Moisturising for Eczema: How to Do It Properly & What Actually Works
If you have eczema, you've almost certainly been told to moisturise more. It's the most consistent piece of advice you'll get — from GPs, dermatologists, and anyone who's read anything about the condition.
But "moisturise more" is a bit like telling someone to "eat better." True, broadly helpful, and not nearly specific enough to actually change anything.
What type of moisturiser? How often? When exactly? And why does your skin still feel dry and reactive even when you're applying something every day?
Why is moisturising so important for eczema?
Moisturising is one of the most important steps in managing eczema—without it, eczema is very difficult to control.
In short:
Helps repair the skin barrier
Reduces dryness and itching
Can prevent flare-ups
Needs to be done consistently
Not a cure on its own
To understand why moisturising matters so much, it helps to understand what's happening to your skin.
Eczema is strongly associated with a compromised skin barrier — the outermost layer of skin that's supposed to keep moisture in and irritants out. In people with eczema, this barrier doesn't function as it should. It loses water more rapidly than healthy skin (a process called transepidermal water loss), and it's more easily penetrated by allergens, bacteria, and environmental irritants.
This is why eczema skin becomes dry, itchy, and inflamed — it's not just a surface problem. The barrier is structurally impaired, often due to a combination of genetic factors (particularly variations in the gene that produces filaggrin, a protein essential for barrier integrity) and environmental triggers.
Moisturisers — or emollients, as they're often called in a clinical context — can't fix the underlying cause. But they do two things that are genuinely helpful: they reduce water loss from the skin's surface, and they help repair and maintain the protective layer that eczema disrupts. Used consistently, they reduce dryness, itching, and the frequency of flare-ups. They also reduce the amount of topical steroid needed during flare-ups, which is a meaningful benefit for anyone trying to minimise steroid use over time.
What happens to your skin with eczema?
Eczema weakens the skin barrier, which normally protects your body.
This leads to:
moisture escaping from the skin
irritants and allergens entering more easily
This is why eczema skin becomes dry, itchy, and inflamed.
How moisturisers actually help eczema
Moisturisers (also called emollients) work by:
forming a protective layer on the skin
trapping moisture inside
reducing water loss
This helps restore the skin barrier and protect against irritation.
Do moisturisers actually improve eczema?
Yes—but with realistic expectations.
Research shows:
moisturisers can reduce eczema severity
help prevent flare-ups
reduce the need for steroid creams
They are considered a core part of eczema treatment.
Types of moisturisers for eczema
Not all moisturisers are equally effective for eczema, and the format matters more than most people realise.
1. Lotions
the lightest option — they contain a high proportion of water, which makes them easy to apply and fast-absorbing
absorb quickly
less effective for very dry skin- pleasant to use but offer the least lasting hydration
for eczema-prone skin, particularly in drier conditions, lotions often aren't enough on their own.
2. Creams
balanced hydration
thicker than lotions
generally well-tolerated
good for daytime use
easier to apply consistently than an ointment — which matters, because consistency is what actually makes a difference.
3. Ointments
the most occlusive option
many people find them impractical during the day
thick and greasy
form a strong protective layer on the skin that significantly slows water loss
best for very dry or severe eczema
particularly useful at night, when you don't need to worry about how they feel on clothing or skin contact
Ointments are often preferred because they lock in moisture more effectively.
As a general rule: the drier and more affected your skin, the thicker the product you need. A light lotion that feels pleasant on normal skin won't do much for skin that's cracked, inflamed, or chronically dry.
What to look for in a moisturiser
Choose products that are:
fragrance-free- fragrances one of the most common contact allergens in skincare. Even "natural" fragrances can trigger irritation.
alcohol-free- drying and irritating for compromised skin.
designed for sensitive skin
simple in formulation
preservative-free- preservatives are associated with allergic contact dermatitis.
avoid strong essential oils- lavender, tea tree, peppermint, and others are frequently reactive on eczema-prone skin despite their natural origin.
Helpful ingredients include:
Ceramides — lipids that naturally occur in the skin barrier. Ceramide-containing moisturisers can help restore barrier function, particularly in people whose eczema is linked to impaired barrier lipid composition.
