If you feel like your eczema flare ups happen more often in the winter, you’re right! During the winter, eczema prone skin has to deal with air that’s colder and drier than during the rest of the year. “Additionally, people are more likely to take hot showers in the winter time, which strips the skin of important oils and proteins, which can further exacerbate [eczema flare ups],” board-certified dermatologist and chief operator of Boston Derm Advocate, David Li, MD, MBA told 21Ninety.
What Types of Products Prevent Frequent Eczema Flare Ups in the Winter?
With temperatures dropping, there are things you can do to prevent an increase in eczema flare ups during this chilly time of year. “If you find your skin to be flaring up, adding thicker creams and gels into your routine may be beneficial,” board-certified dermatologist at My Psoriasis Team, Anna Chacon, MD, told 21Ninety. The My Psoriasis Team dermatologist also mentioned that washing with gentle fragrance-free cleansers will help reduce irritation to your already delicate skin. Speaking of showers, try to reduce the temperature down from scalding hot. Plus, in the winter, you’re spending more time indoors where the heat is blasting and the surrounding air is dry. So, Dr. Chacon recommended getting a humidifier to add more moisture into the air.
By shifting your showering and moisturizing routines – along with adding more humidity into the air – you’ll better your chances at reducing the amount of eczema flare ups you have in the winter.
- Best Dermatologist-Recommended Cream: Vanicream Fragrance Free Moisturizing Cream
- Best Gel Cream: Eucerin Daily Hydration Gel Cream Unscented
- Best Ointment: Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Unscented Moisturizer
- Best Unscented Body Wash: Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Fragrance Free Body Wash
- Best Humidifier: Hey Dewy Wellness Humidifier
Best Dermatologist-Recommended Cream
Vanicream Fragrance Free Moisturizing Cream
Dr. Li dished his team at Boston Derm Advocate recommends Vanicream’s Fragrance Free Moisturizing Cream as a top choice. This fragrance free non comedogenic cream moisturizes the skin without several common irritants. It’s free of dyes, fragrances, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers. And, it comes with a pump.
Best Gel Cream
Eucerin Daily Hydration Gel Cream Unscented
Try to incorporate thicker creams and gels into your daily routine, as Dr. Chacon mentioned. So, if a cream isn’t your favorite texture, give Eucerin’s Daily Hydration Gel Cream Unscented a try. The texture of this moisturizer isn’t as heavy as a cream, it absorbs into the skin quickly. That said, this non-comedogenic gel cream is infused with nourishing ingredients, like vitamin B5 and sunflower oil, to keep your skin comfortably moisturized for up to 24 hours.
Best Ointment
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Unscented Moisturizer
Aquaphor’s Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Unscented Moisturizer can be used from head-to-toe to soothe your skin on drier days. You can use it on your lips, face, and all over your body. This unscented ointment also helps to heal cracked skin with regular use.
Best Unscented Body Wash
Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Fragrance Free Body Wash
Aveeno’s Active Naturals Skin Relief Fragrance Free Body Wash calms itchy dry skin while keeping your skin’s moisture levels under control with regular use. It has an oat-rich formula that cleans the skin without completely stripping it of moisture. Made for sensitive skin, this ingredient blend is free of fragrances, sulfates, parabens, dyes, and soaps.
Best Humidifier
Hey Dewy Wellness Humidifier
Hey Dewy’s Wellness Humidifier holds 1.54 liters of water. That’s enough to deliver cool mist throughout a 500 square-foot room for up to 24 hours. This device features a 360 rotating nozzle, optional mood light, and two mist settings. Plus, it adds moisture to the air without a ton of noise – it’s very quiet.
Our editors love finding you the best products and offers! If you purchase something by clicking on one of the affiliate links on our website, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.