Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation, intense itching, and significant dryness. It is linked to a compromised skin barrier that struggles to retain moisture and defend against external irritants. Conventional soaps and cleansers often worsen these symptoms by stripping the skin’s protective elements. Selecting products that support the skin barrier is necessary to manage the condition.
Why Standard Cleansers Harm Eczema-Prone Skin
Traditional bar soaps are manufactured through saponification, resulting in a highly alkaline product. Most conventional soaps have a pH between 9 and 10, which is dramatically higher than the skin’s naturally acidic surface, or acid mantle (pH 4 to 6). Applying an alkaline product shifts the skin’s delicate pH balance, making it vulnerable to irritation and increasing the activity of enzymes that break down the skin barrier.
Standard cleansers contain strong surfactants (detergents) that efficiently remove dirt but also strip away the skin’s natural protective oils, or lipids. This action compromises the already damaged skin barrier typical of eczema. When these natural moisturizing factors are removed, the skin loses its ability to retain water, leading to increased dryness, tightness, and inflammation. This dryness triggers the itch-scratch cycle central to eczema flare-ups.
Essential Ingredients to Look For
The best cleansing products for eczema-prone skin support the skin’s natural defenses, focusing on gentle cleansing and deep moisturization. Cleansing bars or liquids labeled as Syndets (synthetic detergents) are recommended because they are formulated with a pH closer to the skin’s acidic range, typically around 5.5. This pH-neutral formulation allows for effective cleansing without disrupting the acid mantle, maintaining the skin’s integrity.
Look for cleansers containing ceramides, which are naturally occurring lipids that make up a significant portion of the skin barrier. Products with added ceramides help replenish these fats, supporting the repair of the compromised barrier and improving moisture retention. Glycerin is another beneficial component, acting as a humectant that draws water into the outermost layer of the skin, helping to keep it hydrated during and after washing.
Cleansing oils or washes based on petrolatum or mineral oil are excellent options because they cleanse with a high emollient content, leaving a protective, moisturizing film on the skin. Colloidal oatmeal is a soothing ingredient that forms a protective film on the skin’s surface and helps maintain the skin’s pH, reducing redness and irritation. Selecting a cleanser with several moisturizing and barrier-supporting ingredients offers a comprehensive approach to managing sensitive skin.
Irritating Additives to Avoid
Product labels must be examined carefully to identify ingredients that trigger or worsen eczema symptoms. Fragrances are common culprits, whether synthetic “parfum” or natural essential oils, as they can cause irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. Choose products explicitly labeled “fragrance-free,” as “unscented” products may contain masking fragrances that still pose a risk.
Harsh sulfates, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), are potent surfactants that create a rich lather but strip the skin of its natural oils. Avoiding these strong detergents is a primary step in preventing excessive dryness and barrier damage during cleansing. Many gentle, sulfate-free cleansers use milder alternatives that are less irritating to sensitive skin.
Certain types of alcohol, including ethanol, denatured alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, should be avoided because they are highly drying and can cause stinging or burning. These drying alcohols differ from fatty alcohols (e.g., cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol), which are used as emollients and are well-tolerated in eczema-friendly formulations. Additionally, synthetic dyes and colorants have no therapeutic benefit and can act as irritants that may provoke a flare-up.
Best Practices for Bathing and Cleansing
The washing process is as important as the product used, and proper technique significantly reduces irritation. Water temperature should be kept lukewarm (ideally between 27 and 34 degrees Celsius), because hot water rapidly strips the skin of its natural oils and increases inflammation and itching. Baths or showers should be brief, lasting no more than 5 to 15 minutes, to minimize water exposure and prevent further drying.
Cleansers should be applied gently using the fingertips, working the product into a light lather without rough washcloths, loofahs, or excessive scrubbing. This gentle technique prevents physical irritation and micro-abrasions that compromise the skin barrier. Once cleansing is complete, ensure all product residue is rinsed thoroughly from the skin before exiting the water.
The final step is the “soak and seal” method, which locks moisture into the skin. After washing, the skin should be patted gently with a soft towel until it is almost dry, leaving a little moisture on the surface. Within three minutes of exiting the water, a thick, hypoallergenic moisturizer or emollient should be applied liberally to seal the water into the skin.