Navigating the Maze of the "Best" Eczema Creams: Your Guide to Soothed Skin

Eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, affects millions, causing dry, itchy, red, and sometimes scaly patches of skin. Finding the "best" cream can feel like a never-ending quest, but understanding key ingredients, what to avoid, and debunking common myths can empower you to make informed choices for calmer, more comfortable skin.

The "Best" Creams: It's All About What Works for You

There's no single "best" cream for everyone with eczema, as individual skin reacts differently. However, dermatologists generally recommend thick, emollient moisturisers to help repair the skin barrier and lock in moisture. For flare-ups, your doctor might prescribe topical corticosteroids or other medicated creams.

When looking for over-the-counter options, consider those that are:

• Fragrance-free. Fragrances are a common irritant.

• Thick and occlusive: Ointments and balms are often more effective than lotions as they create a stronger barrier.

• Formulated with beneficial ingredients (see below).

Skin-Loving Ingredients for Eczema-Prone Skin

Look for these powerhouses in your eczema skincare products (and check out the link for Arcade Skincare products you will find these in):

• Emollients: These create a protective barrier on the skin, preventing water loss. Examples include:

  • Babassu Oil: It's high in beneficial fatty acids, especially lauric acid, which helps to strengthen the skin's barrier and lock in moisture.

  • Shea Butter: A rich, natural fat that is deeply moisturising and has anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Cocoa Butter: Rich in fatty acids, it offers hydrating and nourishing benefits.

Our intense Hydration Cream is a powerhouse, packed with several skin-loving, natural ingredients. Use to treat symptoms of dry skin conditions like eczema

• Humectants: These draw moisture from the environment into the skin.

  • Glycerin: A common and effective humectant that can relieve dry eczema skin without stinging or burning.

  • Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful humectant that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, vital for combating dryness.

• Barrier Repairing Ingredients:

  • Squalane: These are natural lipids found in healthy skin that help replenish the skin's natural barrier, locking in moisture and protecting against irritants.

• Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients:

  • Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Can strengthen and smooth the skin, ease inflammation, cut redness, and boost hydration.

  • Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing, healing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

  • Liquorice Extract: Contains strong anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness and itching.

  • Zinc: May help relieve inflammation.

  • Calendula Flower Extract: Gentle, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial.

Ingredients to Avoid

Just as important as knowing what to use is knowing what to steer clear of. Many common skincare ingredients can irritate sensitive, eczema-prone skin and trigger flare-ups.

• Fragrances: This includes "parfum," "fragrance". They are common allergens and irritants.

• Alcohols (drying types): Ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and alcohol denat can sting, burn, and dry out the skin. (Note: Fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol are generally well-tolerated.)

• Sulfates: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLeS) are harsh detergents and foaming agents found in many cleansers that can strip the skin's natural oils and cause irritation.

• Lanolin: Though a natural emollient, a subset of people with eczema can be allergic to it as it's derived from sheep's wool.

• Propylene Glycol: A common moisturiser that can cause irritation or allergies in some individuals.

• Dyes: Artificial colours can be irritants.

• Harsh Preservatives: Look out for methylisothiazolinone (MI) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.

All our products are free-from all of the above ingredients. If you are unsure, drop us a message to check.

Debunking Common Eczema Skincare Myths

Misinformation abounds when it comes to eczema. Let's set some things straight:

• Myth: Eczema is contagious.

  • Fact: Eczema is absolutely not contagious. It's a chronic, often genetically predisposed condition involving immune system dysfunction and a compromised skin barrier. You cannot "catch" it from someone.

• Myth: You shouldn't bathe frequently if you have eczema.

  • Fact: Regular bathing is crucial for eczema management. Warm (not hot) baths can help hydrate the skin and reduce itchiness. The key is to apply a thick emollient moisturizer immediately after bathing (within three minutes) to lock in the moisture.

• Myth: Eczema is always caused by allergies.

  • Fact: While allergies can worsen eczema symptoms in some individuals, eczema itself is not always caused by allergies. Genetics, immune system dysfunction, and environmental factors all play a role. Don't eliminate foods or make drastic dietary changes without professional guidance.

• Myth: Children will just "grow out of" eczema.

  • Fact: While some children do see their eczema improve or disappear as they get older, many continue to experience symptoms into adulthood. Eczema is a chronic condition that often requires ongoing management, regardless of age.

• Myth: Over-the-counter products are too weak to treat eczema. Prescribed creams the "best"

  • Fact: While severe flare-ups may require prescription medication, many over-the-counter emollients and creams are highly effective for managing daily symptoms, preventing flares, and supporting the skin barrier. A consistent, gentle skincare routine is fundamental.

Living with eczema can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and a proactive approach to skincare, you can significantly improve your skin's comfort and health. Always consult with a dermatologist for a personalised treatment plan, especially for severe or persistent symptoms.