Dermatological Analysis: Best Creams For Atopic Skin

Does your atopic skin cause you itchiness, peeling, rash, and skin irritation? You’re not alone. This skin condition affects 3% of the world’s population (more than 150 million people!), And although it does not have a definitive cure, there are products specially designed to prevent and treat outbreaks and alleviate most of its symptoms. The goal of these treatments is to help control the symptoms of the condition.

In atopic dermatitis, another term for atopic skin, the barrier function of the skin is impaired . This loss of barrier function makes the skin more sensitive and more prone to infection and dryness. That’s why the best atopic skin creams focus on repairing that barrier, providing genuine and long-lasting relief from this common skin condition.

These creams generally include various long-acting emollients and moisturizers to preserve and restore moisture to the skin, which can help relieve dryness and itching. As well as anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce swelling, itching, and redness.

And with so many people suffering from this condition, more and more brands are selling treatments for the care of delicate atopic skin. So it can be difficult to choose one that works well for you.

So to save you time and money, we have put together a list of the 11 best creams for atopic skin , which according to their ingredients, are the most effective you can find right now on the market.

How do we know? We have analyzed each of the ingredients in the most popular and top-rated creams for atopic dermatitis, and ranked them based on the effectiveness of their ingredients.

In this article you will find the complete analysis of the three best creams, with each ingredient analyzed. But in order not to repeat everything a hundred times, if any ingredient is already analyzed in another article, we leave a link so you can go directly to where it is explained.

Of the rest of the options there is only a small summary, since its broken down analysis is in another separate article, which you can access by clicking on the link that we leave you. And after the analysis, you have all the information you need about atopic skin, from its most common causes, to how to prevent breakouts. Hopefully it will be useful to treat your annoying condition.

And now we begin the analysis!

The Best Option- Cream for Atopic Skin by Akento Cosmetics

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It is the option that we liked the most to repair our atopic skin. Akento has formulated a fluid and highly moisturizing cream that provides extra nutrition to recover the lipid barrier that is responsible for protecting the skin from external aggressions.

This is the main problem of atopic skin, a malfunction of this retaining wall. With this repair, the skin can regain its optimal functioning, ceasing itching, redness, inflammation and dry areas.

It is a perfect product both for daily care and for the phases in which the signs are more intense, so it is recommended to use regularly.

In the same way, it also avoids using any ingredient that can cause irritation to the skin with dermatitis, that is why it can be used even in babies, children and pregnant women , and of course, also in adults.

For all this, it is the best option we have to take care of the fragile skin with atopic dermatitis.

We are going to analyze its ingredients and then we will tell you what we like the most about this cream, which is postulated as the best option on the market today.

Dicaprylyl Carbonate : Tested in Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Anti-Wrinkle Cream for Men .

The basis of all treatment is the regular use of emollients to preserve and restore moisture to the skin. And how can it be otherwise, Akento has several emollients at the top of the list that do this job perfectly.

We like that you don’t need to use petroleum jelly or silicones to wrap the skin, two safe ingredients due to their refinement, but one that many prefer to avoid as they are derived from petroleum. Instead, use glycerin, jojoba oil, and pomegranate oil to seal in moisture from your skin.

Also noteworthy is the Emulium Mellifera compound , a natural emulsifier that manages to protect the skin from any harmful agent. And the extract of borriquero thistle (Gatuline Skin-Repair Bio), an excellent restorer of the skin barrier that keeps unwanted elements inside the skin at bay.

The oil Granada is another excellent natural compound that protects skin cell damage and accelerates the regeneration of the skin once it is already damaged. A most successful combination.

It is clear that a cream that treats atopic skin must be very careful both in what it includes and in what it does not include, and Akento cream has a lot of successes.

This makes us forget also the concern about the combined effect derived from the problematic agents, such as the toxins that are often included in cosmetics.

And although they are in a low proportion, the accumulation of them over the years can lead to serious health problems. But with creams like this, we can be sure that we are putting the best on our skin.

As for its texture, it is a rich cream that spreads well and absorbs quickly, without leaving a greasy film that is uncomfortable to dress later.

