Skin Type
Do you suffer from extremely dry, dehydrated, eczema prone skin? Below are the BEST affordable holy grail skincare products for eczema.
The one thing I have come to realize is that during an eczema flare-up budgeting goes out the window, all rhyme and reason is out the door, the only thing that matters is finding relief and FAST!
Over the years, I’ve probably tried hundreds products – both expensive and budget friendly. Some products make eczema flare-ups way worse while others help to soothe and heal.
My eczema flare ups generally occur when I travel, when I am stressed, and during the winter when the air is cold and dry.
From all that trial and error, I FINALLY have a solid list of the BEST affordable skincare products for eczema prone skin.
I make sure to keep some combination of the below products wherever I go. Be it on vacation, to work, hiking up a mountain, or running errands, these products are my go to and I do not leave the house without them.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a condition that results in inflamed, itchy, dry and flaky skin. There is no cure for eczema and dermatologists aren’t quite sure what causes it. Eczema is usually found in individuals with allergies or asthma.
There are a lot of different types of eczema, but the 6 most common types of eczema include:
- Atopic Dermatitis: The most common, tends to occur on the face, creases of your elbows and knees. It is a chronic skin condition (it’s always present but sometimes it is managed and other times it flares-up).
- Nerodermatitis: similar to Atopic Dermatitis in that it causes thick scaly patches to pop up on the arms, neck, scalp, hands, bottom of the feet, back of the hands, or genitals. The cause is unknown but stress is thought to be a trigger.
- Contact Dermatitis: This occurs from an allergic reaction. Such as, touching poison ivy.
- Stasis Dermatitis: Usually occurs in the legs. Fluid leaks out of weakened veins causing redness, irritation, swelling, itching, and pain.
- Dyshidrotic Eczema: Usually pops up in the winter time and forms blisters on the hands and feet.
- Nummular Eczema: Round in shape, usually occurs on the legs hands and forearms – really itchy
If you suffer from eczema, the only thing you can do is learn how to manage it. This is where knowing what skincare products work BEST for eczema flare-ups comes in handy.
Ingredients
The best skin care products for eczema prone skin are those that have an ingredient called Colloidal Oatmeal. Colloidal Oatmeal is great for dry, itchy, flaky, red, and irritated skin. This is the number one key ingredient for getting my eczema under control and FAST! Colloidal Oatmeal is a lifesaver for those with extremely dry skin.
If you have eczema prone skin AVOID moisturizers with alcohol in the ingredients list. When you experience an eczema flare up your skin is basically an open wound. What happens to open wounds when you put alcohol on it… OUUUCH! Your skin is going to sting so bad until the alcohol evaporates.
AVOID products with fragrance. Fragrance in skincare products is really irritating. Can you imagine having an allergic reaction to a skincare product on top of an eczema flare-up? UGH it is the worst.
Best Toner
The best toner for people with eczema is the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner at $22 for 6 oz.
This toner has colloidal oatmeal as a main ingredient and it is alcohol free!
I pour a little bit on my hand and pat it on my face. This toner is a bit heavier than most and I think it is because it is so hydrating. When I first used this toner I was surprised because it is heavier than any other toner I use and it also has a milky appearance.
The thicker consistency made this toner easier to put on my face. When I have an eczema flare-up this toner did not burn my skin. It absorbs quickly and is very refreshing. I highly recommend trying this product.
BEST Serum
Lately, I’ve really gotten into the First Aid Beauty skincare products. I tried out First Aid Beauty’s Hydrating Serum and it is on my list as one of the best serums for those with eczema and acne prone skin because it is so hydrating.
Serums are usually one of the most expensive skin care products you can add to your routine. However, for $38 of 1.7 oz worth of product, this serum is on the more affordable end. Especially if your skin needs a boost of hydration beyond just a moisturizer.
The serum comes out as a clear gel and glides on the face really easily and absorbs quickly. When I put this on my skin during an acne flare-up it made my skin feel slightly warm and tingling (not burning, stinging, and on fire). It makes my skin feel refreshed and adds another layer of moisture to my completely dehydrated skin.
BEST Moisturizers
Hands down the BEST budget friendly moisturizer for extremely dry eczema and acne prone skin is the Eucerin Eczema Relief Flare-Up Treatment. Regardless of it being budget friendly, this moisturizer is hands down my favorite – EVER.
At $6 – this moisturizer can’t be beat. My eczema flare ups usually happen on my face (lucky me) and I apply this moisturizer liberally throughout the day and WOW. Within a few days of making sure my skin is constantly moisturized with this stuff and my eczema is gone.
The Eucerin Eczema Relief Flare-Up Treatment never clogs my pores and does not make me breakout. I cannot recommend this product enough!
Another one of my all-time favorite moisturizers for eczema is the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration. The First Aid Beauty moisturizer is a little more expensive than the Eucerin, at $14 for 2 oz, but it works like a charm.
The ingredients are very similar to the Eucerin Eczema Relief cream I referenced above. The First Aid Beauty moisturizer contains colloidal oatmeal as a main ingredient.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration absorbs into the skin quickly and does not leave a greasy heavy feeling on your skin. I put this on my face (because that is usually where I get my eczema flare-ups) and it does not cause me to have acne an acne break-out.
This moisturizer is also awesome because it does not burn when you put it on your eczema. Lather throughout the day and your eczema flare-up will be under control in no time.
BEST Ointments
After moisturizing with the Eucerin Eczema Relief Flare-Up Treatment, its really important to lock in that moisture as soon as possible with an ointment.
Ointments do not moisturize the skin but they do provide a protective barrier between you and the outside elements. Ointments lock in moisture so that your skin can really absorb all that nourishment.
At $10, my favorite ointment is the Aquaphor Healing Ointment and is one of the best skincare products for eczema. It really soothes my skin and does not break me out at all (and I put this on my face!).
Another amazing ointment that I use during eczema flare-ups is something you probably have in your pantry – Coconut Oil. Although your skin will have a shine to it when you put it on, coconut oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, when you put coconut oil on an eczema patch it does not burn – HALLELUJAH!!!
You can pick some coconut oil at your local grocery store when it’s on sale. I like the organic cold-pressed version the best because I also like to cook with it!
BEST Cleanser
I thought really long and hard about my favorite facial cleanser. Most of the ones I’ve had success with are on the more expensive side. However, for an affordable option, my favorite facial cleanser is Lush’s Angels on Bare Skin.
At $16.95 for 3.5 oz, Angel’s on Bare Skin helps exfoliate my skin and the lavender reduces redness and is another one of the best skincare products for eczema. When I step out of the shower I find that my skin is pretty well moisturized from this cleanser.
The ingredients are all natural and to not burn or dry out my skin. The 3.5 oz of products goes pretty far and will last you a good three months.
I highly recommend trying this product if you have eczema.
Takeaways
- Do you have a favorite skin care product for eczema? Have you tried any of my recommended products? Share in the comments below. I would love to hear your experiences and I am always looking to try and experiment with different skincare products.
- If you have any questions let me know! I am happy to answer.
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