When choosing an eczema moisturizer, it’s important that it contain mild, non-irritating ingredients that will not make the eczema worse. It’s a good idea to choose one that is also free of perfumes and dyes, as both are unnecessary for moisturizing and may cause further irritation. Many people with eczema also have allergies, so they should consider these allergies when choosing moisturizer. If an eczema sufferer knows she is allergic to certain flowers, for example, or a particular scent tends to make her sneeze, she should check the ingredients to be sure these irritants are not in the moisturizer. Ingredients that are included in the largest concentrations are listed first, so they should be given the most scrutiny.
Common ingredients in moisturizers that are known to irritate sensitive skin are alcohol, essences of citrus fruits, flowers, and spices. Although alcohol is a common ingredient in over-the-counter lotions, it tends to have a drying property and so is not ideal for an eczema moisturizer. Fruits, especially acidic citrus fruits, can cause a rash when placed on or rubbed on sensitive skin. The same is true of the oil from flowers and spices. A good rule of thumb is, if a substance would irritate the skin when placed directly on it, one should not choose it in an eczema moisturizer.
Good ingredients for an eczema moisturizer are milder and less fragrant. Whether the lubricating substance is an oil or cream, a mild one such as mineral oil is preferable to a fragrant, organic type such as coconut cream. An ample amount of water is good for hydrating the skin without fragrance or additives. Generally, the simpler the list of ingredients is, the better the chances are that the eczema moisturizer will help clear the rash, rather than make it worse.
This may seem to result in a bland eczema moisturizer in comparison to the pleasant smells and exotic mixtures that are more attractive to many people. These ingredients are added to moisturizers because shoppers like the fragrance, as well as the thought of using organic or seemingly natural substances like fruits, rather than because of better moisturizing effects. When looking for an eczema moisturizer, it’s wise to consider the moisturizing properties of the ingredients against the possibility of irritation.