Eczema management: 6 Tips for Best Creams & Moisturizers.

“Does the agony ever end?” “Will the eczema go away” “Will my skin ever look normal?” “Will this product fail me too?”

“Finally, this product ought to work! There are so many positive online reviews about it”

Worries often plague the minds of many dealing with eczema; an incurable, chronic inflammatory skin condition. The National Eczema Association estimates that 1 in 10 individuals will develop eczema during their lifetime. Prevalence peaks in early childhood.

Eczema has been linked to a deficiency in filaggrin. Without enough filaggrin, the skin barrier is “leaky.” This allows higher than-normal water loss, which leads to dry, scaly skin. It also lets allergens enter the skin which triggers inflammation and allergic immune responses, causing eczema and allergies.

In this post, we detail the categories of cream and moisturizer ingredients. Pay keen attention to these while choosing a moisturizer or cream for eczema management.

Is eczema contagious?

No, eczema is not contagious, so you can’t pick it up from someone else.

Scientists have linked eczema to a mutation in the gene responsible for creating filaggrin. Filaggrin is a protein that helps our bodies maintain a healthy protective barrier on the outermost layer of our skin.

Symptoms of Eczema.

A skin with eczema may generally show;

• red, crusty, itchy, and likely blisters,
• dry, scaly, and itchy.
• raw sensitive skin, from scratching.
• red, swollen, and painful itchy skin.
• Rash on swollen skin that varies in color depending on your skin color

These outbreaks can appear almost anywhere on the body, and the location of the affected area often helps to classify eczema. According to the National Eczema Association, there are 7 types of eczema;

Types of Eczema

• Atopic Dermatitis means that the symptoms affect a part of the body that does not come into contact with the allergen. Atopic dermatitis exists with two other allergic conditions: asthma and hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
• Contact Dermatitis is a condition that flares up when the skin is in direct contact with irritants or allergens in the environment.
• Dyshidrotic eczema is a skin condition that causes small blisters on the palms of hands, soles of the feet, and edges of the fingers and toes. 
• Neurodermatitis is where extremely itchy patches of skin cause patients to scratch even when they don’t realize it. This irritates the nerve endings of the skin.
• Nummular eczema features scattered circular, often itchy, and sometimes oozing patches on the legs
• Seborrheic dermatitis is a common form of eczema that usually affects the scalp, though it can affect other parts of the body as well.
• Stasis dermatitis which is called gravitational dermatitis happens when there is venous insufficiency or poor circulation in the lower leg.

6 categories of ingredients to keep in mind when choosing the best cream or moisturizer for eczema management.

As you examine the ingredient label on the eczema product, you are thrilled to recognize at least one of the ingredients, “aqua (water)”. Surely the product has to be safe, water is life after all! Besides that, the rest of the words on the ingredients list sound like gibberish.

The tips below help narrow down the category of ingredients to look out for, essential to eczema management.

1. Skin-identical ingredients mimic the components of the skin and support the skin’s natural ability to function. They reduce eczema symptoms such as redness, support the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors.

Some examples include; ceramides, squalene, Jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin to name a few.

2. Occlusives ingredients mimic the skin’s natural lipid barrier. They reduce eczema symptoms by locking in moisture and protecting the skin from external aggressors like weather and pollution.

Some examples include waxes and vegetable oils. Some examples include beeswax, carnauba wax, and shea butter. Also, squalene, petrolatum, and silicone derivatives (dimethicone). Additionally, avocado oil, sunflower oil, soya bean, and jojoba oil.

3. Humectant ingredients are key in making formulations that hydrate skin. They help reduce eczema symptoms by attracting and keeping moisture.

Some examples include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, sorbitol, propylene glycol, urea, niacinamide, aloe Vera, seaweed honey, panthenol, Vitamin E, and algae.

It may be better to have natural humectants like honey, seaweed, and hyaluronic acid to name a few. These improve the skin’s self-hydrating capabilities. They promote long-term, sustainable hydration more than synthetic ones.

4. Emollient ingredients restore the skin barrier that is weakened by eczema. They do this by soothing, repairing, softening, and increasing moisture levels.

An example is; glycerin and others.

5. Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients prevent skin cell damage and soothe the skin(flares).

Some examples include Calendula oil, licorice extract, colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, white tea, chamomile, and coconut oil.

6. Other factors to consider;

1. pH Buffer helps maintain the product’s pH close to that of the skin (between 4.7 and 5.75). This helps neutralize harsh surfactants. It inhibits the growth of bacteria. It restores and maintains the optimal acid environment. In this environment, the skin’s natural flora can thrive.

Some examples include; Triethanolamine, citric acid, and Sodium Hydroxide to name a few.

• Protective properties allow for protection against UV radiation, and sunburn can exacerbate eczema.

Some examples of ingredients include; zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to name a few. Ensure the ingredients are of physical not chemical compounds. Chemical compounds, such as benzophenones, are likely to cause irritations.

