Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by a compromised skin barrier function. This outermost protective layer, when impaired, struggles to retain moisture and defend against external irritants and allergens. Traditional bar soaps are typically manufactured through a process called saponification, resulting in a highly alkaline product, often with a pH between 9 and 10. This high alkalinity is problematic because healthy skin maintains a slightly acidic surface, known as the acid mantle (pH 4.7 to 5.5). Using an alkaline product disrupts this balance, stripping away the skin’s natural protective oils and causing the fragile barrier to break down further, leading to increased dryness, itching, and inflammation. Choosing a specialized cleansing product is necessary to maintain hygiene without exacerbating these symptoms.
Ingredients to Avoid in Cleansing Products
The first step in finding a suitable cleanser is to understand which common ingredients act as irritants or allergens that can trigger an eczema flare-up. Fragrances and dyes are among the most common culprits that sensitive skin reacts to. These compounds, even those labeled as “natural,” are known to cause allergic contact dermatitis and irritation, further stressing the skin barrier.
Many conventional foaming cleansers contain sulfates, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). These are harsh surfactants designed to create a rich lather and effectively strip oil from the skin. For eczema-prone skin, this aggressive cleansing action is detrimental, as it removes the already deficient natural lipids and moisture necessary for barrier integrity, compounding the underlying dryness.
Preservatives are another category of ingredients frequently linked to skin sensitivity. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, such as Quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea, and diazolidinyl urea, are common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. Parabens, like methylparaben and propylparaben, are non-formaldehyde-releasing alternatives also known to cause contact reactions. Carefully checking product labels for these compounds can help avoid unnecessary exposure to substances that may worsen the condition.
Recommended Cleanser Types and Beneficial Components
The best cleansing products for eczema are often not true soaps but rather non-soap cleansers, also referred to as synthetic detergent or “syndet” bars, or gentle moisturizing washes. These formulations bypass the saponification process and are engineered to have a pH close to the skin’s natural acidic mantle, typically around 5.5. Maintaining this slightly acidic pH helps support the enzymes responsible for lipid production and barrier repair.
These specialized cleansers often feature a short, simple ingredient list and are labeled as hypoallergenic. The formulation includes mild surfactants that cleanse the skin without excessively stripping its natural oils. This gentler action ensures that the skin remains hydrated and the protective barrier is preserved during the washing process.
The most effective cleansers for eczema incorporate components that actively work to soothe and repair the skin barrier. Ceramides are a prime example, as these lipids make up about 50% of the skin’s outer layer and function as the “glue” that holds skin cells together. Since eczema is associated with a ceramide deficiency, topical application helps restore the lipid matrix, thereby strengthening the barrier and preventing moisture loss.
Colloidal oatmeal is another beneficial component, acting as both a soothing agent and a protective barrier. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds that help calm the redness and itching characteristic of eczema flares. Humectants, ingredients that draw water into the skin, are also highly valued in these products. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are two such humectants; glycerin pulls moisture from the air, while hyaluronic acid can hold up to a thousand times its weight in water, helping to maximize hydration in the dry outer layers of the skin.
Best Practices for Washing Eczema-Prone Skin
Selecting the right product is only one part of the solution; the washing routine itself must be modified to prevent irritation. The water temperature should be lukewarm, not hot, as excessive heat can further dry out the skin and intensify itching and inflammation. Limiting bath or shower time to approximately 5 to 10 minutes helps prevent the skin from losing too much of its natural moisture.
The technique used for cleansing must be extremely gentle to avoid friction that can damage the already fragile skin. It is advised to use only the hands to apply the cleanser, avoiding abrasive tools like washcloths, loofahs, or scrubbing brushes. Thorough rinsing is important to ensure no product residue remains on the skin, as lingering cleanser components can act as irritants.
After washing, instead of rubbing the skin vigorously with a towel, gently pat the skin until it is mostly dry, leaving a small amount of moisture behind. This step prepares the skin for the immediate application of moisturizer, a technique often referred to as “soak and seal.” Applying a thick, emollient moisturizer within three minutes of drying is crucial, as it locks in the water absorbed during the wash, which is the most effective way to rehydrate and protect eczema-prone skin.