Eczema-safe skin care

Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a guarantee of results.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is eczema? 

Eczema is a common skin condition that makes patches of skin dry, itchy, red or inflamed. It's not contagious, and it shows up differently for everyone. 

The most common type is atopic dermatitis, which often starts in childhood but can pop up at any age. Triggers vary from person to person and can include: 

• Harsh soaps or fragrances 

• Dry weather or seasonal shifts 

• Stress 

• Certain fabrics like wool 

Gentle, fragrance-free formulas made for sensitive skin can help keep your skin barrier calm and comfortable. 

Are beauty products safe to use if I have eczema? 

Yes, plenty of beauty products are safe for eczema-prone skin. The key is choosing gentle, fragrance-free formulas made for sensitive skin. Look for products with minimal ingredients and a calming, barrier-supporting focus. 

A few things to keep an eye out for: 

• Fragrance-free labels: Fragrance is one of the most common eczema triggers. 

• The NEA Seal of Acceptance: A quick signal a product was made with sensitive skin in mind. 

• Short ingredient lists: Fewer ingredients mean fewer chances for a flare-up. 

When in doubt, patch test first! 

What ingredients should I look for in eczema-friendly skin care? 

Look for barrier-supporting, hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, colloidal oatmeal, glycerin and shea butter. These help lock in moisture and keep your skin barrier calm and comfortable. 

Here's why they work: 

• Ceramides: Help rebuild and strengthen your skin barrier. 

• Colloidal oatmeal: Soothes itch and irritation. 

• Hyaluronic acid + glycerin: Pull in and hold onto hydration. 

• Shea butter: Seals in moisture to keep dryness away. 

Fragrance-free formulas with these ingredients are your best friends during a flare. 

What ingredients should I avoid if I have eczema? 

Steer clear of added fragrance, essential oils, alcohol, harsh sulfates and drying astringents, these can irritate sensitive skin and trigger flare-ups. Even products labeled "natural" can contain irritants, so always check the label. 

Common culprits to watch for: 

• Added fragrance or parfum 

• Essential oils like citrus or lavender 

• Denatured alcohol 

• Sulfates like SLS in cleansers 

If your skin reacts easily, simpler is almost always better. 

Does makeup make eczema worse? 

Not necessarily, the right makeup can work just fine on eczema-prone skin, as long as it's fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. It's more about what's in the formula than the makeup itself. 

A few tips to keep your skin happy: 

• Prep with a fragrance-free moisturizer before applying. 

• Choose gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly formulas. 

• Remove makeup with a mild, non-stripping cleanser. 

• Give irritated or broken skin a break during flares. 

When your barrier's happy, makeup tends to sit and wear a whole lot better. 

How do I build a skin care routine for eczema-prone skin? 

Keep your skin care routine simple: a gentle cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturizer and daily sunscreen. Sensitive and eczema-prone skin thrives on consistency and minimal ingredients, so there's no need for a complicated 10-step routine. 

Here's an easy starting point: 

• Cleanse: Use a mild, fragrance-free wash that won't strip your skin. 

• Moisturize: Apply a ceramide-rich cream while skin's still damp to seal in hydration. 

• Protect: Finish with a mineral SPF made for sensitive skin. 

Add treatments slowly, one at a time, so you can spot what works and what doesn't. 

Is a body wash or a bar soap better for eczema? 

A gentle, fragrance-free body wash is usually better than traditional bar soap for eczema. Many classic bar soaps have a high pH and harsh ingredients that strip moisture and disrupt your skin barrier. 

Psoriasis vs eczema, what's the difference? 

The main difference comes down to what's happening in your skin. Eczema is driven by a weakened skin barrier and intense itch, while psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that speeds up skin cell growth, creating thick, scaly patches. 

Here's a quick breakdown: 

• Eczema: Red, dry, very itchy patches. Often softer-looking and more inflamed. 

• Psoriasis: Thick, raised plaques with silvery scales. Itch can be milder but stinging or burning is common. 

Where they show up: Eczema loves the inner elbows and behind the knees. Psoriasis tends to favor elbows, knees and the scalp. 

Not sure which one you're dealing with? A dermatologist can help you know for sure. 

Is contact dermatitis eczema? 

Yes, contact dermatitis is a type of eczema. It happens when your skin reacts to something it touches, leaving it red, itchy or irritated. 

There are two main kinds: 

• Irritant contact dermatitis: A reaction to something that damages the skin directly, like harsh cleansers or frequent hand-washing. 

• Allergic contact dermatitis: An immune response to an allergen, like nickel, fragrance or certain preservatives. 

Spotting your triggers and sticking to gentle, fragrance-free products can make a big difference. 

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