I constantly struggle with skin problems, which is quite normal for me as a woman with very sensitive skin. If it’s not my rosacea, then it’s perioral dermatitis or some form of mysterious rash. But this winter has brought a new player into the endless saga of my skin: eczema. Somehow, I managed to get through 29 years without eczema, but this season’s brutal temperatures have completely thrown my skin barrier out of balance.

It started with dyshidrotic eczema, characterized by small, skin-colored, itchy blisters on my hands and feet, and has now progressed to the familiar atopic dermatitis, which is cracked, red, and persistently dry. Fortunately, I have the best dermatologist in the world (hello, Dr. Marisa Garshick!), who has prescribed prescription creams that work wonders and helped me change my routine to focus on fragrance-free, eczema-friendly topical treatments.

Below, I’ll share the products that are helping me with my current flare-up. Shop away—but be sure to consult your dermatologist if your eczema is persistent or particularly bothersome. God, I love winter.

It Starts In the Shower

As much as I love hot showers, I have made the very mature decision to give them up (temporarily) in favor of lukewarm temperatures. I do my best to keep my showers relatively short, and although I desperately miss my delicious Cyklar shower gel, I opt for fragrance-free, soothing alternatives instead.

 

Eczema Relief Cream Body Wash

 

 

It might not look the sexiest in my shower, but it’s certainly earned its stay. It’s packed with colloidal oatmeal (a beloved ingredient in the eczema community) and cleanses my skin while soothing. Plus, this Big Mama bottle lasts the whole season.

 

 

Soothing Body Wash

 

 

 

This brand is exclusively dedicated to calming eczema, so rest assured, they’ve done the work to make sure their products deliver. Fun fact: honey is hydrating, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory, which means it’s an ingredient to look out for.

Lipikar Wash AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash

 

 

 

While many La Roche-Posay products contain fragrances (they are French, after all), this drugstore product was deliberately developed without fragrances to make it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. It is also incredibly moisturizing, so my skin feels nourished even when I forget to apply my moisturizer.

Lotion Up Your Body Right Away

 

 

In the world of eczema, there is something known as the “three-minute rule”: within 180 seconds of getting out of the shower, you should apply moisturizer to your entire body. This helps to lock in moisture and prevents the skin from becoming even drier. These three creams immediately relieve itching and have made my skin much softer.

 

Eczema Therapy Rescue Relief Treatment

 

 

 

Instant relief is the name of the game with this guy. It has all the good stuff (read: colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and emollients) and none of the bad stuff (think: fragrance or phthalates). Plus, it’s on the lighter side if you don’t enjoy the texture of a rich cream.

 

 

 

Medicated Eczema Relief Skin Protectant Cream

 

 

 

 

For a week now, my hands have felt like reptile skin—and this is the only product that helps. I keep a large bottle right on my nightstand and reapply the product whenever I wake up in the middle of the night.

 

Eczema Restoraderm Flare-Up Relief Cream

 

 

Since I often use a steroid cream prescribed by my dermatologist during severe flare-ups, it’s important to find a steroid-free eczema cream that I can apply over it. This is my favorite: it’s available at any drugstore and so inexpensive that I don’t feel guilty about applying it generously.

Don’t Forget Your Face

Although my eczema mainly affects my body, I also have a few small patches on my forehead, ear, and eyelid. The latter are best treated with a prescription medication, but immediately after washing, I apply a rich moisturizer approved by the National Eczema Association to my face. And here’s another little tip: apply a thick layer before going to bed—those radiators are merciless.

 

Ultra Repair Rescue Barrier Balm

 

 

If you’re a sensitive skin girl, First Aid Beauty is probably already on your radar. It feels sexier than many drugstore options, while still delivering a nourishing, no-frills formula. This is my go-to for preventing an eczema flare. It locks in hydration before bed, so I wake up hydrated despite the heater’s attempt to soak up every last bit of moisture.

 

 

 

 

Eczema+ Dermatitis Ceramide Face + Body Cream

 

 

This clinically-tested cream matches the effectiveness of one percent hydrocortisone cream—and you don’t have to go to the dermatologist to get it. FWIW: it’s also FSA/HSA eligible (!!).

 

 

 

SOS Daily Skin Barrier Redness Recovery Moisturizer

 

 

The navy blue Eczema Seal takes center stage, just as I want it to. This product is particularly effective at reducing redness, so I regularly use it on days when I’m not wearing makeup.

 

Have Steroid Creams and Anti-Itch Lotions on Standby

If your eczema does not improve with home remedies, you should always consult your dermatologist. However, there are also several over-the-counter steroid creams that can help relieve symptoms. Be sure to read the package insert, as in most cases you will need to discontinue use after a few days.

 

 

Sensitive Steroid-Free Anti-Itch Lotion for Dry Irritated Skin

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Garshick told me to scoop this up at the drugstore to help with itch relief, and I genuinely don’t think I could have run to CVS faster. I apply it every time I get the urge to scratch—it’s super effective.

 

 

 

 

Maximum Strength Intensive Healing Itch Relief Lotion for Eczema

 

 

 

 

While you can’t use this as much as a moisturizer, it’s great in a pinch, when you’re dealing with a particularly nasty flare, or as a bridge to help get you through before you can make it to the dermatologist. Just make sure you only use it three times a day for a couple of days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flare Control Cream for Eczema & Dermatitis

 

 

I am very emotionally attached to my Exederm. I treat it as a cure-all for rashes, bumps, insect bites—just about anything. It immediately relieves itching, especially with eczema, and does not leave the skin cracked and dry.

 

 

 

 

 

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