Choosing the Best Body Wash for Eczema
When you have eczema, finding the right skin care products can make a huge difference in managing irritating symptoms like itchiness and dryness. Selecting a gentle, fragrance-free body wash designed for sensitive skin is key to maintaining the skin barrier and preventing flares.
Keep reading to learn more about choosing an effective eczema body wash, examining ingredients, and discover some of the top-rated products to try.
Understanding Eczema
Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by red, intensely itchy rashes. It’s caused by inflammation and dysfunction in the skin barrier that makes the skin unable to retain moisture properly.
Flares can occur anywhere but often develop on hands, feet, inside elbows, back of the knees, face, and neck. Triggers like skin irritants, stress, sweat, dry air, and changes in temperature can make symptoms worse.
There is no cure for eczema, but avoiding triggers and using gentle skincare can effectively control flares. This includes using a cleanser that doesn’t further compromise the skin barrier.
Avoiding Harsh Ingredients
Many conventional body washes contain ingredients that can irritate and provoke eczema, including:
- Fragrance
- Preservatives like methylisothiazolinone
- Surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate
- Essential oils
- Botanical extracts
Being fragrance-free is not enough, as “unscented” products can still have masked fragrant components. The fewer total ingredients, the better for sensitive skin.
Choosing the Right Formula
The ideal body wash for eczema will be:
- Fragrance free
- Free of common irritants and allergens
- pH balanced between 5-6 to match skin’s natural pH
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
- Soap free or containing natural, gentle cleansers
- Formulated with skin-soothing ingredients
- Dermatologist tested for sensitive skin
Hydrating vs. Foaming Formulas
Body washes come in hydrating formulas that feel more creamy and moisturizing, as well as foaming gels that lather up. Some key differences:
- Hydrating body washes help replenish moisture and are ideal for very dry skin.
- Foaming gels may be preferred for oilier skin types or body acne, as they thoroughly cleanse.
- Hydrating washes are typically soap-free, while foaming ones may contain gentle cleansing agents.
- Test both kinds to see which feels best and doesn’t exacerbate eczema symptoms.
Soap-Free vs Soap-Based
Classic soaps have an alkaline pH and use harsh surfactants that can compromise sensitive skin. That’s why soap-free washes are usually best.
However, some very gentle, soap-based body washes are formulated at the ideal pH for skin. Oatmeal, goat’s milk, and glycerin soaps are good options if soap-free irritates.
Key Soothing Ingredients
Certain ingredients actively help soothe and calm eczema-prone skin. Beneficial additives to look for include:
- Colloidal oatmeal - Soothes itch and inflammation
- Ceramides - Repair skin barrier
- Hyaluronic acid - Boosts hydration
- Jojoba oil - Anti-inflammatory
- Aloe vera - Reduces redness
- Licorice root extract - Calms irritation
- Shea butter - Intensely moisturizing
- Natural oils - Help retain moisture when used gently
The Best Body Washes for Eczema
Here are some top-rated fragrance-free body washes for eczema-prone skin:
Vanicream Gentle Body Wash
Vanicream uses minimal, gentle cleansers free of common irritants. The unscented formula has a light lather that rinses cleanly without residue. It’s non-comedogenic and ideal for sensitive areas like the face and genitals.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash
A trusted brand for sensitive skin, Cetaphil’s cleanser contains soothing aloe vera and replenishing vitamins B5 and E. The low-lather formula has a light, refreshing feel.
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Soothing Bath Treatment
With colloidal oatmeal to relieve itchy skin, this creamy cleanser doubles as a soothing bath soak. The soap-free formula moisturizes without leaving behind pore-clogging residue.
Sebamed Fragrance Free Body Wash
Sebamed has an ideal pH of 5.5 to match skin. Natural moisturizing agents cleanse gently without disrupting the acid mantle. It’s soap, alkali and fragrance free.
CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash
CeraVe wash contains ceramides to restore the moisture barrier. Hyaluronic acid attracts hydration while glycerin and oils prevent dryness. It has an NEA seal of acceptance.
Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash
Dove uses gentle cleansing ingredients like glycerin, stearic, and lauric acids for a sulfate-free formula. The hydrating wash is dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin.
Solimo Gentle Body Wash
Amazon’s Solimo brand offers an affordable fragrance-free body wash. It uses minimal ingredients and lathers into a light foam to gently cleanse without drying.
Pipette Baby Wash & Shampoo
Developed for babies' delicate skin, this plant-based formula is extremely gentle. It uses a coconut-derived cleaner with hydrating sugars and glycerin to lightly cleanse.
Application Tips
Proper application methods can also make a difference in how your body wash impacts eczema:
- Apply gently with hands, a soft washcloth, or natural sponge - no scrubbing
- Use lukewarm water - hot showers can worsen eczema
- Focus on areas prone to flares like hands, feet, and joints
- Rinse thoroughly - leave no residue behind
- Pat dry with a soft towel - don’t rub
- Immediately apply moisturizer after washing to seal in hydration
Avoiding Triggers
In addition to choosing the right body wash, it’s critical to avoid known eczema triggers:
- Fragrances, incense, scented products
- Harsh detergents and fabric softeners
- Chlorine, salts
- Wool, synthetics, and coarse fabrics
- Nickel and other jewelry metals
- Extreme temperatures and weather
- Stress and emotions
Take note if any foods, environments or activities seem to provoke flare ups. Avoiding individual triggers can significantly improve symptoms.
Restore Skin's Balance with a Gentle Cleanser
Choosing an appropriate fragrance-free body wash is one of the most important factors in managing eczema flares. Hydrating soap-free formulas with skin-soothing ingredients help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier without exacerbating dryness and irritation.
Combine your body wash with gentle moisturizers, avoiding triggers, and sound skincare habits for the best control over frustrating eczema symptoms.
FAQs
Should I use a soap or soap-free body wash?
In general, soap-free body washes are ideal for eczema since they tend to be more hydrating and less likely to strip away natural oils. However, some very gentle soap-based washes like oatmeal or goat's milk can also work well if formulated properly.
Is a foaming or creamy body wash better?
Foaming washes thoroughly cleanse oilier skin types while creamy, hydrating formulas provide more moisture for dry skin. Test both to see which feels best and doesn't further irritate your eczema.
How often can I use an eczema body wash?
You can use an eczema-friendly body wash for your daily shower or bath. Gently cleansing once a day helps eliminate irritants without over-washing sensitive skin.
Should I also use a moisturizer?
Yes, always apply an unscented eczema-friendly moisturizer immediately after cleansing, while skin is still damp, to seal in hydration. Look for thick creams with ceramides and colloidal oatmeal.
Can I use an eczema body wash on my face?
You can use a very gentle body wash meant for sensitive skin on the face. Opt for hydrating, soap-free formulas from brands like Cetaphil and Vanicream to avoid irritation.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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