Question: My skin gets really dry in the winter. Some doctors have suggested I might have a mild case of eczema. What is the best moisturizer to use?
Answer: Seeing as I am a mega dry-hand sufferer myself, I've thought a lot about this question, and tried a lot of products. Hardly anything seems to be able to keep up with my schedule of constant handwashing (we are supposed to do it before and after every patient!), so I often slack when it comes to frequent reapplication. But then living with cracked and bleeding hands starts to get on my nerves, and I look for relief again.
Here's the deal: You need a lotion that has a lower water content and a higher oil content. Lotions that are high on the water content can actually worsen the problem, especially in the setting of eczema. Even more useful? Ointments, which boast zero water content. People often skip the ointments because they feel they are too oily, but if you can get past that, boy do they work!
Among heavier lotions/creams, here are a few of the best: Eucerin, Nutraderm, Cetaphil, CeraVe, Aveeno.
Among ointments, I recommend: Aquaphor, petroleum jelly (that's right--Vaseline!)
I posted a picture of CeraVe at the top of this post, because this has really made a difference for me. On the advice of some local, trusted dermatologists, I'd recommended the product to many patients, but never tried it myself. I thought nothing could fully heal my skin (except for summer's delightful humidity), but the morning after my first application, I was impressed. My skin was noticeably less dry and rough, and the effect lasted. Score! CeraVe says that its products have a sustained release formula to help it keep on working over the course of hours. Whatever it does, consider me impressed. Most of the products I've mentioned can be found at any drugstore. CeraVe, however, is not always at my local stores. I turned to soap.com instead, and had it delivered right to my door. :)
My sister also swears by this California Baby Calming cream. I don't know much about it, but I'm a fan of many other California Baby products, so you might want to give it a go!
I'll cross my (less dry) fingers for you that you find something on this list that works for you. :)
**This is not a sponsored post!
