Best Lotion For Eczema: Top 5 Dry Skin Creams Most Recommended By Experts

Eczema is a common skin condition that affects millions worldwide, with roughly 31 million people in the United States alone. This means about 10 percent of the population is affected by this condition, making it one of the most prevalent skin care concerns. It causes dry, itchy skin that can be difficult to manage, and unfortunately, the same products don’t work for everyone. That’s why Americans spend roughly $5.3 billion on treating eczema each year! So, we’ve found the consensus among experts of the best lotions for eczema. Hopefully one on the list will be your dry skin savior.

In addition to your moisturizing routine, one study recommends supplementing vitamin D. By doing so, eczema symptoms may decrease by a third! Scientists from Mansoura University say vitamin D supplements could help ease mild to severe red, itchy skin and intermittent flares among eczema sufferers — even children. So is it a deficiency of vitamin D that causes eczema? 

While a lot is unknown about the cause of eczema, a UT Southwestern study says atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema, may be the result of poorly regulated hormone production. The study showed that an enzyme was more active in people with eczema and was lowered by a medication called dupilumab. This suggests that certain immune system proteins may be connected to the gene that makes the enzyme. Researchers believe that this new information could lead to new treatments for eczema.

But until modern medicine advances, moisturizers are an important part of any eczema treatment plan. They help to hydrate skin, reduce dryness and relieve itching. The moisturizers to use are the ones that feel “greasy” because they contain more oil, which is effective at keeping moisture in and irritants out. Now that you know what to look for, StudyFinds compiled the five best lotions for eczema that can help provide relief and keep symptoms under control. If we missed one, let us know in the comments below!

The List: Best Lotions for Eczema, According to Skin Experts

 

1. Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream

This cream is ideal for people with sensitive skin, plus it’s non-greasy and absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth. The Strategist consulted skin experts, and they highly recommend this cream: “Half of the dermatologists we spoke to brought up Vanicream. It’s essentially free of anything that could irritate your skin, including fragrance, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde, dyes, and more.” 

Verywell Health put it to the test: “In our test, Vanicream ranked best overall after impressing our tester with its instant hydration and long-lasting moisture. Our tester found the texture and consistency of Vanicream to be smooth and creamy, with just the right amount of thickness. It also has the National Eczema Association’s seal of acceptance.”

“‘This cream delivers hydration without any frills in a non-greasy, easy-to-spread formulation that absorbs quickly,’ says Christine Choi Kim, MD, a Los Angeles board-certified dermatologist. ‘It soothes red, irritated, itchy skin and is ideal for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin.’ Take it from Amazon reviewers dealing with severe eczema who say it ‘improved drastically’ within a day,” Real Simple attests.

2. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Eczema Cream

This popular and effective option works quickly to relieve eczema symptoms. Byrdie thinks you’ll say “bye bye” to dry skin with this product: “Accepted by the National Eczema Association, this is clinically proven to relieve itchy, irritated skin and help visibly reduce the signs of eczema. At work are a host of soothing ingredients, including the brand’s eponymous prebiotic thermal water, which is so effective that there’s even a La Roche-Posay Thermal Center in France where eczema patients from all over the world come to experience its healing properties.” 

“After trying several products on our own eczema-prone skin, La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar Cream was a clear winner. Our testers applied it daily to their arms, legs, and hands after showering. They noticed an immediate improvement after the first application, calling out the ‘soothing and hydrating feeling.’ This lotion leans on colloidal oatmeal to relieve itchiness and irritation and thermal spring water to calm and heal damaged skin,” People says.

Pulling from doctor’s opinions, Real Simple writes, “‘Shea butter boosts skin moisture and has antioxidants, while glycerin is excellent for retaining moisture. Nicotinamide is anti-inflammatory, and reduces the irritation and redness caused by eczema.'”

3. Gold Bond Eczema Relief Skin Protectant Lotion

Prevention would give this brand a gold medal: “This lotion has a thick texture that soaks in immediately, and it contains 2% colloidal oatmeal for maximum itch relief. It also contains vitamin E, aloe vera, glycerin, and petroleum for moisturizing.”

“This Gold Bond lotion contains 2% colloidal oatmeal, an emollient that can help soften and soothe itchy, irritated skin. It also has vitamin E and aloe, a great combination that moisturizes while it heals,” Parade.com writes.

4. Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream With Oatmeal

SELF recommends this unique formula for hydrating skin: “Aveeno’s eczema cream is formulated with ceramides, which Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm, says is key. ‘Its colloidal oatmeal soothes dry, eczema-prone, and irritated skin,’ she tells SELF.” 

“Avena sativa, or (oat) kernel extract, is a hallmark of Aveeno. This occlusive ingredient suppresses histamine release, plumps up the skin and restores the skin’s natural barrier. It also relieves dryness, itchiness and redness,” NBC News reports. 

There are many variations in this line with options for babies and a balm formula. The Strategist reviewed the balm and writes: “the added soy helps fade dark spots that eczema can leave behind.”

5. Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm

Insider got the opinion of a skin expert: “‘People with eczema typically have a weak skin barrier. This barrier — the outermost layer of your skin — helps your skin retain moisture. It also offers protection from harsh chemicals, allergens, and other irritants. Eczema-prone skin needs lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids to support the skin barrier,’ says Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, a co-founding dermatologist and president of Modern Dermatology and CMO of Ideal Image. That’s why Robinson recommends this thick, nourishing lotion.” 

“It nourishes that itchy feeling, helps rebalance the skin’s microbiome (which is especially important to treat eczema) and seals in moisture for up to 48 hours. It helps calm dry, irritated and sensitive skin by helping to reduce itching, and alleviating redness and inflammation,” New York Post raves.

We hope this list helps you find a product to soothe your dry, itchy skin! 

You might also be interested in:

• Best Hand Creams for Dry Hands
• Best Face Moisturizers
• Best Vitamins for Healthy Skin
• Best Face Washes
• Best Body Lotions

Sources:

• The Strategist
• Verywell Health
• Real Simple
• Byrdie
• People
• Prevention
• Parade.com
• SELF
• NBC News
• Insider
• New York Post

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.