The brand also has Hydroalcoholic Gel in stock , an effective product that fights against most bacteria and viruses – also the coronavirus – and leaves the skin soft and hydrated. 

Bepanthol Calm Bayer Skin Irritation Cream

Bepanthol soothing cream is a treatment that can reduce itching, cracked skin, inflammation and atopic skin infections, reducing almost all the annoying symptoms that this condition produces.

To do this, it does not use cortisone, but rather emollients and physiological moisturizers that keep moisture retained in the skin, thus increasing hydration. In addition to Panthenol, which promotes hydration and reduces skin inflammation.

This natural posture adopted by the brand benefits the skin in the long term, since the use of cortisone is not a good option as a recurrent treatment, since it has some other side effects.

Shea butter, in a good proportion, manages to nourish the skin and repair the protective barrier of the skin, which is usually damaged in atopic skin. And it also includes ceramides (fatty molecules that hold moisture), which are like the mortar between the cells in the outer layer of the skin. When the mortar is deficient, the skin can more easily lose hydration, and this is precisely what this cream avoids, which helps to replace these ceramides.

Another great repairing ingredient is squalane, which acts as an antioxidant, regenerator and antibacterial, helping, among other things, that unwanted microorganisms can fixate and do more damage to the skin. In this case it is in a low proportion.

The active ingredients in the Bepanthol cream are present throughout the list, as is the case of the fatty acid glycyrrhenic acid, a restorative, soothing and scaling-reducing active. Quite a success. And finally, it should also be noted the presence of an anti-irritant and anti-itch ingredient, capable of reducing the sensation of itching in these skin types. A pity that it is not in greater concentration.

Among all these ingredients we have not found a single ingredient that can cause even an iota of irritation or damage to the skin. No perfume, no colorants, no parabens, nothing!

Lipikar AP + Balm by La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay has an entire collection dedicated to the relief of dry skin, and this cream in particular is a miracle for those who suffer from persistent dry patches, irritations and itchiness, as this balm can replenish essential lipids in skin and provide lasting hydration for 48 hours.

This body cream helps rebalance the skin’s microbiome and restores the skin’s natural protective barrier. Research studies show that Lipikar cream can help normalize and diversify the bacterial communities in the skin, helping to reduce disease activity and decrease recurrence after topical steroids are discontinued.

As it does? It contains a high concentration of prebiotic water, an extract developed in La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Spring Water, which may have a role in improving the skin’s microbiome that is linked to inflammation and skin irritation. Niacinamide is another ingredient that can be helpful in soothing redness and inflammation.

Its formula, of easy application and rapid absorption in a creamy and comforting balsamic texture, does not leave a greasy or sticky finish. It is suitable for adults, children and babies for use all year round.

Dermatological research in skin health has demonstrated the importance of a healthy microbiome – the population of microorganisms found on the surface of the skin. It has been found that in extremely dry skin conditions, the skin’s microbiome can become unbalanced, and prebiotics can have a rebalancing effect.

And this is precisely what the La Roche-Posay formula is about. Formulated with a high concentration of La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Spring Water and other carefully selected skincare ingredients, Lipikar has a unique prebiotic action on the microbiome and helps reduce dry and rough skin.

Its formula contains 20% Shea butter and glycerin, moisturizing agents that naturally attract water to the skin and restore the skin’s lipid barrier. Niacin, a form of vitamin B3, has soothing properties that also increases the concentration of ceramides and fatty acids, acting as a liporegenerator for very dry, irritated and itchy skin.

Rapeseed oil is another ingredient rich in fatty acids that acts as an emollient and antioxidant that, along with petroleum jelly, can help alleviate extremely dry skin conditions.

For its part, Life Plankton is the star ingredient in La Roche Posay’s Lipikar formula, as it is the one that can restore and stabilize the balance of the microbiome and help restore and preserve the skin barrier. Unfortunately, this great ingredient is in a low proportion.

Despite this, La Roche Posay balm is one of the best options currently available to care for atopic-prone skin. There is simply a small snag, it contains an ingredient that when analyzing it we have realized that it should not be used on damaged or irritated skin, which is precisely the condition in which skin with atopic dermatitis is found.

