One of the first rules of eczema treatment is "keep your skin moisturized." Moisturizer helps keep your skin from drying and cracking from the itchy rashes that characterize the condition. Your doctor may encourage you to apply moisturizer multiple times a day to keep your skin as healthy as possible.
When you're picking a moisturizer, it makes sense to look at the ingredients. You need to avoid any components that will cause your eczema to flare, such as fragrances or dyes. On the flip side, you might want to keep an eye out for humectants, since they can make a good moisturizer great.
What Are Humectants?
Humectants are ingredients that attract and retain moisture. They're added to skin- and hair-care products to enhance the effectiveness of other ingredients. Humectants help ensure that emollients and active ingredients in the products are absorbed into your skin. They also help create a better moisture barrier on your skin's surface. This moisture barrier prevents moisture from leaving your skin in a process called trans-epidermal water loss.
A flawed moisture barrier is one of the root causes of eczema. Your skin can't hold on to enough moisture to prevent drying and itching. Moisturizers replace some of the skin barrier that is missing from your own epidermis. Moisturizers rich in humectants means more of the moisture from the other ingredients can stay locked in your skin.
Humectants for Eczema
Studies support the idea that humectants are beneficial to people with eczema. Scientists have found that humectants help with eczema because they effectively slow the loss of moisture from the skin. They may also reduce your susceptibility to irritation from other ingredients, such as the foaming agents in body washes and shampoos.
When you're shopping for skincare products, look for humectants in the ingredient list. The most common humectants include:
- Butylene glycol
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Honey
- Polymerized ethylene glycol (PEG)
- Propylene glycol
- Sodium PCA
- Sorbitol
Technically, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid all have humectant properties, and some research shows that AHAs are good for people with eczema. However, they also have an exfoliating effect. You may find, consequently, that AHAs are too harsh for your skin.
With any new product you try, you should do a patch test to see how it affects your skin. Apply a small amount of the product on your wrist or arm and wait 24 hours. If it causes your eczema to flare up, you should not use it.
If you have questions about what types of humectants might work best for you, talk to your doctor. They can help you choose the right moisturizer for your eczema.
