Moisturizing is your first line of defense when you have eczema. Eczema causes a break down in your skin's barrier. This makes it harder for your skin to retain moisture and more likely that you'll have another flare-up. Using a good moisturizer consistently can help break this cycle. Finding the right moisturizer is not a one-size-fits-all process, though.
While there are certain ingredients most people with eczema should avoid, everyone reacts differently to different ingredients. What works for one person may not work for another. Additionally, your skin may change or the manufacturer may change the formula of your favorite moisturizer. If you notice your moisturizer isn't working as well as it used to, you may need to switch to a different one.
Moisturizers may have a lot of different ingredients, but they all contain some combination of oil and water. Moisturizers with a higher oil count are better for treating eczema, but they may be messy and difficult to use when you're out working or running errands during the day. You might decide to use an oilier moisturizer at night and a lighter one during the day.
Another factor that might affect your choice of a moisturizer is the weather. When it's warm and humid outside, a lighter moisturizer may be enough. If the weather is cold and dry, you might want a heavier one. The three main types of moisturizers are:
Ointment. Ointments contain the moist oil. They are usually the most effective for treating eczema. They're the most soothing type and generally won't burn even if you apply them to sensitive skin during a flare-up. Petroleum jelly and mineral oil are both high in oil and good for sealing moisture in and keeping other irritants out of your skin.
Cream. Creams contain less oil than ointments but are still effective at helping your skin keep in moisture. They aren't as greasy as ointments, so they may be a better choice when for during the day.
Lotions. Lotions are primarily water. They contain the least amount of oil and are the least effective option for treating eczema. Due to the other ingredients they contain, lotions may burn if you apply them to broken or irritated skin.
No matter which option you choose, it's important to avoid ingredients that could trigger your eczema. Look for the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance to be sure you're choosing a moisturizer that doesn't contain harmful ingredients. If you can't find one with the seal, read the label so you can avoid the following ingredients:
- Fragrances
- Essential oils
- Urea
- Lanolin
- Retinoids
- Cocamidopropyl betaine
- Propylene glycol
- Ethanol