Atopic Skin Integral Care Cream from Instituto Español

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Instituto Español relies on Vaseline as the main treatment for the signs of atopic dermatitis, but this is not enough in most cases. It is true that Vaseline is a great emollient indicated even for the most sensitive skin, and that it can seal the skin to prevent moisture from escaping, but it cannot with everything.

To help it, the brand integrates other soothing, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory active ingredients, but all of them are in concentrations too low to be able to have any effect. This is especially evident with vitamin C and E, great antioxidants that are relegated to the bottom rung.

In addition to running low on actives, the cream is scented, a bad idea in atopic skin cosmetics, and a couple of troublesome ingredients that can cause irritation problems due to their concentration. It is not the best option for the care of these sensitive and fragile skins.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Atopic Skin Integral Care Cream from the Spanish Institute, Analysis and Alternative .

Exomega Control A-Derma Emollient Cream

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When it comes to nutrition and hydration of dry and atopic skin, going over is better than not showing up. And this is the problem with A-Derma cream, which does not reach the levels that other brands on the market have set.

It has niacin (vitamin B3), oats and evening primrose oil, in addition to other emollients, good ingredients that protect and relieve irritation, but their help does not come for the other signs of eczema, and that is why it is more recommended in cases of mild dermatitis, or just very dry and sensitive skin.

It should also be mentioned that a couple of irritating ingredients are present and another that can cause allergic reactions. Any doubt of irritation can be fatal for an already irritated skin, so its use is left to your hands or not.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Exomega Control A-Derma Emollient Cream, Analysis and Alternative .

Acofar Atopic Skin Body Lotion by Acofar

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The Acofar option is one of the ones with more concentrated active ingredients, achieving a more powerful effect. Above all, it has emollients, such as petroleum jelly or glycerin that seal the skin so that moisture does not escape from the skin and it is intensely hydrated.

In addition, it uses highly recommended oils, such as borage, evening primrose or black currant, which calm, protect and reduce inflammation of atopic skin. It also works with aloe vera and oats, plus regenerating and calming botanical active ingredients.

However, it is not all good news in the Acofarderm formula, as the shades start from the lower half of the list. Perfume and some troublesome preservatives make us wonder if the cream can irritate topical skin. And in these cases, prevention is better than cure.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Acofarderm Atopic Skin Body Lotion by Acofar, Analysis and Alternative .

Eucerin AtopiControl Cream Forte

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Eucerin is a benchmark in creams for atopic skin, as it manages to add benefits and reduce problems with the choice of its ingredients. Emollients are not lacking, and they rank high on the list. But it is not limited to them to hydrate and recover damaged skin.

Squeeze the properties of grapeseed and evening primrose oil, rich in essential fatty acids to nourish the skin; uses ceramides and vitamins C and E for protection, and a main component of licorice extract to reduce inflammation.

This is the good part, as Eucerin cream also has its shadows. Its cooling ingredient can cause irritation, and although they are in a low proportion, there are two more problematic ingredients that manage to ruin the formula.

You can enter the full technical analysis in the following article: Eucerin AtopiControl Cream Forte, Analysis and Alternative .

Isdin Nutratopic Pro-AMP Emollient Body Cream

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Isdin is a leading brand in the care of the skin most prone to conditions, and that is why it does not leave atopic skin helpless by designing a whole line of products for them. However, when analyzing its emollient body cream we have been surprised, and not very pleasant.

We are not saying that it is a bad cream, as it has some of the best active ingredients to care for a skin as delicate as atopic, such as ceramides, petroleum jelly, amino acids or niacin. You have more information about these ingredients in the continuation of the article.

But unfortunately it ruins this formulation by including up to 6 potentially irritating ingredients, something that has no place in a cream of these characteristics. Therefore, it is clear that it is not a good option for squid irritated skin, since it can even irritate it more.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Isdin Nutratopic Pro-AMP Emollient Body Cream, Analysis and Alternative .

