
Iβve had eczema since I was a kid, which means my skin has never not been dry, scaly, and red, even in the summertime. Iβm always itchy, too; right now, I can pinpoint about three different places on my body that Iβd love to scratch.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema. And although steroids do help, when youβve used them for as long as I have β Iβm going on three decades now β Β they can wreak havoc on your skin, adding extra wrinkles and discoloration and thinning out the top layers. (My hands look more tattered and aged than the rest of my body, and Iβm pretty sure itβs because, over time, Iβve applied the strongest steroids there.)
Thankfully, however, Iβve found creams that, with diligent use, help prevent my eczema from getting to the point where I actually need steroids. They keep my skin smooth, moisturized, and free of that pesky itch. Below are the best eczema creams Iβve ever used.
The Miracle Worker
Itβs been said that eczema is the βitch that rashesβ β first you itch, then you scratch, and the next thing you know, youβve got a red, weepy rash. This CeraVe lotion is the only product that has ever stopped my itching cold. I just slather a generous layer on the itchy spot and truly, within seconds, I no longer want to claw at my flesh. It is hands down the best product I could recommend to you for eczema. Buy this ASAP.
The Holy Grail
Oh my God, this product. For a year, I had a stubborn patch of eczema on my cheek that refused to go away, no matter what creams I put on it. Steroids would make it disappear, but only temporarily, because days after I stopped the steroid the spot would come back even angrier. I begrudgingly resigned myself to the cycle of steroids and suffering. But after just one day of using the Avène Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream, the redness, dryness, and overall irritation in the area was significantly reduced. After a few days, the spot was gone.
The Best of Both Worlds
Doveβs DermaSeries line is relatively new, but the lotion is an instant classic β itβs seriously incredible. I lather it all over my body at night after I shower, and I never feel gross and sticky when I put my pajamas on afterward. Itβs light enough that it absorbs into my skin quickly, but heavy enough that it restores my moisture barrier better than any over-the-counter product Iβve ever used. With regular application, my skin remains smooth and supple.
The Go-To
This body lotion is my go-to. Itβs light but heavy, and it dries down in a way that makes me feel moisturized but not greasy. I like this one just as much as I like Dove DermaSeries β theyβre interchangeable for me. You canβt go wrong with either. Iβve also seen people use theΒ cream versionΒ of this product on their face, though Iβve yet to try that myself.
The Really Thick and Goopy One
Doveβs lotion is amazing, but if you like a thicker, heavier moisturizer, try this Eucerin product. Itβs sticky, so youβll definitely feel it on your skin when you finish applying it, but you will also get really great results. I especially like lathering it on my legs at night and waking up feeling like a Nair ad.
The Very Popular One
Full disclosure: This lotion is not for me. I think the consistency is too watery, and even when it absorbed into my skin, I never felt like it was actually doing anything. But tons of people love it, including a friend who swears if she goes more than three days without using it, all her eczema symptoms come back. Itβs also worth noting that it has an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
The Vaseline-Adjacent One
I use this on my lips and on areas of my skin that are extra dry and irritated and are probably one night of scratching away from requiring topical steroids. And it really does help. Even though it has the same petroleum-jellylike consistency as Vaseline, itβs not as greasy and it wonβt just sit on top of your eczema; it will actually absorb into your skin, soothing the redness and slowing down the itchy feeling.
If you buy something through our links,Β New YorkΒ may earn an affiliate commission.Β