“Ultimately the wrong cleanser can make eczema worse, contributing to dryness, irritation, and inflammation,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology and an associate professor at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. While the wrong cleanser can do more harm than good, “the right cleanser can actually leave the skin hydrated,” he adds. Read on to find out the best cleansing method for atopic dermatitis so you can feel your best even if you’re experiencing a flare-up.
Why You Should Skip the Soap
If you love a classic soap, here’s the bad news: Traditional soaps can be too harsh for people with atopic dermatitis, stripping the skin of natural oils that help retain water. “When you wash away these oils, the skin dries out, which can make you prone to eczema flares,” says Benjamin Ungar, MD, the director of the rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis clinic and an assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. On top of that, the average pH level of soap ranges from 9 to 10, which is considered alkaline, while the skin’s normal pH hovers at 4 to 5, which is more neutral, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI). “True soaps have an alkaline pH and can further disrupt the outer skin layer,” Dr. Zeichner says. One additional concern is that soaps may contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which creates lather, and is a compound that can irritate eczema-prone skin, the AAAAI notes.
Seek Out Fragrance-Free Cleansers Formulated for Sensitive Skin
If you have eczema, grabbing any old non-soap cleanser at the drugstore won’t do. “Because people with atopic dermatitis have sensitive skin that can be dried out and irritated easily, it’s important that the cleansing products used are directed toward sensitive skin,” says Dr. Ungar. You’ll want to steer clear of scented cleansers, too. “People with eczema are often sensitive to fragrances, so it’s generally advisable to select products that are fragrance-free when possible,” Ungar notes. Bottom line: Look for a fragrance-free cleanser designed for sensitive skin. “This doesn’t guarantee that it will be the right product, as everyone is different and should see how their skin responds, but it’s a very good starting point,” says Ungar.
Watch Out for Ingredients That Can Trigger Allergies or That Are Drying
In addition to red flags like fragrance, people should be mindful that a cleanser may contain an ingredient that triggers a skin allergy. “If someone notices that a product worsens the eczema, then it may be worthwhile to see a dermatologist to assess whether further testing for allergies to certain ingredients might make sense,” Ungar says. According to the National Eczema Association, the following ingredients may be irritating to people with eczema:
Tea tree oilUreaRetinoidsLanolinCocamidopropyl betainePropylene glycolEthanol
Also beware of super-sudsy cleansers. “Lathering or foaming cleansers generally are more drying than hydrating,” Zeichner notes.
6 Non-Soap Cleansers for Atopic Dermatitis
Shopping for personal care products is often daunting even without the extra challenge of eczema. Here are some fragrance-free non-soap cleansers to look for at the drugstore. CeraVe Soothing Body Wash for Very Dry Skin Approved by the National Eczema Association, this body cleanser contains omega-3 fatty acids to help fight skin inflammation. Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash This cleanser features oatmeal, a well-known home remedy for eczema. (The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people with atopic dermatitis take a “colloidal” bath with finely ground oatmeal for symptom relief.) Cetaphil PRO Eczema-Prone Skin Body Wash The goal of this body wash is to cleanse the skin without drying. Patented “Filaggrin” technology allegedly helps the skin hold onto its natural moisture. Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream Body Wash This nonfoaming cleanser boasts that it’s nondrying and is especially gentle on eczema. It’s formulated with colloidal oatmeal and ceramides (fatty acids found in skin) to help lock in moisture. Vanicream Gentle Body Wash Another National Eczema Association–approved body wash, this cleanser is free of all the potential ingredients that people with eczema should run from (dye, fragrance, lanolin, parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde releasers). Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser Some facial cleansers are too aggressive for people with atopic dermatitis, but this one won’t aggravate skin while it washes away grime and bacteria.
