skins barrier to restore itself.
For more from GLAMOUR UKs Associate Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram.
What Foods Should I Eat Or Avoid To Reduce My Risk Of Eczema
The connection between eczema and food allergies is unclear. If you have food allergies, then one of the reasons why you must avoid that food is that it may cause or worsen dermatitis. Examples of common allergies include peanuts, dairy, eggs, sugar, alcohol and gluten. Pay attention to what you eat. If your eczema flares up after you eat a certain food, then you might have an allergy to it.
If you dont have a food allergy then there are no foods, including chicken, that will cause or worsen your eczema.
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Cetaphil Pro Eczema Soothing Moisturizer
Cetaphil Pro Eczema Soothing Moisturiser, £25.50,
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Cetaphil is a well-established brand that takes pride of place in many households, offering a whole host of moisturisers and cleansers, as well as creams to suit specific needs and skin concerns. Namely, this ceramide blend created to sooth irritated skin.
Lastly A Special Note About Scrubs:
Although scrubs may be a seemingly obvious fix for sloughing off dead skin, avoid using scrubs on skin with active eczema. A scrub by definition would likely be really irritating for skin affected by eczema. However, if the granules are soft , and if the base of the product is heavier and more ointment-like, then water may be trapped in the skin , and the hydration may soothe the eczema.
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Different Types Of Eczema
There are seven different eczema types. Weve already spoken about atopic dermatitis, the most common form here are the remaining six. A dermatologist can help you determine which type you have to receive proper treatment, which will likely include an eczema cream or eczema lotion. In some cases, a prescription product may be necessary.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Product name: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Cost: $22.00 at Sephora, which gets you a 56.7-gram tube.
Overview: This is a rich, emollient cream which contains no parabens, harsh chemicals or colourants how good is that! Instead, this Ultra Repair Cream by F-A-B contains ingredients like soothing colloidal oatmeal, shea butter and eucalyptus oil. And did we mention its cruelty free?
Review: Amongst other conditions, First Aid Beauty recommend this cream for sufferers of irritant eczema, allergic eczema and psoriasis who want to sooth itching and irritation. You can use it on both your body and face, which is a plus. This cream is a cult favourite with eczema sufferers the world over and has been given an average of 4.5 stars by Sephora customers alone.
One satisfied user said: I love this formula, super thick and nourishing but not heavy on the face and doesnt leave your skin feeling oily or struggling to breath. Will 100% recommend this product to anyone with dry skin struggling to find something to retain moisture throughout the day.
For $22.00, its a bargain.
You can buy it here
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Best For Body: Cerave Moisturizing Cream
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Accepted by National Eczema Association
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Affordable
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May not be heavy enough for severe eczema
Scientists have learned that people who have eczema have significantly fewer ceramides, lipids found in skin cells that help the skin retain moisture, in their stratum corneum. A ceramide deficiency can contribute to dry skin, or in the most severe cases, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Thats why this ingredient is important for a healthy skin barrier.
The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream includes three ceramides to work to lock in moisture, keep irritants out, and help restore the protective barrier in your skin. Its accepted by the National Eczema Association and has a rich but non-greasy consistency that is suitable for dry or very dry skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid, a humectant that helps improve skins hydration levels.
Price at time of publish: $18
Active Ingredients: Glycerin, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop | Scent: Fragrance-free | Usage: Can be used as often as needed or as recommended by doctor