LetiPharma LetiAT4 Intensive Repairing Cream

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Flagged for shea butter, squalane, probiotics and a host of emollients, LetiPharma’s LetiAT4 cream is one of the best options out there to care for and protect your atopic skin during an outbreak.

Its combination of natural lipids manages to repair the protective barrier of the skin, preventing water loss, and thanks to its probiotic ingredient, it restores the microflora to prevent infections. In addition, the antioxidants of vitamins C and E provide additional benefits to skin that needs different care.

And although most of the ingredients are beneficial for the skin, you also have to keep in mind that there are a couple of ingredients that can be irritating. Only the latter fails him. For the rest, this is a great cream that can help you a lot during eczema outbreaks.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: LetiAT4 Intensive Repair Cream from LetiPharma, Analysis and Alternative .

Ducray Dexyane Emollient Cream

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Ducray’s Emollient Cream is just that, a treatment made up of various emollient ingredients. Emollients are necessary in an atopic skin cream, but alone they are not enough to treat all the signs of this condition.

Vaseline is very present in this formula, like glycerin and shea butter, but in addition to nourishing the skin and protecting it from external aggressions, they can do little else. Therefore, it is a product that is quite short of assets, and that cannot compete with other more complete creams.

In addition, creams for atopic skin are supposed to be free of irritating, harmful and sensitizing ingredients, but when analyzing it we have realized that all these ingredients are present, and can compromise the integrity of such sensitive skin.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Dexyane de Ducray Emollient Cream, Analysis and Alternative .

Mustela Stelatopia Emollient Balm

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Mustela Stelatopia is an emollient cream that has been specially formulated for dry and eczema-prone skin in babies and young children. Its fragrance-free formula hydrates, replenishes and soothes the symptoms of irritated and atopy skin.

It uses petroleum jelly, glycerin, vegetable oils, carnauba wax and candelilla wax to nourish and replenish moisture in the skin’s barrier, along with sunflower oil, squalane, avocado extract and ceramides to help soothe irritated and itchy skin. A gentle but effective combination, perfect for babies.

But the formula does not work as it should, since many of those actives are in a concentration that prevents them from shining and doing the desired effect. Also, there are a couple of irritating ingredients that I don’t like at all, so I would really think about putting it on atopic skin.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Mustela Stelatopia Emollient Balm, Analysis and Alternative .

What is an atopic skin?

Let’s start at the beginning, describing what atopy skin is. Atopic skin, also known as atopic dermatitis or eczema, is a chronic and recurrent skin disease that usually occurs in the early months of childhood, but can continue over time or even begin in adulthood.

This process is not the same for all people, because most have different causative agents, which is why there are several types of atopic skin, but it usually begins as an itch that, when scratched, erupts into a rash.

Symptoms initially appear as small red bumps, which may ooze or flake off with continued scratching. As the skin continues to scratch, it will look leathery or lichenified.

The rash can occur anywhere on the body, although certain areas are more common depending on the age of the person suffering from it. In infants and very young children , atopic dermatitis most often affects the face, chest, and back of the scalp , as these are the areas where the child can scratch. Eczema generally does not occur in the diaper region, unless the child can scratch there.

In older children and adults , the location of the dermatitis often affects the skin in the crease of the elbows and behind the knees , as these flexible areas are the most easily rubbed. Symptoms can also affect the face, eyelids, and may be limited to the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet , particularly in adults.

Differences are also seen in the severity of the condition. Some individuals have it more severe, and have extremely inflamed skin, while others have moderate eczema, with minimal inflammation.

What is the difference between eczema and atopic dermatitis?

We often hear about eczema and atopic dermatitis treating the two terms differently, but they really mean the same thing. Eczema is the general term for skin inflammations, and inflammations are known as dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is therefore a type of eczema.

What Causes Atopic Skin?

We already know how it manifests itself, but what causes it? Even doctors and dermatologists don’t know the exact cause of eczema! This is because there is no specific cause for this condition. Atopic dermatitis is most often caused by a combination of genetic and immune system triggers , such as allergies or contact with irritants; environmental factors ; and it can even be hereditary as well .

Atopy can also be the result of defects in the skin, while some dermatologists also believe that it is the result of activities that increase the sensitivity of the skin.

