What’s Best for Eczema-Prone Skin?
When your child has eczema, the skincare aisle can quickly become confusing. Creams, lotions, balms and ointments may all claim to moisturise dry or sensitive skin, but they don’t provide the same level of hydration and protection.
Eczema is associated with a weakened skin barrier, which allows moisture to escape more easily and makes the skin more vulnerable to irritants. Choosing the right product can help replace lost moisture, reduce water loss and provide a protective layer over the skin.
Lotion — lightest protection
Lotions have a higher water content and lower oil content, giving them a thin consistency that absorbs quickly.
Best suited to: Mild dryness, larger areas of skin or warmer weather when a heavier product isn’t needed.
For children with very dry or actively flaring eczema, lotions often aren’t rich enough to provide lasting barrier protection and may require frequent reapplication.
Cream — everyday moisture + barrier support
Creams contain a mixture of water and oils, making them richer than lotions but still easy to spread and absorb.
Best suited to: Everyday moisturising, mild-to-moderate dryness and maintaining the skin barrier between flares.
A thick, fragrance-free cream can be a great everyday option for eczema-prone skin, particularly when applied soon after bathing to help retain moisture.
Balm — richer barrier support
Balms generally contain more oils and waxes and less water than traditional creams, creating a thicker protective layer over the skin.
Best suited to: Very dry, irritated areas or targeted areas that need additional barrier protection.
Balms can be particularly useful on areas that are repeatedly exposed to moisture or irritation, such as around the mouth, hands, knees and elbows.
Ointment — strongest occlusive barrier
Ointments contain very little water and a high proportion of oils or occlusive ingredients. Rather than simply adding moisture, they form a protective layer over the skin that significantly reduces water loss.
Best suited to: Very dry, cracked or actively inflamed eczema and times when the skin barrier needs maximum protection.
Ointments can also be useful before swimming or bathing to provide an additional barrier between vulnerable skin and potential irritants.
So, which should you choose?
Think of them as a spectrum:
Lotion → Cream → Balm → Ointment
Lightest → Richest
More water → More oil/occlusion
There isn’t one product that’s best for every child or every stage of eczema. You might use a cream for everyday moisturising, a balm on particularly dry areas, and an ointment during a flare or when the skin needs greater protection.
One of the most important things is finding a fragrance-free product that your child’s skin tolerates and that you’ll realistically apply regularly.
Little Eczema Warriors tip: Apply moisturiser generously and regularly, particularly after bathing while the skin is still slightly damp. If a product consistently stings, causes redness or seems to make itching worse, stop using it and reassess the ingredients. Persistent, infected or severe eczema should be assessed by your child’s healthcare professional