One of the most crucial things you can do to help manage your atopic dermatitis or eczema is to keep your skin hydrated.
The stratum corneum, sometimes referred to as the skin barrier, is the outermost layer of skin that is protected by moisturizers and lotions. Because their skin barrier has been compromised, people with eczema are more susceptible to irritants, allergens, germs, and other intruders. Eczema and other skin disorders may worsen or flare up as a result of chronic dry, itchy skin caused by a compromised skin barrier, which also makes it more difficult for the skin to retain water.
Dry skin, particularly for certain skin types, is caused by wind, low humidity, cold temperatures, harsh soaps, and extended contact to water. Consequently, it’s critical to know which products are best for eczema and how and when to moisturize.
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When using lotion or moisturizing, keep the following points in mind:
Before you moisturize, apply any prescribed topical medications as instructed.
To “lock in” moisture and shield the skin barrier, slather your skin with a thick layer of moisturizer within three minutes after taking a bath or shower.
The safest and least irritating moisturizers are those that don’t include scent or color.
To avoid contamination, take the moisturizer out of the bottle using a clean tool instead than your hands.
Use your palms to apply the moisturizer to your body in downward motions after massaging it between your palms to soften it. Avoid stroking in circles or up and down to massage in the moisturizer.
Don’t remove too much moisturizer if it feels “tacky” on your skin. Within a few minutes, it will be absorbed.
Hands should always be moisturized after washing or after coming into touch with water.
Which kind of lotions work best for my eczema?
Be cautious while purchasing your next lotion since some have substances that may do more damage than good. Lotions may include preservatives that burn when applied to injured or scratched skin, and because they are mostly composed of water, they evaporate fast. Use lotions with the appropriate oils and go for body and hand lotions without fragrances to avoid using lotions with preservatives.
This is particularly true in regions where eczema flares up often. For instance, compared to a general body moisturizer, an eczema-friendly lotion or cream is frequently the best option to apply to afflicted regions. Hypoallergenic lotions are also an excellent option. Certain products, including Cetaphil lotion, Cerave moisturizing cream, and Aveeno parabens lotion, are made especially to be hypoallergenic, anti-itch, and beneficial for eczema sufferers.
Generally speaking, seek out hydrating lotions with components that support skin prone to eczema, such as:
Shea butter or oats
Aloe
Glycerin
Hyaluronic acid
Petroleum
Vitamin E
Humectants
Niacinamide
Which kind of moisturizers work best for my eczema?
Not every moisturizer is made equally. In actuality, many popular moisturizers are ineffective in controlling eczema and may even exacerbate or flare it up. In order to properly hydrate your skin, obtain the necessary itching relief, and assist manage your symptoms, it’s critical to comprehend the distinctions between the three fundamental types of moisturizers other than lotion: ointments, creams, and skin barrier creams.
The amount of water and oil that moisturizers contain determines their classification. In general, moisturizers with more oil content are better for treating eczema. Because they contain more oil, the greatest moisturizers are those that feel “greasy,” such ointments and lotions. These are excellent at keeping irritants out and moisture in.
Additionally, after washing your hands and carefully patting them dry, you should apply all moisturizers right away. In order to reapply moisturizer throughout the day, it’s a good idea to keep a little tube with you at all times and to keep it next to every sink in your house.
Ointments
The initial line of therapy for eczema is often ointments. They are excellent at retaining moisture and don’t usually burn when applied to sensitive skin since they contain the most oil of any product (creams and lotions come next).
Products with a lot of oil, such mineral oil and petroleum jelly, work very well to cure eczema. However, a cream is the perfect substitute if you dislike the way mineral oil, petroleum jelly, Vaseline, or other ointments feel on your skin. As frequently as required, apply healing ointments to the affected skin.
Creams
Creams are excellent at retaining moisture and have the second-highest oil content after ointments. Relief creams feel less oily to the touch because they contain less oil. Creams occasionally include stabilizers or preservatives that might irritate your skin, so be sure to carefully read the labels. The top eczema creams will promote their ability to control eczema symptoms.
Creams for the skin barrier
Lipids and ceramides, which are naturally present in good skin barriers, are added to skin barrier lotions.
The fundamental components of living cells’ structure and functionality are lipids. Ceramides are lipids that are found naturally in human skin. They include an oily wax that creates a barrier in the stratum corneum.
Skin barrier moisturizers’ lipids and ceramides assist seal in moisture while keeping out pollutants by creating a protective layer on the skin. This promotes healing and increases the skin’s resistance to burning, dryness, and itching symptoms of eczema.
Only apply skin barrier creams to eczema-affected skin while being closely supervised by a trained healthcare professional.
