Eczema is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes redness, itching, and irritation. It can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but with the right skincare products and a consistent care routine, you can manage symptoms and prevent flareups. However, choosing the wrong skincare products can exacerbate eczema, meaning it’s essential to know which ingredients to avoid and which to use.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition that causes red, dry, and itchy skin. It can occur at any age and is often diagnosed in those who also struggle with allergies or asthma. While the exact cause isn’t clear, factors that contribute to the development of eczema include genetics, environmental triggers, and damaged skin barrier. A dermatologist diagnoses eczema by examining skin, and they will recommend appropriate treatment options and skincare products.

Use This, Not That: Ingredients to Avoid & What to Use Instead

In addition to consulting a dermatologist, choosing eczema-friendly skincare products comes down to understanding the ingredients to avoid and which to use. Eczema-prone skin is highly sensitive, and certain ingredients are more likely trigger flareups. Using the wrong eczema skincare products strips skin of moisture, disrupts the natural protective barrier, and increases irritation. Using gentle, hydrating, and protective products soothes the skin and prevents worsening symptoms. Below is a comparison of what skincare ingredients to avoid versus what to use instead with some dermatologist-recommended products.

Avoid: Sulfates (Harsh Cleansers)

Sulfates, commonly found in soaps, body washes, and shampoos, strip skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. This weakens the skin barrier, making eczema symptoms worse.

Use Instead: Gentle, Hydrating Cleansers

Sulfate-free, fragrance-free cleansers are ideal for eczema-prone skin as they cleanse without stripping moisture, and they help maintain the skin’s natural oils to protect its barrier function.

Recommended Product: Revision Gentle Foaming Cleanser – this ultra-gentle cleanser effectively removes dirt and impurities while keeping skin hydrated and calming irritation. It contains natural ingredients that reduce irritation, making it a great choice for sensitive, eczema-prone skin.

Avoid: Fragrances & Essential Oils

Both synthetic and natural fragrances can trigger redness, itching, and allergic reactions in sensitive skin. Even essential oils, which are often marketed as “natural,” contain volatile compounds that may lead to irritation.

Use Instead: Fragrance-Free, Hypoallergenic Moisturizers

Look for thick creams or ointments with ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and support the skin barrier.

Recommended Products:

• • ISDIN Uradin Lotion 10 – this intensive moisturizer provides deep hydration, helping to relieve dry, flaky skin. It contains urea, which helps retain moisture and improves skin’s texture.
• • EltaMD Intense Moisturizer – a rich, emollient moisturizer that delivers long-lasting hydration. Its occlusive formula prevents water loss, keeping skin soft and comfortable for hours.

Avoid: Alcohol-Based Products

Alcohol-based toners and astringents can be overly drying and worsen eczema symptoms by stripping hydration from skin.

Use Instead: Barrier-Strengthening Hydrating Serums

Look for serums containing niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and reduce inflammation. Hyaluronic acid especially improves eczema symptoms long-term by continuing to attract more moisture to skin cells after the initial boost of hydration.

Recommended Product: PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum – this deeply hydrating serum penetrates multiple layers of skin to restore moisture levels. Its combination of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide soothes irritation and strengthens the skin barrier, making it an excellent option for eczema-prone skin.

Avoid: Retinoids & Exfoliating Acids (AHAs, BHAs)

While great for acne and anti-aging, retinols and harsh exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) can be too harsh for eczema-prone skin, causing redness, peeling, and further irritation.

Use Instead: Mild Skin Renewal Products

Look for gentle, skin-renewing ingredients that support skin repair without irritation.

Recommended Product: Sente Dermal Repair Cream – this nourishing cream is formulated to repair and strengthen the skin barrier without causing irritation. It contains Heparan Sulfate Analog (HSA), an innovative compound that promotes skin healing and hydration while encouraging cell renewal, making it ideal for eczema sufferers.

Avoid: Lanolin & Parabens (Preservatives)

Some moisturizers contain lanolin and parabens, which can cause allergic reactions in eczema-prone skin. Lanolin, in particular, clogs pores and triggers sensitivities in many individuals with eczema.

Use Instead: Paraben-Free, Hypoallergenic Moisturizers

Opt for dermatologist-recommended, non-irritating creams that support the skin’s moisture balance.

Recommended Product: EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer – a lightweight but deeply hydrating moisturizer that works overnight to repair the skin barrier. It contains niacinamide and ceramides, which reduce inflammation and reinforce skin’s natural defense against irritants, making this the best moisturizer for eczema-prone skin.

Best Dermatologist-Recommended Skincare Products for Eczema

If you’re looking to quickly boost your eczema skincare routine, consider the following high-quality products for daily use or as needed to address eczema symptoms:

1. Best Gentle Cleanser

Revision Gentle Foaming Cleanser is a hydrating, sulfate-free cleanser perfect for sensitive skin. It cleanses gently without disrupting skin’s natural balance, making it suitable for daily use on eczema-prone skin.

2. Best Moisturizer for Dry, Itchy Skin

EltaMD Intense Moisturizer provides long-lasting hydration and strengthens the skin barrier. Its thick, occlusive formula locks in moisture, soothing dry, irritated skin.

3. Best Sunscreen for Eczema-Prone Skin

EltaMD UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 is a mineral-based sunscreen free of parabens and fragrances that irritate eczema-prone skin. This sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection while hydrating skin with antioxidants and soothing ingredients.

EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a 100% mineral sunscreen powered by patented 2% AA Complex Barrier Repair Technology to protect, recover, and strengthen even the most sensitive skin. Ideal for eczema-prone skin, the green tinted formula also neutralizes redness with color-correcting technology.

There is also a non-tinted option of EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Broad Spectrum SPF 50, offering the same powerful skin barrier recovery elements, including Centella Asiatica and Ceramide Blend to calm and sooth sensitive, eczema-prone skin.

4. Best Anti-Itch Cream for Eczema

Dermeleve Itch Cream is a fast-acting, steroid-free anti-itch cream for eczema that alleviates common symptoms like itchy, irritated skin. This dermatologist-recommended cream provides long-lasting relief from itching and irritation, making it a must-have for eczema flareups.

5. Best Anti-Itch Scalp Treatment

Dermeleve Anti-Itch Scalp Serum soothes itchy, flaky scalp caused by eczema. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly and provides instant relief without leaving greasy residue.

When to See a Dermatologist for Eczema

If your eczema symptoms persist despite proper skincare, it may be time to consult a dermatologist. Seek professional help if:

• • Your eczema symptoms don’t improve with over-the-counter products.
• • Your skin becomes cracked, infected, or extremely itchy.
• • You experience frequent flareups despite using gentle skincare products.

A dermatologist can provide stronger treatments, prescribe medications, and recommend medical-grade skincare products tailored to your needs.

The Right Eczema Skincare Routine Starts with the Right Products

Managing eczema requires using gentle, nourishing skincare products. Avoiding harsh ingredients and opting for dermatologist-approved solutions keeps symptoms under control. If your eczema persists or worsens, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance.

Combat Eczema Symptoms with Quality Skincare Products

Struggling with eczema? Explore our dermatologist-recommended skincare products at DermSkincare or book an appointment with a specialist today! You can also read our blog regularly for more skincare tips.