From rich, moisturising body lotions, to thick and greasy ointments, the best eczema creams can generally be found in the not-so-glamorous pharmacy section of your local Boots or Superdrug. These dermatologist-recommended emollients often come housed in telltale white tubs or clinical-looking tubes, and play an essential role in managing symptoms (or tackling flare-ups).
“Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting 2-10% of adults,” explains Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Derrick Phillips. “It’s characterised by an impaired skin barrier, which leads to the increased loss of moisture from the skin – leading to dryness and irritation.”
There are different types of eczema, but the most common one is atopic eczema – or ‘atopic dermatitis’ – which causes the skin to become itchy, dry and cracked. Some people only have small patches, while others may experience more widespread inflammation – but irritation most commonly appears on the hands, in the crook of the elbows, on the backs of the knees, and on the face and scalp.
Clearly, I’m not a doctor – so please consult your GP for medical advice, management tips and proper emollient recommendations. I am, however, a skincare lover with a particularly sensitive skin barrier – so I’ve become pretty skilled over the years at hunting down everyday lotions and creams that don’t feel overly medicinal. But, importantly, that are safe for use on eczema-prone skin.
From lightweight body lotions, to rich overnight moisturisers, this edit is filled with face and body creams from skincare brands that have been granted the all-important National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance™. Don’t get me wrong, you’ll definitely still want to reach for the trusty tub of proper, pharmaceutical ointment to tackle any flare-ups — but these dermatologist-approved picks from regular brands like Aveeno and La Roche-Posay are ideal for everyday use.
What are the symptoms of eczema?
“Eczema is often identified by itchy, dry, red, or darkly pigmented scaly patches of skin,” says Dr Derrick Phillips. “These patches are often found in areas where the skin creases – like the insides of the elbows, behind the knees, and around the neck.”
According to Dr Derrick, eczema symptoms can really vary from person to person. “In some cases it can appear as circular patches, whereas on the hands and feet it may show up as small, fluid-filled bumps that can be especially uncomfortable,” he explains. “If it starts to become especially weepy or develops a golden crust, you’re likely dealing with an infection.”
Atopic eczema is the most common kind, and dermatology research show that it does seem to run in families – and has a link to other atopic conditions, like asthma, hayfever, and food allergies.
“In many people with eczema, inherited changes in skin barrier proteins like filaggrin make the skin less able to lock in moisture and defend against irritants – which increases the likelihood of eczema flare-ups,” Dr Derrick explains. And everyday triggers like harsh soaps and fragranced cosmetics – alongside environmental factors like particularly dry or cold weather – can provoke a reaction.
Alternatively, eczema can also be acquired by the immune system being triggered by allergens. “Contact dermatitis develops when the immune system becomes sensitised to specific ingredients or substances that touch the skin – like preservatives, fragrances, or even metals like nickel – and this triggers an eczema reaction.” Dr Derrick adds.
Can eczema be treated without steroids?
With more and more people speaking out on social media about the realities of living with Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), many eczema sufferers are now reluctant to reach for steroid creams as a first-line eczema treatment.
In short, it’s definitely possible to manage most mild to moderate cases without topical corticosteroids – as long as you’re really disciplined about keeping your skin moisturised, and actively treat any affected areas.
However, sometimes, a trusty over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can really help reduce inflammation and itching during a particularly bad flare-up of severe eczema – but only using it for a short-period of time is cruical if you want to avoid any of the nasty side effects. As always, your best bet is definitely to speak to your NHS GP or healthcare provider.
What ingredients should I look for in an eczema cream – and which should I avoid?
The best creams and lotions for eczema-prone skin are generally packed with emollients like shea butter and jojoba oil that’ll help soften and moisturise dry skin — as well as soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera to help with any itch relief.
“Ceramides and panthenol are also great because they will help support, repair, and strengthen the skin barrier,” Dr Derrick adds. “And definitely look out for humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, as they can provide some much-needed hydration.”
In terms of what you need to avoid, Dr Derrick says that the most obvious answer is anything fragranced. “Plus, it’s also best to exercise caution with actives like retinol and vitamin C, as they can irritate inflamed skin.”
