Living with eczema means dealing with skin that is often dry, itchy, and inflamed. This chronic skin condition, also known as atopic dermatitis can make finding the right skincare products feel like a never-ending quest. Using the wrong products can cause a flare-up, but the right ones can bring soothing relief and help manage eczema symptoms. Finding the best skincare products for eczema can improve your skin's health.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that disrupts the skin's barrier. Your skin’s barrier is responsible for retaining moisture and protecting your body from external stressors. When the skin’s barrier is compromised, it becomes more susceptible to dryness, irritants, and allergens. Common symptoms of eczema include:

• Intense itching
• Dry, sensitive skin
• Red, inflamed patches
• Rough, scaly, or leathery areas

Managing eczema starts by finding skincare products that support and repair your skin's natural barrier. This means using products that hydrate, protect, and soothe your skin, without triggering further irritation.

What are the Best Ingredients For Eczema?

Ceramides

Ceramides are a type of lipid that are naturally in the skin, and are essential for maintaining the health of the skin’s barrier. Eczema prone skin often has lower ceramide levels, so replenishing them with topical skin products helps lock in moisture and reinforce the skin’s protective barrier.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws moisture from the air and holds it in your skin, delivering deep hydration without feeling heavy or greasy. It helps plump, soften, and rehydrate dry, flaky skin for a smoother, healthier complexion.

What Ingredients Should You Avoid With Eczema?

Fragrances & Perfumes

Fragrances and perfumes, whether synthetic or derived from natural essential oils can be really irritating to sensitive, eczema prone skin. Avoiding scented products helps reduce the risk of flare-ups and keeps the skin calm and protected.

Alcohols

Drying alcohol can strip the skin of its natural moisture, making skin more vulnerable to irritation and flare-ups. Choosing alcohol-free products helps maintain hydration and protect the skin barrier.

Dyes

Artificial colors offer no benefits to the skin and can trigger allergic reactions, making them a potential irritant for skin prone to eczema. 

What are the Best Skincare Products for Eczema?

Gentle Cleansers

A cleanser is the base for your skincare routine. Harsh soaps can strip away the natural oils that your skin relies on for protection, leaving it even more vulnerable. Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers that support your skin’s barrier. Shop our recommended cleansers.

Thick Moisturizers

Eczema prone skin needs thick occlusive moisturizers that lock in hydration to improve skin resilience and health. Look for ingredients that have humectants (hyaluronic acid) that draw water into the skin, emollients (like squalane) that smooth and soften, and occlusives (like dimethicone) that seal everything in. Shop our recommended moisturizers.

What is the Best Skincare Routine for Eczema?

Following a consistent skincare routine can make a huge difference in helping to reduce both the frequency and intensity of eczema flare-ups.

Morning Skincare Routine

1. Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser.

2. Apply a thick moisturizer to your face.

3. Sun protection is important regardless of your skin type and should be worn year-round. Look for a mineral based sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they’re less likely to cause irritation than chemical sunscreens. Shop our recommended sunscreens.

Evening Skincare Routine

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove sunscreen, dirt, and pollutants from the day.

2. Apply a thick layer of moisturizer within three minutes of patting your skin dry. This "soak and seal" method is highly effective at sealing in moisture.

Eczema Treatments at NM Aesthetics in Arlington, VA

If you have eczema prone skin and would like a targeted skincare routine, reserve a skincare consultation by filling out our form online or calling us at (571) 310-3223. We offer virtual and in-person consultations, and are conveniently located in the Ballston Exchange.

FAQs

What causes eczema flare-ups?

Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by dry skin, irritants (like fragrances or harsh soaps), allergens, stress, or changes in weather.

Are there ingredients I should avoid?

Common ingredients that affect eczema prone skin are fragrances, artificial colors, essential oils, and drying alcohol.

Which ingredients help soothe eczema prone skin?

Ingredients that soothe eczema prone skin include ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and gentle emollients that hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier.