For Eczema Awareness Month, L&rsquo;OFFICIEL asks dermatologists to break down some of the most common misconceptions about eczema&mdash;and share the best ways to manage and prevent flare-ups.&nbsp;

Living with eczema is no easy feat. Much like acne-prone skin, those with eczema have to tread carefully when choosing makeup, skincare, and even haircare products. One small trigger, and a stubborn flare-up can follow&mdash;sometimes leaving behind lasting marks. While mild cases can often be managed with the right routine, more severe eczema may make wearing makeup or trying new products feel impossible. That&rsquo;s why brands like Tower 28 have become leaders in eczema-safe beauty, creating formulas designed with sensitive skin in mind. Even the scalp isn&rsquo;t immune&mdash;scalp eczema can make haircare just as tricky to navigate.
But managing eczema goes beyond choosing the right ingredients. Lifestyle habits play a major role, too.
In honor of Eczema Awareness Month, L&rsquo;OFFICIEL turns to leading dermatologists for the ultimate guide on understanding eczema&mdash;plus the safest, most effective ways to prevent, manage, and treat it.

<h2 style="text-align: center;">What Causes Eczema Flare-Ups?</h2>

Getty Images.

L&rsquo;OFFICIEL: For readers who may not fully understand eczema, could you explain what it is and what typically causes flare-ups?&nbsp;
DR. MARISA GARSHICK: Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It&rsquo;s often linked to a weakened skin barrier, which makes it harder for the skin to retain moisture and easier for irritants or allergens to penetrate. Flare-ups can be triggered by things like dry weather, stress, harsh soaps, certain fabrics, or even temperature changes. Essentially, the skin becomes more reactive, and that can lead to the cycle of itching and inflammation, which is why it is often thought of as the itch that rashes.&nbsp;
L&rsquo;O: What are some of the biggest misconceptions you encounter about eczema?&nbsp;
MG: One big misconception is that eczema is just dry skin and can be fixed with any moisturizer. In reality, it&rsquo;s an inflammatory skin condition that requires targeted care and often treatments in addition to moisturizers. Another misconception is that steroid creams are dangerous when, in fact, when used correctly under medical guidance, they&rsquo;re very effective and safe. Some people also assume that eczema only occurs in the winter months, and while some people may notice increased flare-ups in the winter months, some individuals may also worsen in the summer and find their condition worsens with heat and sweating.&nbsp;

<h2 style="text-align: center;">How to Manage Eczema</h2>

L&rsquo;O: How much of eczema management is genetic versus environmental? Can lifestyle changes make a real difference in controlling symptoms?&nbsp;
MG: Both genetics and environmental factors have a role in eczema. Genetics are important, as if a parent has eczema, asthma, or seasonal allergies, there is an increased risk of eczema.&nbsp; That said, environmental factors can influence eczema as well, including humidity, stress, sleep, and the frequency of bathing. Stress and lack of sleep are well-known triggers, as they can trigger inflammation. While specific foods may not be as much of a trigger as some may believe, some people may find that certain foods exacerbate their skin conditions and that following a diet that is low in processed foods can be helpful. Staying hydrated, managing stress, and maintaining a good sleep routine are important aspects of eczema management.&nbsp;
DR. JESSIE CHEUNG: Stress raises cortisol, which disrupts both the immune system and barrier recovery. Sleep loss amplifies itch and inflammation. Diets high in sugar and processed foods can worsen inflammation, while omega-3s, antioxidants, and hydration help calm it. Mindfulness, breathwork, and consistent rest really do make a visible difference.
L&rsquo;O: What are your top do&rsquo;s and don&rsquo;ts for someone living with eczema on a daily basis?&nbsp;
JC:
<ul>
<li>Do:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Moisturize immediately after bathing, within 60 seconds, to lock in hydration.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use fragrance-free, pH-balanced cleansers.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stick with lukewarm water, not hot.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Choose cotton or bamboo fabrics that breathe.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Keep a consistent skincare routine, not a revolving door of new products.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Don&rsquo;t:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scratch or over-exfoliate.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use scented detergents or dryer sheets.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Take long, hot showers.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Skip moisturizer, even on &ldquo;good&rdquo; skin days.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Eczema Treatments</h2>