Glycerin — a humectant that draws moisture from the air into the skin. Effective and well-tolerated.
Petroleum jelly (petrolatum) — one of the most evidence-backed occlusive ingredients. Cheap, effective, and virtually non-allergenic. Vaseline is the most recognisable form.
Colloidal oatmeal — has anti-inflammatory and barrier-supportive properties. Well-suited to reactive and sensitive skin.
Shea butter and natural oils — can be helpful for some people, though responses vary.
The best moisturiser is the one you’ll use consistently- usually one with a short, simple ingredient list — not one with an impressive array of actives and botanicals.
Products worth considering
If you're looking for a starting point, the following are well-regarded options commonly recommended for eczema-prone skin in the UK. These are affiliate links — we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.
CeraVe Moisturising Cream — A dermatologist-developed formula containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and widely available. A solid everyday option for moderate dryness.
Cetraben Body Cream — A simple, effective emollient specifically designed for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin. Light enough for daily use, and available on prescription in the UK.
Aveeno Dermexa Daily Emollient Cream — Contains colloidal oatmeal, which has anti-inflammatory properties that make it well-suited to reactive skin. Absorbs well and is comfortable for daytime use.
Balmonds Skin Salvation Balm — A natural, preservative-free ointment containing hemp seed oil, beeswax, and calendula. A useful option for very dry or cracked areas, and popular with people who prefer to avoid synthetic ingredients.
QV Gentle Wash — A soap-free, fragrance-free wash designed for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Worth including here because what you wash with matters as much as what you apply afterwards.
Everyone's skin responds differently — it may take a small amount of trial and error to find what works best for your skin.
How often should you moisturise eczema?
Consistency is key.
At least twice a day is the minimum for eczema-prone skin. During flare-ups, or in colder, drier conditions, more frequent application — up to four or five times daily — is often necessary.
moisturise even when skin looks clear
increase frequency during flare-ups
Regular use helps prevent symptoms from returning.
When is the best time to moisturise?
After bathing (most important)
apply within minutes of showering- while the skin is still damp
warm water temporarily softens the skin and allows emollients to penetrate more effectively, but it also increases transepidermal water loss as the water evaporates
locks in hydration
Before bed
overnight is when the skin does most of its repair work, and a thicker emollient or ointment applied in the evening can support that process significantly.
many people find that using a lighter cream during the day and a more occlusive product at night is the most practical combination.
Throughout the day
reapply to dry or irritated areas
keeping a small pot or tube accessible — at your desk, in your bag, in your car — makes it easier to reapply to dry or irritated areas as needed
the barrier benefit of emollients is cumulative rather than lasting, so regular top-ups throughout the day genuinely help.
Timing matters as much as the product itself.
Common moisturising mistakes
Not using enough
Most people use far less than is needed. For an adult applying emollient to the full body, the general clinical guidance is around 500g per week — significantly more than most people use.
Only moisturising during flare-ups
Eczema needs daily maintenance. Stopping as soon as symptoms improve is one of the most reliable ways to trigger another flare-up.
Using fragranced products
This includes many mainstream body lotions and some "natural" products marketed to sensitive skin. Check ingredient lists carefully.
Not patting skin dry before applying
Rubbing with a towel can cause friction and irritation. Pat gently, and apply immediately while the skin still has some moisture.
Skipping after showers
This is when skin loses the most moisture. Waiting more than a few minutes after getting out of the shower significantly reduces how much hydration is locked in.
Small mistakes can make eczema worse over time.
A practical routine to start with
If you're building or refining your approach to eczema skincare, here's what a solid basic routine looks like:
Morning: Apply a fragrance-free cream or lotion after washing. Reapply to any dry areas throughout the day as needed.
Evening (after bathing): Pat skin dry and apply emollient within 2–3 minutes. Consider a thicker cream or ointment on particularly dry or affected areas. If prescribed, apply any topical treatments before the emollient.
Daily supplement: Take 2 tablets of the Skin Support Formula with food to support skin function from within.
