How to Build a Smart Skin-Care Routine When Managing Eczema

“The right skin-care routine can help support skin functioning in eczema, but the wrong one can make matters worse,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

No matter your symptoms, you’ll want to follow an eczema skin-care plan that helps prevent flares and soothes them when they do occur. Consider the following pillars of a healthy skin-care routine for eczema, and then work with your dermatologist to build a specific regimen for your skin.

Tend to Your No. 1 Priority: Controlling the Itch of Eczema

Keeping itching under control is the most important job of any eczema treatment. “The first symptom of an eczema outbreak may be an itch, which a patient scratches,” says Jessica Wu, MD, a Los Angeles–based dermatologist in private practice and author of Feed Your Face: Younger, Smoother Skin and a Beautiful Body in 28 Delicious Days.

“The scratching stimulates nerve endings in the skin and causes inflammation in the area, which turns into a visible rash and triggers further itching,” she says. “Controlling the itch is key to controlling eczema outbreaks.”

It’s a challenge to prevent eczema rashes from becoming infected, says Dr. Wu. “Bacteria can enter the skin through scratches and other open areas. I’ve seen increasing numbers of patients with eczema that becomes infected with [staphylococcus] and other bacteria.”

Know Where Eczema Is Most Challenging

“The skin on the face is thinner than elsewhere on the body, so it’s more sensitive,” Wu explains.

“It’s obviously more visible to others when it occurs on the face, so it’s important to treat it sooner rather than later,” says Wu.

Proper Skin Care for Eczema Focuses on Hydrating and Soothing While Minimizing Irritation

“Hydration” is the operative word when putting together an eczema skin-care routine. “We know that in eczema the skin barrier is not working the way it should be, so it is important to maintain skin hydration,” says Dr. Zeichner.

“Soothing” is the other operative word. “Look for products that are specifically made for sensitive skin,” says Wu. “These are usually free of fragrance and other ingredients known to aggravate eczema, including lanolin.”

But what about cosmetics?. “You can wear makeup if you have eczema; just do your best to look for products that are fragrance-free,” says Zeichner.

Why You Must Moisturize When Treating Eczema

Also, you may be frustrated by the scaly flakes of eczema, but resist picking at them. “It’s best to moisturize rather than try to remove them,” says Wu.

Scrubbing or peeling off the flakes will likely irritate the skin and cause more itching. “Plus, you may end up removing new skin that’s attached to the scaly flakes, causing bleeding and creating an opening that may allow bacteria to enter,” she says.

Too Much Is Not a Good Thing When It Comes to Using Products to Treat Eczema

A Starter Skin-Care Routine to Treat Eczema

No two people have the same exact skin, so schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to develop a personalized routine to treat eczema. For a preview of what your regimen may look like, check out the steps below.

In the Morning

• Start with a gentle cleanser if your skin is oily. “I recommend gentle, hydrating washes that cleanse without compromising the skin barrier,” says Zeichner. If you have dry or normal skin, you can opt to just splash your face with water, or use a gentle soap-free cleanser made for your skin type.

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• Use your eczema treatment products, which may include a topical medication (or medications) in addition to moisturizer.
• Apply a sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher.

In the Evening

• Wash with cleanser or plain water. If you wear makeup, Zeichner advises avoiding makeup wipes to remove the makeup, because they can be irritating. “Instead, try a biphasic or an oil-based makeup remover,” he says.
• Apply any treatment product, such as a topical corticosteroid cream or other prescription cream.
• Follow with moisturizer. Also, when you moisturize is key. “Moisturize within five minutes of getting out of the shower to lock in hydration,” says Zeichner.
• Consider a humidifier in the bedroom to prevent dry air from affecting the skin, says Zeichner. “Look for a cool mist humidifier, which is as effective as hot steam options but safer because they won’t burn you if you get too close,” he says.

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Additional reporting by Julie Davis Canter.