Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Moisturizers and lotions can help protect the outermost layer of skin known as the stratum corneum or skin barrier, which is often damaged in people with eczema. When choosing a moisturizer or lotion for eczema, it is important to look for products that contain ingredients that help eczema-prone skin, including:
Ingredients to look for:
- Oat or shea butter
- Aloe
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Petrolatum
- Vitamin E
- Humectants
- Niacinamide
Ointments are usually the first choice for eczema treatment because they have the highest oil content of all the products, followed by creams and then lotions. Products high in oil content, such as petroleum jelly and mineral oil, are particularly good for treating eczema. However, some people may not like the way petroleum jelly or other ointments feel on their skin, in which case creams can be a good alternative.
When choosing skincare products for eczema, it is also important to avoid certain ingredients that can irritate the skin and trigger inflammation and flare-ups. According to dermatologists, some skincare ingredients to avoid if you have eczema include:
- Fragrances
- Essential oils
- Urea
- Lanolin
- Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and retinol
- Preservatives like methylparaben or butylparaben
It is also important to keep the skin hydrated when dealing with eczema. Emollients, humectants, and occlusives are three categories of ingredients that can help with this. Emollients help repair the skin barrier, humectants draw moisture into the skin, and occlusives lock in moisture and hydration. Good choices for emollients include ceramides, cocoa butter, coconut oil, fatty acids, paraffin, petrolatum, and shea butter. Licorice root is another ingredient that has been found to be particularly soothing for eczema.
When choosing skincare products for eczema, it is always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist and check out products with the National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Approval.
