The Best Eczema Creams to Try This Winter, According to the Pros
Whether it’s the persistently dry and itchy patches on the hands and arms, or the flaky red skin on the neck and face, eczema, also known as dermatitis, can be relentless. “It’s a very common itchy, inflammatory skin condition that affects children and adults,” explains Peter Lio, MD, board-certified dermatologist and National Eczema Association scientific advisory board member. For many of those who suffer with eczema, it can be the root of much discomfort and self-consciousness, especially during the colder months when conditions may exacerbate the symptoms.
“Cold, dry weather is one of the classic triggers that can push people over the edge very easily,” Dr. Lio explains. “Sensitive skin seems to be at the core of the problem, and allergens, irritants, and bacteria—particularly staph—can also drive the disease.”
Fortunately, there are many products and remedies that offer relief during flare-ups. To start, Dr. Lio recommends Gladskin’s Eczema Cream, which is new to the U.S. and helps to rebalance the skin microbiome. “It’s not going to cause damage because it doesn’t have fragrances or preservatives,” he says of the gentle all-over moisturizer, which helps restore the skin barrier, a critical part of healing eczema. For natural skin-care enthusiasts, there’s AHF Body Chemistry’s Lavender Lemon Body Butter, as well as eczema-friendly makeup options such as Tower28’s luminous Tinted Balm. Both founders of these brands were inspired by their own personal struggles with eczema, feeling fed up with the lack of products that cater to their skin sensitivities.
Rosemarie Ingleton, MD, dermatologist to celebrities (her clients include Chrissy Teigen, Ashley Graham, and Iman) and founder of the Rose Ingleton MD skin-care brand, recommends Eucerin’s Advanced Cleanser for the body and face, as it is soap- and fragrance-free. This is key to avoiding further skin irritation, Dr. Ingleton notes. “It also rinses off well, without leaving a residue,” she adds. And when it comes to moisturizing the body for eczema-prone skin, Dr. Ingleton’s go-to is Eucerin’s Eczema Relief Cream because of its colloidal oatmeal, which “helps to heal the irritation and dryness associated with eczema,” she says. To keep the face hydrated, one can look to Rose Ingleton MD’s Skin Calming Booster, laced with soothing green tea extract, white tea extract, and allantoin.
In addition to visiting the dermatologist for a unique prescription, look to the following 13 products, which will do wonders for sensitive, eczema-prone skin.