L&rsquo;O: When a flare-up happens, what are the best immediate steps someone can take to soothe their skin and prevent it from worsening?
JC: Stop the itch-scratch cycle fast. Apply a cool compress for a few minutes. Use your prescribed anti-inflammatory cream or a low-potency steroid if appropriate. Immediately seal with a thick moisturizer or ointment. Avoid heat, friction, and harsh fabrics. Short, cool baths with colloidal oatmeal or diluted bleach, or sodium hypochlorous sprays can also reduce bacteria and calm inflammation.
L&rsquo;O: How does treatment or daily care differ for those with more moderate to severe eczema, compared to those with mild cases?
JC: &nbsp;Mild eczema can often be managed with regular barrier repair and short courses of low-potency steroids or non-steroid creams. Moderate to severe eczema usually requires a layered approach with prescription anti-inflammatories, targeted biologics or JAK inhibitors, light therapy, and structured skincare routines that maintain remission once inflammation is under control. You should always follow up with your dermatologist if your skin isn't improving with your current regimen.

L&rsquo;O: For those managing more severe eczema, how do you approach balancing prescription treatments with everyday skincare?
MG: Prescription medications like topical steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or systemic treatments like biologics help calm inflammation, while barrier-supporting skincare helps maintain results between flares and prevents flare-ups from happening. I often tell patients that the prescriptions treat the inflammation, but your daily skincare prevents the next flare. Prescriptions should not replace everyday skincare but should be used in conjunction.&nbsp;
L&rsquo;O: Are there any newer therapies or innovations&mdash;like biologics, light therapy, or barrier repair treatments&mdash;that have shown promise for more persistent eczema?
MG: Biologics such as dupilumab and JAK inhibitors have changed the way we approach moderate to severe eczema, targeting the specific immune pathways driving eczema. There are always new innovations in barrier care, and more recently, with a focus on microbiome, as a way to help support the skin barrier and improve signs and symptoms of eczema. The science is definitely evolving, but there is definitely something to microbiome-focused products that can be helpful in eczema. Products that support the microbiome and strengthen the skin barrier can complement traditional treatments by helping reduce flare frequency and maintain balance between flares.

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Habits For Avoiding Eczema Flare-Ups</h2>

L&rsquo;O: How important is consistency in a skincare routine for someone with severe eczema, and what does an ideal regimen look like day to day?
JC: &nbsp;Consistency and early intervention are key. I look at eczema as both a barrier disorder and an immune imbalance, often linked to gut dysbiosis and sluggish detox pathways. The skin reflects what&rsquo;s happening internally&mdash;when the gut lining is compromised or the microbiome is imbalanced, inflammatory molecules can spill over and trigger flares. I recommend adding supplements to support the liver's detoxification pathways and lower histamine and oxidative stress, rebuild the gut lining and microbiome, and reduce processed foods.&nbsp;
DR. HAROLD LANCER: A simple, repeatable daily regimen is far more effective than a complex but irregular one. Ideal routine: In the morning, use a gentle cleanser, rich moisturizer, and broad-spectrum SPF. At night, use a gentle cleanser, thicker emollient or ointment, and targeted treatments (as prescribed). Additional barrier repair products as needed. Avoid frequent product switching, keep the routine stable.
L&rsquo;O: Are there any common habits or &ldquo;helpful&rdquo; routines people might think are soothing but actually make eczema worse?
JC: Yes, over-cleansing, over-exfoliating, and overusing &ldquo;active&rdquo; ingredients like glycolic acid, retinoids, or essential oils. Hot showers and daily product switching can also wreak havoc. Sensitive skin thrives on stability, not variety.
HL: Frequent switching of skincare&mdash;introducing multiple new actives at once can trigger irritation. Also, avoid wearing fabrics like wool or heavily dyed synthetics, as they increase friction/irritation.

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Eczema-Irritating Ingredients</h2>

L&rsquo;O: What are some ingredients in skincare that people with eczema should generally avoid?
JC: Skip fragrance, essential oils, alcohol-based toners, sulfates, and strong acids. Even &ldquo;clean&rdquo; or &ldquo;natural&rdquo; products can be problematic &mdash; coconut oil, for example, can be comedogenic and irritating for some.
HL: Harsh surfactants, high-alcohol toners, high-strength acids, and aggressive exfoliants if the barrier is already impaired. You should also avoid heavy fragrance laundry detergents, strong fabric softeners, or dyes.

