Best Eczema Creams and Moisturizing Tips for Atopic Dermatitis
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Moisturizing is a key skin-care step for most people, but for anyone with atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema), it’s essential.
As the American Academy of Dermatology explains, people with atopic dermatitis have tiny fissures in their skin through which they lose moisture, leaving behind dry, itchy patches. That’s where moisturizers come in. “Moisturizers are your first line of defense to keep the skin barrier in as good shape as possible and prevent water loss,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, an associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Moisturizers have other benefits for atopic dermatitis. “Moisturizers prevent irritants and chemicals from causing inflammation in the skin,” says Debra Wattenberg, MD, a dermatologist and the founder of NY Skin RX in New York City.
But how do you find the right moisturizer, and what’s the best way to apply it once you do? Here’s what to look for as you’re scanning the shelves, plus dermatologist-recommended brands and tips on how to use any cream, ointment, or lotion for maximum benefit.
Ingredients to Look for in Moisturizing Eczema Creams and Lotions
Go to any drugstore, and you’ll likely see a whole row filled with different moisturizers — but which one is best for people with eczema?
There are three types of ingredients to look for:
- Ceramides
- Humectants
- Occlusives
Ceramides are lipids (or fatty compounds) that compose about half of the outer layer of your skin, per Cleveland Clinic. As you get older, you lose some of these ceramides, and moisturizers can help restore your levels.
Humectants are compounds that attract and bind water, according to StatPearls, which notes that types of humectants include hyaluronic acid, lactic and glycolic acid, and glycerin.
Occlusives (like shea butter) are ingredients that form a breathable seal over the surface of skin, says Dr. Zeichner. “They protect it from the outside world and prevent loss of hydration,” he says.
Ingredients to Avoid in Moisturizers for Eczema
The American Academy of Dermatology offers this quick guide to moisturizers for eczema, saying they should be:
- Fragrance-free
- Perfume-free
- Dye-free
Fragrance-free and perfume-free People with atopic dermatitis will want to avoid any products with fragrances or perfumes, as those can be irritating, and instead choose products that are labeled “fragrance-free,” says the National Eczema Association.
Note that “unscented” does not mean “fragrance-free.” According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, so-called unscented products may contain chemicals intended to hide the odors of other ingredients, and those chemicals may irritate skin.
Dye-free Steer clear of those pink- or purple-hued products. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that dye can be an eczema trigger, and suggests talking to your doctor if you suspect you or your child has a dye allergy.
Are Creams and Ointments Better Than Lotions for Atopic Dermatitis?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends creams and ointments over lotions for eczema because their thicker consistency works better.
Dr. Wattenberg concurs. “In general I tend to recommend thick creams rather than lotions for most people,” says Wattenberg. But, she adds, “Some people love a thick oil-based product and some find it impossible to use.” (The American Academy of Dermatology notes the importance of finding a moisturizer you like, because you’re more likely to use it regularly.)
One study, published in December 2017 in the journal Clinical Medicine and Research, found that compared with lotions, both creams and ointments are better at transferring active ingredients to the skin.
Dermatologist-Recommended Moisturizer Brands for Eczema
The quest for a brand that ticks all the eczema-friendly boxes can feel daunting, but Zeichner says advances in cosmetic chemistry mean there are a lot of fantastic options out there. What makes a product right for you (and for your budget) comes down to personal preference. Here Zeichner and Wattenberg share a few top choices.
1. Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Cream
This is Zeichner’s top pick. “It’s an easy-to-spread formula that doesn’t leave the skin feeling heavy or sticky,” he says. Plus, he gives the ingredients a thumbs-up: “It delivers a combination of colloidal oatmeal to protect, ceramides to repair, and licorice root extract to soothe inflamed skin.”
A study published in March 2020 in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology found that people with chronic hand eczema who used a cream made with 1 percent colloidal (finely ground) oatmeal saw their symptoms improve compared with those who used cream without the oatmeal.
2. Cetaphil Eczema Restoraderm Soothing Moisturizer
Wattenberg recommends the Cetaphil brand; this particular Cetaphil moisturizer contains colloidal oatmeal to soothe irritation. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and, like all the recommended products here, steroid-free.
Doctors may prescribe a short course of steroids to ease flares, but the use of steroids over an extended period of time can have problematic side effects, the National Eczema Society notes.
3. Cerave Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream
This cream, like the others, is geared specifically toward itchy, eczema-prone skin (it contains a steroid-free ingredient called pramoxine hydrochloride that numbs the itch), and is made with three different ceramides that Cerave says help restore the skin’s barrier.
4. Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
Vanicream is a heavy-duty, nongreasy moisturizer that’s free of all the ingredients that people with eczema will want to avoid (like dyes and fragrances). Vanicream notes that this cream is kid-friendly, too, so it could be a good option for parents looking for a formula that’s safe for their little ones.
5. Aveeno Eczema Therapy Cream
This moisturizer contains colloidal oatmeal as well as oat kernel oil and ceramides to boost the skin’s barrier. Like the other brands, it’s fragrance-free and steroid-free, and designed to soothe itchy, irritated skin.
6. La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Skin hydration is a key issue for people with eczema: According to the Pierre Fabre Eczema Foundation, well-hydrated skin means fewer flare-ups. This La Roche-Posay moisturizer provides 48 hours of skin hydration thanks to ingredients like a ceramide and shea butter. Shea butter comes from the nuts of shea trees that grow in African countries, the Cleveland Clinic notes.
When and How to Moisturize When You Have Eczema
While the right moisturizer is important, the way you apply it can also make a big difference.
For instance, you want to make sure you’re applying moisturizer regularly. “I usually recommend moisturizing one to two times per day, as your skin needs,” says Zeichner.
A good time to moisturize is after a bath or shower, to lock in moisture. Follow these tips from the American Academy of Dermatology and the National Eczema Association.
- After you towel off from a shower or bath, leave a bit of water on your skin so it’s damp.
- If your doctor prescribed you a topical medication, apply it now.
- Next, it’s moisturizer time. You’ll want to make sure you apply it within three minutes of your shower or bath to take advantage of the water that’s still on your skin.
- To apply, rub moisturizer between your hands to soften it. Then apply it to your skin using only downward strokes, rather than circular or up-and-down motions.
- Even if the moisturizer feels too thick on your skin, leave it on: It will absorb eventually — usually within a few minutes.
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