  • Skin defects . Skin defects have a genetic link and are responsible for some cases of eczema. The genetic abnormalities that cause eczema are the result of a defect in the filaggrin protein located in the basal layer of the skin. The defective protein causes an abnormality in the skin’s barrier that affects the normal function of the barrier. Moisture is released, and germs enter the skin causing the immune system to activate. An activated immune system causes inflammation around that area, leading to skin irritation. Also, when the skin loses its moisture-holding capacity, it dries out easily, making it susceptible to infection.
  • Environmental causes . Most dermatologists recognize that the environment plays an important role in the development of atopic dermatitis. Some of the environmental factors that trigger eczema include harsh detergents, allergens, foods, dust, and animal dander.
  • Genetics . If you have atopic skin, your child may also have it if they have a genetic predisposition. In fact, genetics and interaction with environmental factors are the main causes of atopic skin.

What is the treatment for atopic dermatitis?

There is no cure as such for atopic dermatitis, but topical treatments, avoiding triggers, and some lifestyle changes can help relieve symptoms. Some of them can even increase the amount of time the disease remains in remission, spacing out flare-ups.

Avoid triggers

Since the best treatment is prevention, avoiding itch triggers should be the first priority for people with atopic skin. To do this, follow the following tips:

Avoid wearing clothing that can cause skin irritation , such as wool, nylon, and other synthetic materials. Cotton clothing is the best option to avoid itching, but you must be careful to always wash it with a mild detergent and a double rinse cycle. The use of fabric softeners should also be avoided.

Although careful sun exposure can be helpful for eczema, overexposure to the sun , which can lead to sunburn , should be avoided . Therefore, in addition to avoiding the sun at peak times, sunscreen should be part of your skincare routine, applying it abundantly and repeatedly on all skin that will be exposed to the sun for a long time.

Maintain adequate humidity at home . In the summer months, the use of an air conditioner prevents sweating and removes excess humidity. And in the winter months, use a humidifier to prevent your skin from drying out from the heat and cold wind.

People with severe atopic dermatitis should be watched for allergic triggers with allergy testing. Pet dander and house dust mites are environmental allergens that very often make signs of eczema worse. And common food allergies can also make eczema worse, especially in children.

Although stress does not cause atopic dermatitis, it can make eczema symptoms worse. Therefore, you should strive not to suffer from too much stress. Regular exercise along with meditation techniques can be beneficial in this regard.

Bathing can be helpful if done the right way: use lukewarm water (not too hot, not too cold) and hypoallergenic soap , followed by immediate application of a moisturizing cream for atopic skin from head to toe, while the skin is still damp.

A good topical treatment

Good skin care is essential . This care begins with proper hydration, which reduces itching and the formation of eczema. The hydration of the skin is maintained thanks to the application twice a day of moisturizers specially formulated for atopic skin.

There are other forms of treatment for severe atopic dermatitis, such as topical steroids that your dermatologist should prescribe. This treatment will help you control breakouts. Unfortunately, it is not recommended to use steroids for a long time, due to their harmful side effects.

And as an aid to these more intense treatments during breakouts, and as a maintenance cream during latency periods of the condition, there is nothing better than a good cream specially designed for atopic skin.

These creams offer several benefits:

  • Hydration for dry skin . One of the triggers of eczema is dry skin, and with these creams, adequate moisture is provided to the skin. As a result, eczema symptoms are less likely to develop. Also, frequent use of a moisturizer would be beneficial for skin hygiene.
  • Skin protection . There are certain stimulants of irritation, such as dust mites and pollen grains. These come into contact with the skin and, due to the defective skin barrier, cause the irritating symptoms of eczema. By using a protective cream, a barrier is formed between the skin and the environment, so we will not have to worry about irritants that may come into contact with the skin.
  • Keep bacteria at bay . Bacteria can aggravate eczema symptoms. The antimicrobial properties present in these creams ensure that the bacteria that are present on the surface of the skin do not cause damage, and thus the symptoms of eczema are controlled.
  • They are safe . Unlike other treatments that can cause harmful side effects, creams are topical and do not harm health.
  • Easy to use . They are a convenient option due to their ease of use. You don’t have to worry that this treatment will interfere with your work. You just need a little time.
  • Economic option . Most creams are not very expensive, and they last quite a long time, so you don’t have to worry about buying them every two to three.
  • Long lasting effects . These creams provide short- and long-term effects, spacing out breakouts.

