I’ve lived with eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, my entire life. I’ve been a mystery to primary care doctors, dermatologists, allergists and holistic doctors for nearly 30 years. Treatments haven’t changed drastically since I was diagnosed and I’ve tried almost everything out there. There always seemed to be no rhyme or reason why my eczema would flare up based on my allergy tests (which always came back with conflicting information) or bloodwork results. My dermatologists were stunned when steroid creams didn’t work. So then they’d try systemic care treatments (oral steroids and antibiotics) and those made things worse. Over time, I’ve developed allergies and asthma, also known as the atopic march. It’s been a joy.
What people don’t realize is that eczema is the most common skin disease in primary immunodeficiency diseases. About 10 percent of adults in the U.S. deal with mild eczema symptoms with a handful experiencing moderate to severe eczema. Only within the past few years has it been designated as an autoimmune disorder – often listed as a symptom of many others.
While a cure-all eczema treatment hasn’t been found for me, adjusting my diet and addressing underlying vitamin deficiencies have been hugely helpful. My biggest flare ups happen on my neck, arms, legs and scalp – so basically everywhere people will notice unless you’re wearing a hat and a turtleneck… which I often do. I’ve also discovered some tried and true products that keep my flares at bay and help maintain healthy skin and hair. Check these out and let me know if they work for you!
- Oaty Creamy Dreamy Shower Cream by LUSH – I’ve been using this for a few years and it’s a perfect blend of oat milk, lavender, rose, tea tree oil and chamomile. I definitely experience a skin-cooling effect when using and it’s gentle enough to use everyday.
- Aquaphor – If you have eczema and don’t use this, you need to buy it immediately. I might have a tube of this in every bag I own… not kidding! Aquaphor is my go-to for healing dry and cracked skin, even if it’s severe. I’ll also use this as a moisturizing face mask, hand and cuticle cream, lip balm and it helps heal tattoos!
- SebaMed Liquid Face and Body Wash – I was dealing with seborrheic dermatitis (another form of eczema) on my chest and hairline over the summer and this helped clear it up without any need for steroids or prescription treatments. It’s a soap-free, gentle cleanser that i’ve started using as a daily body wash. I don’t love the scent but it does wonders for my skin so I don’t mind it too much.
- Derma E Scalp Relief Shampoo and Conditioner – Am I the only one who is blessed with eczema on my scalp and hairline? I’ve searched for years to find a shampoo and conditioner that doesn’t irritate my eczema and doesn’t fade my color-treated hair and this is it! I bought this on a whim while picking up groceries at Whole Foods and I’m thrilled with the results.
- Eucerin Original Healing Lotion – I’ve been using this lotion since I was a kid and prefer the Original Healing Lotion to any of the products in their eczema line. It’s dermatologist recommended and works like a charm. It’s not as oily or greasy as other lotions and is unscented if that’s a dealbreaker for your flare ups.
- Ylang Ylang Skin Frosting by Ari Rose Body Care – I can tolerate essential oils in small doses, so if your body fights back against those, feel free to skip this skin frosting. This is one of my favorite scents and is a luxurious blend of all-natural oils that makes my skin glow. I love to use this in summer and winter months when my skin is at its worst to lock in extra moisture.
- First Aid Beauty Tinted Moisturizer – I wandered into Sephora one day for lipstick and was recommended this tinted moisturizer by a salesperson and have been wearing it ever since! I can’t tolerate heavy concealer or foundation and this provides just enough coverage to hide dark circles and any blemishes. Perfect coverage for Zoom calls and enough SPF coverage to feel protected while walking the dogs. I’ll mix it with Drunk Elephant bronzer during the summer and winter months when I want more of a glow!
- Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil by Youth to the People – I just discovered face oil this year and I’m never turning back. This is my favorite hydrating oil that has a light enough scent that it doesn’t bother me and fatty acids to lock in moisture and make skin look dewy and young. I rarely wear makeup but use this oil everyday.
- Exfoliating Loofah Mitt – Maybe it’s all the leggings and workout gear I’m wearing but I’ve noticed I need to exfoliate my skin more often while at home during this time. I typical do an all over exfoliant session once a week and will follow up with heavy moisturizer to replenish skin.
- Glad Skin Eczema Cream – I attended my first National Eczema Association conference this summer and this cream was included in the welcome kits. I had seen a million ads for this and can’t say it works better than steroid creams, but it’s a great option for someone like me who has tried to move away from using them! The cream actually focuses on repairing and protecting the skin microbiome so it helps heal and protect at the same time. It’s also clinically proven to reduce itching and it definitely helped! My flare ups lasted a little longer than they would have with steroid creams but not enough to ever want to go back to using steroids. This is a game changer!
If there’s another product you love that I need to check out, let me know!
