When your skin appears healthy and functions normally, you probably don’t give it a second thought. However, if you’re suffering with eczema’s redness, itching, and dry skin, it’s likely all you can think about—until you get some relief. “Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition in which the skin barrier does not function properly, resulting in microscopic cracks in the outer skin layer,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “When this happens, the skin loses hydration and becomes inflamed.”
The harsh reality: Stress, the environment, and heredity can all contribute to eczema, implying that some of the causes are beyond your control and there is no permanent cure. The good news is that it may be effectively controlled with the correct skin care products. We’ve compiled a list of the finest eczema creams for face and body, along with the ingredients to look for and specialists’ responses to your most, ahem, burning questions.
Why We Love It: This doctor favorite has been clinically proved to not only relieve but also strengthen eczema-prone skin. It uses colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and licorice extract to soothe, protect, and heal a compromised skin barrier while also providing 24-hour hydration. It is fast-absorbing and fragrance-free, making it suited for adults, children, and newborns aged three months and above.
It’s worth noting that when items are labeled as eczema creams, they are considered over-the-counter medications and are controlled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They often include substances like as colloidal oatmeal, which is thought to be a skin protector.
Why We Love It: Who says caring for eczema has to be complicated? This dermatologist-approved medicine cabinet staple uses only one simple ingredient—petrolatum—to hold in serious moisture. Consider it similar to shrink wrap for your skin. It works best in a thin layer to minimize clutter while maintaining potency.
Worth noting: Skin care specialists recommend Vaseline as an overnight spot treatment for cracked heels, cuticles, and chapped lips.
Why We Love It: This rich cream for face and body is a “triple action” solution for eczema-prone skin, working to rebalance the skin microbiome, restore the skin barrier, and replenish lipids for up to 48 hours of moisture. The fragrance-free solution includes a high concentration of La Roche-Posay’s patented prebiotic thermal water, which contains minerals known for their relaxing and antioxidant effects. Because of its thicker texture, it is ideal for dry to extremely dry skin.
It’s worth noting that it’s safe for babies over the age of two weeks and can be used during chemotherapy or radiation treatments. It should not be applied to broken skin.