The goal is to make this routine automatic rather than reactive — moisturising every day regardless of how your skin looks, not just when symptoms appear.
Why moisturising alone isn’t enough
This is where many people get stuck.
Moisturising:
improves hydration
protects the skin barrier
But eczema is driven by:
inflammation
immune system activity
internal triggers
That’s why symptoms often return even with good skincare.
For many people with persistent eczema, consistent moisturising makes a real difference — but it doesn't fully resolve the condition. This is because eczema isn't only a surface issue.
The chronic inflammation, immune system dysregulation, and nutritional factors that contribute to eczema aren't addressed by topical skincare alone. This is why symptoms often return, even for people with well-established routines. The barrier is being patched from the outside, but the internal environment that affects how the skin functions isn't being addressed.
This is the gap that internal nutritional support is designed to fill. Nutrients like zinc, vitamin D, vitamin C, biotin, and magnesium each play documented roles in skin barrier integrity, immune function, and cellular repair — the same systems that eczema disrupts. Ensuring your body has adequate levels of these nutrients provides the raw materials the skin needs to maintain and regenerate its barrier from within.
Drought's Skin Support Formula contains 14 nutrients selected specifically for their role in skin health — designed to be taken alongside your existing skincare routine, not as a replacement for it. It's manufactured in the UK, suitable for vegetarians, and formulated for consistent daily use over time.
For people whose eczema persists despite good topical care, this kind of internal support is often the missing piece.
A more effective approach: supporting your skin from within
Because eczema is multi-factor, many people now combine:
consistent moisturising
gentle skincare routines
internal skin support
This helps to:
support inflammation balance
strengthen the skin barrier
improve long-term resilience
Skin support for eczema-prone skin
Our supplements are designed to support skin from within—especially for those dealing with:
Chronic eczema
Dry, irritated skin
Recurring flare-ups
Key benefits:
Supports inflammation balance
Helps strengthen the skin barrier
Designed for long-term support
When should you look beyond moisturising?
You may need more than moisturisers if:
flare-ups keep returning
skin remains inflamed
results are inconsistent
These are signs your skin needs deeper support.
FAQs: Moisturising and eczema
Can moisturising cure eczema?
No. Eczema is a chronic condition influenced by genetics, immune function, and environmental factors. Moisturising is one of the most effective ways to manage symptoms and reduce flare-up frequency, but it doesn't address the underlying causes.
How often should I moisturise?
2–4 times daily, or more if needed.
What type of moisturiser is best?
Ointments are often most effective for very dry skin.
What is the best moisturiser for eczema in the UK?
There isn't a single answer — individual responses vary. Products containing ceramides (like CeraVe), colloidal oatmeal (like Aveeno Dermexa), or simple occlusive ingredients (like Cetraben or petroleum-based ointments) are consistently well-regarded. Fragrance-free is non-negotiable.
Should I moisturise even when eczema is clear?
Yes — this helps prevent flare-ups.
Can I get emollients on prescription?
Yes. Several emollients — including Cetraben, Diprobase, and Doublebase — are available on NHS prescription. If you're spending significantly on over-the-counter products, it's worth discussing this with your GP.
Should I moisturise eczema during a flare-up?
Yes — and more frequently than usual. During a flare, the skin barrier is even more compromised than normal, so consistent emollient use is particularly important. If you're using prescribed topical steroids, apply these first and then apply emollient on top.
Is Vaseline good for eczema?
Yes. Petroleum jelly is one of the most evidence-backed occlusive ingredients for dry and eczema-prone skin. It's non-allergenic, effective, and inexpensive. It's particularly useful as a nighttime treatment or on very dry, cracked areas.
Why does my skin still feel dry even with moisturiser?
This could be down to the type of moisturiser (a lotion may not be effective enough for very dry skin), the frequency of application, the timing relative to bathing, or the fact that eczema's internal drivers aren't being addressed by topical care alone.
Final thoughts
Moisturising is the foundation of eczema care—and without it, managing symptoms becomes much harder.
But while it’s essential, it’s not the full solution.
Supporting your skin from within can help reduce flare-ups and improve long-term resilience.
Start your skin support journey →
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