The Best Eczema Creams To Help You Deal With Your Dry, Itchy Skin

What does eczema look and feel like? 

The most common type of eczema is a chronic, immune-related type called atopic dermatitis. "Think of this as an itch that rashes," says dermatologist Doris Day, MD, of Day Dermatology and Aesthetics. "It often starts in childhood but can happen at any age. In childhood, it's often found in the folds of the body, like the neck, elbow, and knee folds. As a person ages, it can appear anywhere on the body. Usually, it starts as an intractable itch that you can't help but scratch. Once you scratch, the rash comes out and looks red and often scaly and indurated. It feels like stinging, burning, and more itching. The breaks in the skin can lead to bacterial overgrowth and infection."

Dr. Day continues, "Other types of eczema include dyshidrotic eczema, which I'm seeing more and more of, and contact eczema. Dyshidrotic eczema happens when people over-wash their hands [...] Stress can also trigger this type of eczema. It usually occurs on the hands and feet. Contact eczema is from irritation due to metals and/or topical agents."

What can cause an eczema flare-up? 

Flare-ups related to atopic dermatitis are known to happen when the immune system goes into overdrive in response to an allergen or irritant inside or outside the body. It's often triggered by genetics (as Dr. Day mentioned) as well as environmental triggers, like extreme climates.

"Environmentally, most people find their eczema is worse in the wintertime, typically due to a drop in humidity and loss of moisture from our skin into the surrounding air," says Rachel Nazarian, MD, dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. Using hot water or harsh cleansers can also cause flare-ups. They can even sometimes be caused by certain fabrics, like wool. 

"Any ingredient that impairs the skin barrier can cause an eczema flare-up by increasing inflammation," Dr. Nazarian says. "Skin is most effective in maintaining hydration when it is calm."

How is eczema treated? 

In most cases, the right moisturizer and the best over-the-counter eczema creams are enough to soothe eczema. In severe cases, eczema is treated with topical steroids.  

"I’m a huge fan of ceramides and hyaluronic acid for people with eczema," says Dr. Nazarian. "Following these ingredients, it’s also quite useful to apply a layer of emollients to lock in moisture. This would include Vaseline, petroleum, or even Aquaphor."

Dr. Day also lists hyaluronic acid and ceramides as two of her go-to ingredients to treat eczema-prone skin. Additionally, she recommends using a moisturizer formulated with shea butter or humectants such as propylene glycol and lactic acid. However, she notes that lactic acid should not be applied to broken skin because it will sting.

On the flip side, Dr. Nazarian advises avoiding anything that disrupts the pH of the skin too much. "This includes exfoliating acids, retinoids, or anything that’s physically exfoliating. Perfumes or added scents are also common triggers," she says.

Below are five of the best products to consider if you're in need of eczema relief.

1. BIO-OIL Multiuse Skincare Oil

1. BIO-OIL Multiuse Skincare Oil

For decades, BIO-OIL has been a tried-and-trusted oil to help with scars and stretch marks, but it can also alleviate some of the symptoms associated with mild eczema, like itchiness, redness, and dry skin.

The primary ingredient in this formula is mineral oil, one of the top recommended ingredients by the National Eczema Association. This emollient oil creates a strong moisture barrier. Follow Dr. Nazarian's advice by first applying hyaluronic acid to the skin. Then top it with a layer of this body oil to lock in moisture. 

Keep in mind, because it creates such an intense barrier, mineral oil can sometimes clog pores. If you have extremely sensitive skin or you're experiencing eczema on your face, you may want to opt for a more breathable eczema treatment.

2. FIRST AID BEAUTY Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration

2. FIRST AID BEAUTY Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration

Anyone who has dealt with eczema for a long time is likely familiar with this holy grail product. This richly emollient, whipped-texture cream treats dry, irritated skin with colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and allantoin. 

Colloidal oatmeal, the star ingredient here, is one of the most popular ingredients used to treat eczema. It's high in lipids, which replenish oils in the skin and prevent dryness. It's also notably high in avenanthramides, an antioxidant unique to oats. Avenanthramides work similarly to an antihistamine, temporarily reducing redness and itchiness in irritated skin.

3. LATHER Pure Shea Butter

3. LATHER Pure Shea Butter

Unscented and certified organic, this filler-free body butter is a great option for sensitive skin types. The ingredient list here is refreshingly minimal: pure shea butter and rosemary extract–that's it. "Shea butter is a fatty acid substance that may help rebuild the skin barrier so that less moisture is lost into the environment," says Dr. Nazarian.

4. -417 Catharsis Skin Relief Cream

4. -417 Catharsis Skin Relief Cream

This rich, intensive cream combines minerals from the Dead Sea and natural active ingredients to treat dry, red, itchy skin. This formula is also high in linoleic acid, an essential building block for ceramides, one of the skin's main moisturizing elements. Additionally, it contains horse chestnut, which contains soothing, anti-irritant properties.

5. AVEDA Hand Relief™ Moisturizing Creme

5. AVEDA Hand Relief™ Moisturizing Creme

If your flare-ups tend to occur on your hands, this hydrating hand cream is a great option for mild eczema therapy. AVEDA's formula includes big-hitters like soothing aloe and hydrating glycerin as well as some less conventional ingredients like andiroba oil, echinacea, meadowfoam seed oil, and licorice root extract.

Andiroba, an Amazonian superfruit, is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E. It also promotes cell turnover and is notably high in fatty acids, which hydrate the skin. Meanwhile, echinacea and licorice root both help to soothe itchy skin.

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