In general, atopic skin creams offer a safe and convenient method to get rid of eczema symptoms.

But all creams are not the same, so it is important to know what to look for and what to avoid when choosing a treatment for your atopic skin.

What to look for in a cream for atopic skin

What you should look for when looking for a cream to treat eczema can be summarized in two things: the ingredients and the texture.

Beneficial Ingredients

The first thing you should do is read the INCI (list of ingredients) of any treatment that you put on your irritated skin. In this list you should look for beneficial ingredients like these:

CERAMIDES

They are lipids (fats) that are found naturally in high concentrations in the upper layers of the skin. Its function is to hold the skin together by forming a protective layer that limits moisture loss, and protects against visible damage from pollution and other environmental stressors.

They make up more than 50% of the skin’s composition, so it is not surprising that they play a vital role in determining the appearance of the skin (and how it responds to environmental threats).

If the skin already contains ceramides, why is it necessary to add them to a cream? Because age and sun damage reduce the effectiveness of the skin’s natural ceramides and can deplete them over time, weakening the skin’s barrier. So applying them again to the skin restores their function.

You can tell if a product has ceramides because you will find it in the ingredient list as ceramide AP, EOP, NG, NP, or NS). But this is not always the case, as phytosphingosine and sphingosine are ingredients known as ceramide precursors, which means that they can push the skin to make ceramides.

LIPIDS (FATTY ACIDS, CHOLESTEROL)

Ceramides are most effective when combined with other skin-replenishing ingredients like fatty acids, glycerin, and cholesterol. Lipid blends like these are great for improving skin tone, skin texture, and alleviating signs of sensitivity.

NIACIN

If red spots are everywhere no matter how many layers of makeup you put on, try a cream that has this compound, also called vitamin B3. It can reduce the redness of eczema by strengthening the skin’s natural barrier.

ANTIMICROBIAL INGREDIENTS

In people with atopic skin, the immune system focuses more on allergies than fighting infections. This means that the skin has fewer infection-fighting chemicals, giving various bacteria, fungi, and viruses a chance to grow or infect the skin.

Bacterial, viral, and fungal skin infections are common complications of eczema that can make your symptoms worse. Therefore, it is advisable that a cream contains antimicrobial properties to ensure that the bacteria that worsen eczema symptoms are eliminated.

Some of these ingredients are squalane, or the probiotic Oligosaccharide Alpha-Glucan, which is capable of restoring the microflora to prevent these infections.

COLLOIDAL OATMEAL

It is a natural ingredient that calms the skin and reduces most of the symptoms of eczema. It’s gentle on irritated skin and gives you the care you deserve.

SHEA BUTTER, GLYCERIN AND PETROLEUM JELLY

These hydrating ingredients repair the skin and help it look healthier. Look for skin care products that have one of these in the first, second, or third place on the ingredient list.

HYALURONIC ACID

Helps attract moisture from the air to the skin. Applying a cream with hyaluronic acid will increase hydration and relieve flaky and dry skin.

AHA OR BHA GENTLE SCRUBS

AHA and BHA scrubs can be used sparingly to remove the layer of dead skin that prevents the active ingredients in the creams from being absorbed as they should. These ingredients can be a bit harsh on irritated skin, so scrubs shouldn’t be at the top of the list.

It is important that you avoid any ingredient that you know to cause allergies, and this can only be done by carefully reading the ingredients of the cream. Make sure it is devoid of any ingredients that could be harmful to you.

This is usually remedied by choosing a dermatologically tested cream, which has been reviewed by a physician who specializes in treating the skin, in addition to supporting the efficacy and safety of the product.