• Hypoallergenic. Check if the product label states this. This is to ensure you do not get any allergic reactions
• Steroids. One should aim for steroid-free products. Prolonged use of steroids may worsen the situation and cause the treatment to be ineffective.
• Emulsifiers mix water with oils for smooth, soft, and moisturized skin. Consider non-ionic emulsifiers as the best option. They are not affected by changes in pH, and they consist of natural components.

Some examples include; Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cetearyl Alcohol, and Glyceryl Stearate to name a few.

• Preservatives prevent the cause of bacteria in products. , the products used for eczema should have no preservatives. But, if any, ensure the preservative is natural, and its best pH range, preservation spectrums, and solubility.
• Comedogenic or non-comedogenic properties. A noncomedogenic substance does not have the potential to clog pores in the skin. It may be helpful for people who are acne-prone to choose noncomedogenic products because there is a lower risk of worsening the condition.

 Some non-noncomedogenic ingredients are aloe vera, glycerin, neem oil, hempseed oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, Calendula oil, and jojoba oil.

Some comedogenic ingredients include cocoa butter, coconut oil, wheat germ oil, argan oil, avocado oil, marula oil, almond oil, and isopropyl myristate. Derivatives, propylene glycol-2 (PPG-2) myristyl propionate are also comedogenic.

• The Seal of Approval shows that the product has gone through rigorous tests before being put on the market. This is to inspire confidence in its safety and intent.

Informal reviews from individuals may help as well although one needs to exercise wisdom.

Try to avoid ingredients such as; dye, parabens, and fragrances because they may irritate or dry out your skin.

Among the options, these are the best creams and moisturizers I recommend for eczema management.

Let’s look at a few highlighted products. Our research showed they enhanced moisture retention, protected from outside elements, and decreased eczema symptoms. These are in no particular order;

• CeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil.

Key ingredients; Colloidal Oatmeal, Safflower Oil, Ceramides 1, 3 & 6-II, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide

• Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly Original Skin Protectant.

Key ingredients; White Petrolatum

• Bamford Calendula Face and Body Moisturiser

Key ingredients; Calendula Officinalis flower extract, glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice powder, Prunus Armeniaca (apricot) fruit extract

• Eucerin Eczema Relief Flare-Up Treatment

Key ingredients; Colloidal Oatmeal, Glycerin, Ceramide 3, methoxy propanediol

• Aestura Ato Barrier 365 Cream

Key ingredients; Ceramide, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Cholesterol

• First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration

Key ingredients; Allantoin, Shea Butter, Colloidal Oatmeal, glycerin

• Mustela – Stelatopia Lipid Replenishing Cream

Key ingredients; avocado oil, shea butter and sunflower oil.

• Murad Daily Defense Colloidal Oatmeal Cream

Key Ingredients; Colloidal oatmeal, niacinamide, mondo grass sugar, oat lipids

• Cosrx Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream

Key ingredients; Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), Hippophae Rhamnoides Water

• CeraVe Healing Ointment.

Key ingredients; Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Petrolatum

• Cetaphil-Restoraderm Skin Restoring Moisturizer

Key ingredients; Tocopherol, Shea Butter, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides, Aloe Vera, Urea, Bisabolol, Avocado oil, Sweet Almond oil.

• Skinfix eczema + Extra Strength Body Cream.

Key ingredients; Colloidal Oatmeal, Sweet Almond oil.

I currently have no affiliation or relationship with the producers or suppliers of the above recommended products and as such do not derive any income from the recommendations made.

Key Reminder regarding the considerations on eczema creams and moisturizers.

Results while using any of the above-recommended products may vary. Beware that some ingredients under “Few things to keep in mind while choosing a product” may cause adverse reactions.

Seek advice from your dermatologist before you try a new product. They can do the appropriate tests and help you choose the right product.

Sources for the post on eczema management.

Eczema Causes and Triggers. National Eczema Association.

Emollients and moisturisers for eczema. 2017 February 06 Cochrane Library

https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD012119.pub2/full

Management of chronic hand eczema. 2007 September 14 Wiley Online Library

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2007.01179.x

Eczema. 2011 September 12. Wiley Online Library

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/msj.20289

Eczema. 2011 May 17 National Library of Medicine

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217753/

The allergy gene: how a mutation in a skin protein revealed a link between eczema and asthma 2011 January 14 National Library of Medicine.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3042307/#:~:text=Filaggrin%20deficiency%20leads%20to%20a,(atopic%20eczema%20and%20allergies).

Moisturizer and Lotion for Eczema: Everything You Need to Know. National Eczema Association.

What You Need to Know About Occlusives in Skincare 2020 December 28. Good House keeping

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty-products/a34406550/what-is-occlusive-skincare-ingredients/

Understanding Popular Skin Care Ingredients 2022 August 1 Cleveland Clinic.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/skin-care-ingredients-explained

7 Skincare Ingredients You Need to Know 2023 May 30 Shape

https://www.shape.com/skincare-ingredients-to-know-7488486

What are the common buffers used in skin care products. shareware

https://www.sharecare.com/health/daily-skin-care/what-buffers-skin-care-products