Managing Eczema-Prone Skin

Ointments, Creams and Lotions

The core principle for managing eczema-prone skin is to moisturise, moisturise and, you guessed it – moisturise! The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) recommends moisturising your face and body twice a day, using a non-soap based wash or oil in the shower and avoiding soaps and bubbly products that can further damage or dry out your skin.¹

Often skincare products for eczema-prone skin will contain Colloidal Oatmeal, that’s because it has been found to help soothe and relieve sensitive, dry, itchy and eczema-prone skin. Research has shown that Colloidal Oatmeal contains elements like avenanthramides which soothe itch, high concentrations of starch and beta-glucan which helps the skin hold water and saponins which help cleanse the skin.     

Additionally, skincare products may contain lipids or ceramides. Ceramides are lipids (types of fatty acid) in our skin that consist of an oily wax that forms a barrier on the outer layer of the skin. These molecules are included in skincare products to help lock in moisture and lock out impurities by forming a protective layer on the skin.

Now we know what might be in skincare products for eczema-prone skin, let’s take a look at the different types of products that can help provide the moisture you need, as it is important to know the difference between the basic types— ointments, creams, and lotions. 

It’s good to understand that these products are categorised based on the amount of oil and water they contain. And for managing eczema-prone skin, the more oil the better. So take note when you have a product that feels “greasy” because that’s what you want for your eczema-prone skin.

Ointments generally have the highest amount of oil of all the products, with the oil often being a mineral oil such as liquid paraffin. Ointments tend to feel greasier when applied and are good at sealing in moisture.  

Next up is creams for eczema-prone skin. They come in second after ointments. They still contain oil and are very good at keeping in moisture. Some people prefer this type as they tend to be less greasy to touch.

And finally, lotions. Lotions are mainly made of water, and contain the least amount of oil of the 3 types. Lotions tend to evaporate more quickly, however, tend to spread more easily so may be best suited for large areas of the body. If your skin stings a bit after applying lotion, it may be beneficial to switch to an ointment, which may contain less preservatives.

Finding the right skincare for your eczema-prone skin can be difficult. Remember everybody’s skin is different, and while one treatment might work for some, it may not work for others. Find the ointment, cream or lotion that works best for you.DermaVeen has a range of products to help maintain optimal skin health. Explore the range here so you can see and feel your skin’s new normal every day.

1. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. Information for patients, consumers and carers: Eczema (atopic dermatitis) [Internet]. ASCIA 2019. Available from: https://www.allergy.org.au/images/pcc/ASCIA_PCC_Eczema_2019.pdf (accessed September 2021).

DermaVeen^® Calmexa^® Soap-Free Wash and DermaVeen^® Calmexa^® Bath Soak

OK, so we have talked about skincare products that can help moisturise the skin, but did you know there is something you can do before applying moisturiser to help with your eczema-prone skin? It is as simple as soaking in a bath, or having a shower, yep that’s right! Water is an effective way to put moisture back into the skin. The trick then is to immediately moisturise afterwards. This helps lock in the moisture and protect the skin barrier.

When looking for body wash products to use for your eczema-prone skin, avoid soap and make sure the product is free from common irritants such as lanolins, parabens, fragrances and dyes. Also try to avoid products that say waterless or antibacterial as they often contain ingredients like alcohol and solvents that can be irritating to your skin.

Here are some other tips to help when bathing or showering:

• use lukewarm water (not hot)
• use a gentle cleanser (not soap)
• avoid scrubbing your skin with a washcloth or loofah
• once finished gently pat your skin dry
• always moisturise your skin immediately after (within 3 minutes to be exact!)

By bathing and then immediately moisturising you are following the “Soak and Seal” method to help relieve your eczema-prone skin.

If you are having a bath, there are some bath treatments you can try as you’re soaking:

• Bath oils to help hydrate the skin (just no bubble bath solutions)
• Baking soda may help soothe itching (add a quarter of a cup)
• Oatmeal (we talked about this earlier)

Explore the DermaVeen range for the latest products to help with eczema-prone skin, so your skin can be as it should be.

Frequently asked questions about eczema-prone skin