Im a dermatologist, and these are the mistakes I see people make when treating eczema – Well+Good

Having dehydrated skin is one thing, but dealing with eczema takes dry skin woes to another level. Since were smack in the middle of winter, a lot of people are experiencing eczema flareups, and there are a few key things to keep in mind when combatting this type of irritation that go above and beyond your usual dry skin treatments. As in: Youre going to need more than your trusty hyaluronic acid serum.

Eczema is a skin disease thats characterized by dry skin that becomes inflamed, says Loretta Ciraldo, MD, a Miami-based dermatologist and founder of Dr. Loretta skin care. Youll typically see the skin condition, also known as atopic dermatitis, show up as extra-dry patches of inflammation, which she says tend to be really itchy. Drier, colder weather can worsen it, as can using certain skin-care ingredients like alcohol and coloring, says Dr. Ciraldo.

While there are definitely things you can do to dry skin that also help with eczema, eczema is more about giving extra attention to your skins barrier. People with eczema have skin that doesnt function well as a barrier, says Shirley Chi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. So it takes an extra level of TLC, and that includes avoiding certain lifestyle habits (one, for example, happens in the shower). Keep scrolling for the most common mistakes that dermatologists see people make when treating eczema.

Basking in hot water in your shower canfeelgood, but it makes eczema worse. Hot showers temporarily substitute the sensation of heat for itch, but if you come out and towel dry, youll make your skin drier and worsen the problem, says Dr. Ciraldo. Instead, stick with tepid water, and try to stay in the water until your fingertips wrinklethis will rehydrate your skin, she says. After patting yourself dry, apply a fragrance-free lotion like CeraVe Moisturizing Body Cream ($13) when your skins slightly damp.

Everyone should be quenching their skin with a moisturizer every single day, but if youre dealing with eczema, you should do so more frequently. One of the biggest mistakes people with eczema make is that they dont moisturize enough, says Dr. Chi. They might use cream once a day, when actually they need it two to three times daily, especially after getting the skin wet like after hand washing or bathing. This is because eczema skin dries out easier, so keep that moisturizer on hand.

Since having eczema means your skin barrier is compromised, derms say to avoid exfoliating, especially with a strong chemical exfoliant. Dont use exfoliators like salicylic acid or glycolic acid, says Dr. Chi. In fact, she suggests skipping out on exfoliating altogether until your skin barriers back in tip top shape. Then, when youre ready, try lactic acid, which is less irritating than the other acids in your arsenal.

Also useful to know is best ingredient for hydrating skin, according to a dermatologist. And if you have dry skin, avoid these ingredients in your beauty routine.

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Im a dermatologist, and these are the mistakes I see people make when treating eczema - Well+Good