Here’s How to Pick the Right Moisturizer for Eczema

When you have eczema, a chronic skin condition that’s marked by rashes and dry, itchy skin, moisturizing your skin is extremely important. Regularly applying moisturizer may help you manage dry skin and ward off flares of your eczema, according to Nkem Ugonabo, MD, Dermatologist in New York City.

But how do you select an effective moisturizer for your eczema?

What are tips for picking an effective moisturizer?

Here are some important ideas to consider when choosing a moisturizer to treat your eczema.

Creams and ointments may be better for eczema than lotions 

These have a higher oil content and may create a better skin barrier than lotions, which are more lightweight and primarily made of water. For mild eczema, lotions may be enough to manage symptoms.

Choose moisturizers that are fragrance-free (not “unscented”)

Fragrance that’s added to moisturizers can often be a trigger for eczema. Keep in mind that “unscented” often means that the product contains fragrances to create a neutral scent. 

Avoid certain harsh ingredients

Check skincare products for:

• Dyes

• Exfoliants

• Alpha hydroxy acids (a type of exfoliant)

• Salicylic acids (an ingredient that helps with acne but may be drying to the skin)

• Some preservatives, such as quaternium-15 and imidazolidinyl urea

These ingredients can irritate your skin and trigger flare-ups of your eczema.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good moisturizer for eczema

Take a look at the ingredients of each moisturizer, as there are plenty on the market that are reasonably priced and will give your skin the hydration it needs. One of the best ointments for eczema is a simple petroleum jelly, and generic versions are often available for under $3.

“I often tell my patients it’s not necessarily going to be the most expensive cream that’s best for you,” says Dr. Ugonabo. “Focus on the ingredients and focus on the things that you know you need to avoid when you’re going out to choose a good moisturizer for your skin.”