Looking for health + wellness advice?

How To Choose the Best Eczema Cream
Ingredients to look for and ones to avoid
FACEBOOKTWITTERLINKEDINPINTERESTEmail
If you have atopic dermatitis the most common type of eczema youre probably always in search of the holy grail of skin care products. Your skin is extrasensitive and prone to itchiness dryness and other uncomfortable symptoms but the aisle full of lotions and creams seems endlessly baffling.
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse nonCleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Which ingredients will help and which will make things worse? When it comes to treating eczema bland minimalist products are best. I always recommend a simple short ingredient list says dermatologist John Anthony MD.
Dr. Anthony helps you sort through the confusion to determine which products are right for you.
What kind of products treat eczema?
From creams and lotions to ointments and oils it can be hard to know whats what and whats best. Before you start looking into ingredients its helpful to understand the difference among products.
Lotions are spreadable and sink into your skin the best. But because theyre quickly absorbed they dont last as long as other options. They also have a bit higher risk of stinging raw skin Dr. Anthony warns Creams have more oil and less water than lotion and theyre a little thickerheavier. They wont sink in as quickly but you also dont need to apply them as often Ointments are the most occlusive option meaning theyre the best at locking moisture into your skin. But theyre also the greasiest. They spread well and last longer but they get on things like clothes and bedsheets Dr. Anthony notes Oils are fats that are liquid at room temperature. Most skin oils are plantbased think argan oil rose hip oil and tea tree oil among others. And while some people find success with oils for the most part Dr. Anthony doesnt recommend them for eczema. More on that in a bit.
If youre looking for a onesizefitsall answer to the best product for your eczema you wont find one. It ends up being about each patients preference and tolerance Dr. Anthony says. What feels good on your skin is probably the best product for you.
But knowing your options including what products are available what they do and what ingredients to look for can go a long way in helping you decide.
What to look for in