If you have eczema, you know that the cooling temps can mean major flare-ups for your skin. Eczema (a.k.a. atopic dermatitis) is a chronic skin condition that causes a dry, scaly, itchy rash—and the dry air of winter can exacerbate your symptoms. While there is currently no cure for eczema, diligent use of balms, creams and even shampoos can help soothe your skin and ease your eczema symptoms. To learn more about how to choose the right skin care product for you—as well as how to take care of eczema-prone skin—we talked to the experts at First Aid Beauty.
How to Choose an Eczema Cream or Lotion
The issue most products pose for eczema sufferers is that they have the potential to further irritate already fragile skin. Choosing products specifically formulated to treat the symptoms of eczema and that are gentle and fragrance-free is extremely important. The best moisturizers for eczema help to seal moisture in the skin and contain colloidal oatmeal, an FDA-designated ingredient for treating the discomfort associated with eczema. Absolutely avoid ingredients such as alcohol and perfume that can trigger flare-ups. The experts at First Aid Beauty add, “Our hero product, Ultra Repair Cream, is a head-to-toe moisturizer that delivers exceptional hydration while helping provide immediate relief and long-lasting protection for dry, distressed skin, even eczema.”
Ingredients to Look for and Avoid
Look for products with ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, hyaluronic acid and ceramides—these moisturizing ingredients repair and protect the skin and relieve itching and irritation. Colloidal oatmeal specifically is an FDA-designated skin protectant that relieves itching and minor irritation caused by eczema, rashes and other skin conditions. Avoid fragrances, harsh ingredients and alcohol-based products as they can trigger flare-ups and dry out skin.
Tips on How to Take Care of Eczema-Prone Skin
- Avoid long hot showers. Hot water strips moisture from the skin faster than warm or cool water. Keep showers short, 10 minutes or less and use warm water instead.
- Apply cream or lotion while skin is damp. Bathing allows water to enter the skin so putting on moisturizer following the shower while skin is damp seals in moisture.
- Be mindful of clothing/materials that can irritate skin. Dress in soft, breathable clothing and avoid itchy fabrics like wool that can further irritate eczema.
The Best Creams and Lotions for Eczema
Now that you know what to look for in an eczema treatment, choose from our bestselling eczema products below, from creams to balms. We wish you nothing but happy, hydrated skin ahead!
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Buy now with Dermstore 1. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Award-winning Ultra Repair Cream from First Aid Beauty is instantly absorbed for immediate relief for parched skin. Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive, it is formulated with colloidal oatmeal this soothing moisturizer leaves your skin feeling smooth, hydrated and comfortable after just a single-use.Key Ingredients: * Colloidal Oatmeal (OTC): FDA-designated skin protectant that relieves itching and minor irritation caused by eczema, rashes and other skin conditions * Shea Butter: an emollient rich in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, helps moisturize and protect the skinBuy now with free delivery -
Buy now with Dermstore 2. Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream
Calm sensitive and itchy skin due to atopic dermatitis eczema with the award-winning XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream. Based on a formula created around the active biotechnological innovation I-modulia®, it reduces itching sensations from dryness and alleviates redness and inflammation due to hyperreactivity. Cer-omega repairs, nourishes and strengthens the skin, while Avène Thermal Spring Water softens and hydrates. Safe for infants, children and adults. Fragrance-free.Key Ingredients: * Patented I-Modulia®: is a powerful complex derived from Avène Thermal Spring Water that soothes andBuy now with free delivery -
Buy now with Dermstore 3. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Buy now with free deliveryThere’s a reason why this thick, rich body cream is such a fan favorite. In addition to being chock-full of moisturizing agents like glycerin and petrolatum, it also contains antioxidants to protect skin.
One Dermstore reviewer comments, “I have found this cream to be extremely effective at hydrating very dry skin. The cream is very light and absorbs quickly into the skin. In the winter, I use this instead of lotion. The rest of the year I use this on problem areas like feet and elbows.” -
Buy now with Dermstore 4. Doctor Rogers RESTORE Healing Balm
Buy now with free deliveryTalk about a multitasker: This balm calms irritation and redness from eczema, nourishes chapped lips, heals burns and scrapes, allows tattoos to heal and can even be used to tame frizzies. Dr. Heather D. Rogers, M.D., dermatologist and founder of Doctor Rogers RESTORE, explains why this balm is such a great pick for eczema: “The castor seed oil is a natural anti-inflammatory. The castor wax provides a layer of protection and glycerin aids in healing skin. It is natural, plant-based, hypoallergenic, safe for all ages and recommended by dermatologists.”
And Dermstore customers agree, with one customer stating, “This is a great natural balm that is super hydrating. I can feel it immediately sinking into skin and no irritation whatsoever.”
For signs of eczema, Dr. Rogers recommends applying it to your patches twice a day for a week, then nightly for another week (if you still need to). “Because it does not have water or alcohol in it, it will not sting, even on open or fissured areas,” says Dr. Rogers. “When skin is clear, mix the RESTORE healing balm with your favorite moisturizer and apply to your eczema-prone areas once a day to prevent future flare-ups,” she explains. -
Buy now with Dermstore 5. EltaMD Moisturizer
Buy now with free deliveryIn addition to providing superior sun protection, EltaMD also delivers long-lasting moisture to inflamed and flaky skin. Free of fragrances, parabens and preservatives, this waterless moisturizer works to bring relief to eczema, sunburn and even post-procedure skin.
This Dermstore customer’s review says it all: “We’ve tried numerous moisturizers for my son who has severe eczema, and this [is] hands-down the best. Easy to spread and skin absorbs it well. Stays moisturized most of [the] day.” -
Buy now with Dermstore 6. Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Balm
For soothed skin that lasts, reach for the nourishing Atoderm Intensive Balm from Bioderma. Suitable for all skin types, its ceramides and vitamin C enriched formula and balmy texture diminish the symptoms of eczema and dryness. Use this treatment for itchy skin on your face or body in the morning or night.Key Benefits: * Soothes itching and irritation * Biologically rebuilds a healthy skin barrier * Restores skin comfort and thus spaces out the occurrence of new irritative phasesClinical Studies: * 76% of tested patients did not have a relapse after applying the product for 6Buy now with free delivery