Texture

On the market you will find that different eczema creams have different consistencies. Among them, you have to choose the one that is thicker. This is due to the fact that richer and thicker creams have more content in oils, which tend to form a barrier on the skin, thus keeping bacteria and other harmful and irritating materials away from your skin. Therefore, they turn out to be more effective.

Creams and ointments also tend to last longer on the skin, so they usually don’t need to be reapplied regularly throughout the day.

Ideally, the cream can be used anywhere on the body, so you don’t have to buy one for every irritated area on your body or face. There are products that are versatile enough to be used on the hands, feet, and body. Having these options can make it easier to treat areas that need care.

What to avoid in a cream for atopic skin

If you are one of the millions of people who experience eczema, you are probably familiar with the struggle to choose skin care that does not make the condition worse or irritate your skin. Why apply harsh chemicals (found in many cosmetics) to already irritated, inflamed, and itchy skin?

It doesn’t make a lot of sense, does it? What does make sense is to look for products with the purest, most natural and mildest ingredients. There are many active ingredients in thousands of skin care products that are totally safe for normal skin, but can be very irritating to people with atopic skin.

And if you’ve tried a lot of products that claim to be mild with no luck, you may be using some of these harmful ingredients:

Do not choose a cream with perfume or fragrance . Sometimes creams can include compounds to make them smell better, but these added fragrance ingredients can put your skin at risk of irritation. It is best to always choose products that are labeled “safe for sensitive skin” or “fragrance free.”

Also avoid cosmetics that contain alcohol, problematic preservatives, or parabens . These components cause skin rashes for most people. Try to use products with natural preservatives, which are less irritating.

Up to 7 percent of people with eczema are allergic to lanolin , an antibacterial agent that also helps soften the skin. The compound comes from the wool fat after processing the sheared sheep’s wool.

The glycolic acid, salicylic acid and retinol should also be avoided, as they tend to dry or irritate the skin, which is a problem for people with eczema. The condition is caused in part by a weak skin barrier, which allows irritating chemicals to more easily penetrate the skin, and more water to evaporate.

The sulfates are another ingredient to be avoided because they can cause the skin to dry, chop and irritated, further worsening the situation of people suffering from eczema. Essentially, they cleanse skin, hair, and clothing so well that they strip moisture and natural oils.

Although steroid medications can be used in cases of severe atopic dermatitis, it is something you should only resort to when your doctor prescribes it or when the condition is too severe. On other occasions, it is better to use a cream that is devoid of steroids so that you can use it for long periods of time without worry, and without having to suffer any side effects.

If you use sunscreen, avoid the ingredient oxybenzone , one of the worst for skin, especially sensitive skin. Even in incredibly small concentrations, it is detrimental to coral reefs. The best alternative is to choose a mineral-based sunscreen whose active ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Natural sunscreens, with minimal ingredients, do not irritate the skin like chemical-based sunscreens.

Avoid lotions if possible. They contain too much water (and sometimes even alcohol), which causes the skin to become dry and they tend to evaporate from the skin faster than a thicker formula.

The difference between a lotion and a cream is that a cream leaves a slightly greasy feeling even after it has been applied to the skin. Avoid pure petroleum jelly products, which don’t hydrate your skin, unless you put it on top of moisturizer or damp skin.

Choose a cream that is packaged in an airless bottle . Most of the most beneficial active ingredients for the skin are not stable. Simply put, they lose their effectiveness if exposed to light and air, which is exactly what happens every time a jar is opened. Instead, look for products in opaque tubes or bottles with airtight pumps or dispensers; this will keep your products working as they should.

There is no denying that creams prove to be highly effective in treating atopic skin symptoms. However, you need to make sure that you make the right decision. Only then can you be sure that the cream will be able to get rid of your eczema symptoms without causing any further problems.

Ensuring that your cream has all of these characteristics will ensure that you have chosen the right eczema treatment that is not only effective, but also safe and easy to use. With the help of a cream with these characteristics, you will be able to keep many annoying symptoms at bay.

How to use a cream for atopic skin?

The main purpose of an atopic skin cream is to ensure that the skin does not dry out. That is why it is usually applied generously on the affected area, several times a day. But don’t overdo it, as once the skin has absorbed it, the excess will be wasted.