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Eczema-Safe Makeup</h2>

L&rsquo;O: When it comes to makeup, are there specific types of formulations or ingredients that are safer&mdash;or ones that tend to cause irritation?
MG: Choose makeup labeled &ldquo;fragrance-free,&rdquo; &ldquo;hypoallergenic,&rdquo; or &ldquo;for sensitive skin.&rdquo; Mineral-based formulations often cause less irritation. Avoid waterproof products, as they typically require stronger removers that can strip the skin of its natural oils.&nbsp;
HL: Pressed powders may be preferable to loose powders (less airborne particulate).

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Eczema-Safe Skincare</h2>

L&rsquo;O: Are there any specific brands or product lines that you generally find are eczema-safe or suitable for sensitive skin?
MG: I love the La Roche-Posay products for those with eczema and those with sensitive skin, as they are gentle and effective and incorporate the La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, which combines minerals, trace elements, and selenium, which is soothing on the skin. Additionally, many of the products have been accepted by the National Eczema Association. Vanicream also contains products that are free of common allergens, including dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde, making them a great option for those with eczema.&nbsp;
JC: I like Vanicream, La Roche-Posay Lipikar, Eucerin, CeraVe, and Avene&mdash;they&rsquo;re formulated without fragrance and focus on barrier repair. Colloidal oatmeal creams and ceramide balms are excellent for maintenance between flares.
L&rsquo;O: Beyond prescription treatments, what over-the-counter products or ingredients do you usually recommend for maintaining the skin barrier and managing mild eczema?
MG: La Roche-Posay&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.laroche-posay.us/offers/exclusive-value-sets/lipikar-ap--cleansing-oil-ap-m-moisturizing-cream-set-lipikaroilandbalmset.html?srsltid=AfmBOorAbYz2GZwWZMuXWupWw-ps1Dn_hslfC1y0bxbRuNmL31tinGe8">Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil &amp; AP+M Moisturizing Cream Set</a> is a great option for those with mild eczema as the Cleansing Oil gently cleanses and removes dirt and debris, while keeping the skin feeling soft and hydrated while the Moisturizing Cream incorporates the La Roche Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water, Ceramides, Shea Butter, Glycerin and Niacinamide to improve hydration while also soothing the skin. These products are approved by the National Eczema Association and can be used on babies and adults. Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.laroche-posay.us/offers/exclusive-value-sets/lipikar-ap--body-wash-ap-m-moisturizing-cream-set-lipikarwashandbalmset.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqKDB1CpUxgLZ46ryuOJo0byjNQZJufe_TYwT0HiESiKH7sAoaV">Lipikar AP+ Body Wash &amp; AP+M Moisturizing Cream Set</a> incorporates a moisturizing body wash to boost moisture and prevent the skin from feeling dry, while the Moisturizing Cream helps to reduce rough dry skin and provides 48-hour hydration. It helps to replenish the skin&rsquo;s lipids which helps to alleviate dry and sensitive skin.&nbsp;
HL: Colloidal oatmeal, niacinamide, glycerin&mdash;barrier-supporting hydrators. Non-fragranced, rich emollients (petroleum-based ointments remain the gold standard). Melatonin and calming peptides are emerging but still adjuncts.

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Eczema-Safe Haircare</h2>

L&rsquo;O: Eczema doesn&rsquo;t just affect the face or body; many people struggle with it on the scalp. What should people with scalp eczema look for or avoid in haircare products like shampoos and styling treatments?
&nbsp;MG: For scalp eczema, avoid products with fragrance or alcohol, and choose gentle, sulfate-free shampoos. Keep styling products minimal and avoid heavy buildup on the scalp, which can contribute to more irritation.&nbsp;
JC: Use zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or selenium-based shampoos a few times a week, alternating with a gentle, fragrance-free hydrating shampoo. Avoid heavy styling products, dry shampoos, and alcohol sprays that dry the scalp. For severe cases, topical steroids or non-steroid foams can calm inflammation quickly. Look for products that support the scalp microbiome.&nbsp;

The Safest, Most Effective Ways to Prevent and Treat Eczema, According to Dermatologists

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