I’m always dealing with some type of skin issue, which is par for the course of being a very sensitive skin girlie. If it’s not my rosacea, it’s perioral dermatitis or some form of Mystery Rash. But this winter has introduced a new player into my skin’s perpetual saga: eczema. I’ve somehow managed to get through 29 years of life without it, but the brutal temps this season have sent my skin barrier into a major freak out.
It started with some dyshidrotic eczema, which is characterized by small, skin-colored, itchy blisters on my hands and feet, and has now evolved into the familiar atopic dermatitis that’s cracked, red, and persistently dry. Thankfully, I have the best dermatologist in the world (hi, Dr. Marisa Garshick!) who has put me on prescription creams that are working wonders and helped me revamp my routine to focus on fragrance-free, eczema-safe topicals.
Ahead, I’m sharing the products getting me through my current flare-up. Shop away—but make sure to consult with your board-certified dermatologist if your eczema is persistent or particularly bothersome. God, I love winter.
As much as I love a scorching shower, I’ve made the very mature decision to (temporarily) ditch them in favor of a lukewarm temp. I’m doing my best to keep showers relatively short, and while I desperately miss my delicious Cyklar body wash, I’m opting for fragrance-free, soothing options instead.
Eucerin
Eczema Relief Cream Body Wash
It might not look the sexiest in my shower, but it’s certainly earned its stay. It’s packed with colloidal oatmeal (a beloved ingredient in the eczema community) and cleanses my skin while soothing. Plus, this Big Mama bottle lasts the whole season.
ECZEMA HONEY
Soothing Body Wash
This brand is exclusively dedicated to calming eczema, so rest assured, they’ve done the work to make sure their products deliver. Fun fact: honey is hydrating, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory, which means it’s an ingredient to look out for.
La Roche-Posay
Lipikar Wash AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash
While a lot of La Roche-Posay’s products contain fragrance (they’re French, after all), this drugstore wash is intentionally designed without it in order to be safe for the most sensitive skin types. It’s also incredibly hydrating so that even if I forget moisturizer, my skin still feels nourished.
Lotion Up Your Body Right Away
There’s something called the three-minute rule in the eczema world: within 180 seconds of stepping out of the shower, your entire body should be covered in moisturizer. It helps trap water and prevents the skin from becoming even drier. These three creams provide instant itch relief and have made my skin so much softer.
Aveeno
Eczema Therapy Rescue Relief Treatment
Instant relief is the name of the game with this guy. It has all the good stuff (read: colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and emollients) and none of the bad stuff (think: fragrance or phthalates). Plus, it’s on the lighter side if you don’t enjoy the texture of a rich cream.
Gold Bond
Medicated Eczema Relief Skin Protectant Cream
My hands have felt like reptile skin for a week—and this is the only product to make a difference. I keep a large bottle right on my nightstand and reapply whenever I wake up in the middle of the night.
Cetaphil
Eczema Restoraderm Flare-Up Relief Cream
Because I’m often using a steroid cream from my dermatologist when my flares are really bad, it’s key to find a steroid-free eczema cream to layer with. This is my go-to: it’s in every drugstore and is so affordable I never feel guilty about powering my way through t
While my eczema is primarily on my body, I’ve had some little patches pop up on my forehead, ear, and eyelid. While the latter is best treated with a prescription, a rich moisturizer approved by the National Eczema Association is applied to my face immediately after washing. And PSA: load up on a heavy layer before bed—these radiators are not forgiving.
First Aid Beauty
Ultra Repair Rescue Barrier Balm
If you’re a sensitive skin girl, First Aid Beauty is probably already on your radar. It feels sexier than many drugstore options, while still delivering a nourishing, no-frills formula. This is my go-to for preventing an eczema flare. It locks in hydration before bed, so I wake up hydrated despite the heater’s attempt to soak up every last bit of moisture.
Skinfix
Eczema+ Dermatitis Ceramide Face + Body Cream
This clinically-tested cream matches the effectiveness of one percent hydrocortisone cream—and you don’t have to go to the dermatologist to get it. FWIW: it’s also FSA/HSA eligible (!!).
Tower 28
SOS Daily Skin Barrier Redness Recovery Moisturizer
The navy blue eczema seal is front and center, which is exactly what I like to see. This guy is particularly effective at toning down redness, so I religiously reach for it on no-makeup days.
Have Steroid Creams and Anti-Itch Lotions on Standby
While you should always visit your dermatologist if your eczema isn’t getting better with at-home remedies, there are several over-the-counter steroid creams that can help manage symptoms. Just be sure to read the label, because more often than not, you’ll need to discontinue use after a few days.
Sarna
Sensitive Steroid-Free Anti-Itch Lotion for Dry Irritated Skin
Dr. Garshick told me to scoop this up at the drugstore to help with itch relief, and I genuinely don’t think I could have run to CVS faster. I apply it every time I get the urge to scratch—it’s super effective.
Cortizone 10
Maximum Strength Intensive Healing Itch Relief Lotion for Eczema
While you can’t use this as much as a moisturizer, it’s great in a pinch, when you’re dealing with a particularly nasty flare, or as a bridge to help get you through before you can make it to the dermatologist. Just make sure you only use it three times a day for a couple of days.
Exederm
Flare Control Cream for Eczema & Dermatitis
I’m emotionally attached to my Exederm. I treat it like a cure-all for rashes, bumps, bug bites—everything. It provides instant itch relief, especially for eczema, and doesn’t leave my skin cracked and dry afterward.
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