You should apply it just after bathing , when the skin is still damp, ideal for retaining that moisture and enhancing the moisturizing effect. And apart from after bathing, you should apply the cream every time you feel that your skin is drying.

There is no fixed frequency for applying the lotion, as it depends on a number of factors. For example, what type of skin do you have? In what climatic conditions do you live? How bad is your eczema condition?

For those who live in dry regions, it is advisable to apply the cream generously at least 4-5 times a day. The product should also be applied after each bath or shower. On the other hand, if the weather is drier than usual, you should apply the cream before leaving the house. Every time you feel that your skin is drying out, you should reapply the cream.

Do creams have any side effects?

In general, creams intended to treat atopic skin are considered quite safe, and are unlikely to endanger your health. However, there are certain side effects that could occur. Although they are not dangerous, they can be alarming if you do not know them beforehand.

For one thing, you may feel a stinging or burning sensation when applying the cream at first. This effect is temporary, and will improve as you continue treatment.

Another problem that people complain about is with regards to thinning of the skin, but this is more like steroid creams. This is a reversible problem that resolves once the application of the drug is discontinued. Some creams can change the color of the skin where they are applied. In addition, you may have to deal with a higher incidence of acne if applied to the face, since they are very greasy creams.

Treatment of atopic skin in the baby

Regular application of an atopic skin moisturizer can serve both to prevent and treat eczema flare-ups and help prevent an irritated baby from scratching.

Treatment for eczema in infants and young children is similar to that used by adults, with the focus on applying moisturizing and anti-inflammatory creams or ointments that reduce the urge to scratch.

In general, most eczema experts recommend using as greasy a treatment as your child can tolerate, which generally means using an ointment, as the ointment is generally the greasiest . A cream is usually the best option, and as a last resort, you could try a lotion.

But in addition to choosing the right moisturizer, you have to use it properly to control your baby’s eczema. The most important thing is that you do not use hot water in the infant’s bathroom. Hot water can make dry skin worse and difficult to heal.

Also, follow the three-minute rule: Apply moisturizer to your child’s skin within three minutes of getting out of the tub or shower. This quick response helps trap moisture from the water on the baby’s skin before it evaporates.

To get the most benefit from a bath and moisturizer, you can gently pat her skin dry so that it is still a little damp when you apply the moisturizer. Vigorously towel drying your skin will make the moisturizer less effective.

There is little clear evidence about whether eczema in newborns can be prevented. Some research suggests that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months can reduce eczema in infants who are at high risk, but the evidence is inconclusive.

Babies can more easily make their eczema worse, as it is harder for them to avoid scratching. Therefore, avoid traumatizing your skin by keeping your nails short and your hands clean to avoid skin infection. Also consider using wet dressings immediately after moisturizing your child’s skin for difficult-to-control eczema flare-ups.

Also make sure your baby’s room is not too hot at night, as sweat can make eczema symptoms worse.

Treating babies with eczema can be difficult and time consuming. And while there is no cure for atopic skin, most children with this condition will outgrow it in adulthood. Eczema disappears in 10 years in 80 percent of children, and in 20 years in 95 percent.

Other treatments for atopic skin

Wet bandage therapy

Research shows that wet bandage therapy can help improve eczema symptoms by increasing the moisture of a person’s skin. After bathing and hydrating, wrap damp strips of cloth or gauze around the eczema-affected areas.

Doing this helps keep skin hydrated and increases the action of creams and moisturizers. Do not use wet wraps on prescribed steroid creams unless directed by your doctor.

Put a dry layer on top of the wet layer to keep it from drying out. These bandages can be left on for several hours or overnight.

Phototherapy

People with severe eczema can benefit from ultraviolet (UV) light therapy. An estimated 70 percent of people with eczema see an improvement in their symptoms after undergoing phototherapy.

During phototherapy, a doctor or dermatologist will illuminate the entire body or just the affected areas with a UVB light. This light helps reduce itching and inflammation, and stimulates the body to create vitamin D. It can also help the skin fight bacteria to prevent infection.

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Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.

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