Winter can be a royal pain for those dealing with eczema, especially since the low humidity levels can up your chances of a flare-up, according to the National Eczema Organization.
In order to minimize the severity of eczema flare-ups, the NEO recommends adopting simple protective measures into your daily routine, which includes wearing protective gloves outdoors, and investing in a humidifier to keep your environment full of hydrating moisture.
Treating eczema also starts with using the right skin care products and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, has a few tips: "Choose a moisturizer with ceramides, hyaluronic acid or glycerin to attract water into the top layers of the skin," she advises. "Also, look for ingredients like dimethicone, panthenol, and sunflower oil to act as a barrier to help lock in moisture." She also recommends a) seeking out rich, creamy products (since they moisturize well) and b) avoiding lanolin, as it can causes allergic contact dermatitis.
With Shainhouse's helpful insight in mind, we're shining the spotlight on some of the best skin care products for eczema-prone skin. From itch-relieving body balms to SPF-rich moisturizer, below are eight derm-approved products to help you get through the worst of the winter season.
"This over-the-counter treatment works smarter (not stronger) through its patented smart protein, Micreobalance, which quickly relieves eczema itch and redness by simultaneously moisturizing and restoring balance to your skin microbiome," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Peter A. Lio, MD.
"This lotion is a real winner, as it contains soothing, anti-inflammatory colloidal oatmeal, skin barrier-repairing ceramides, and filaggrin," says Dr. Shainhouse. " This moisturizer also contains hydrating vitamins B3 and B5, keeping your skin supple and smooth throughout the day."
"This product contains colloidal oatmeal to soothe irritated eczema-prone skin, and effective moisturizers including shea butter, glycerin, mineral oil, and rapeseed oil," says board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Melanie Palm MD, MBA. "The addition of vitamin B3 (niacinamide) has been clinically shown to reduce redness and acts as a potent antioxidant to quell free radical damage in the skin."
"Packed with both hydrating humectants and emollients to lock in moisture, this is a great facial cream to use if you have eczema," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, MD. "Glycerin is both a humectant and emollient, so it draws in hydration and locks it in to moisturize."
