I’ve Tried Dozens of Products to Treat My Eczema, and These Are The 5 Best

I usually judge body lotions based on their scent, but no fancy ones come near my skin during the winter. Fragrances can exacerbate eczema by causing more redness and inflammation, which is why Avéne's lotion is my go-to this time of year. A little bit goes a long way, so one $30 bottle usually lasts me the entire season. What makes it a standout is that Avéne's formula doesn't just relieve eczema symptoms, but works to repair and rehydrate skin. 

This body wash is fragrance-free and gentle enough to use when I'm dealing with eczema flare-ups. It cleanses skin but doesn't strip it of any natural oils, which is crucial when you're dealing with extreme dryness to begin with. 

Oatmeal is a tried-and-true DIY for relieving itchiness from chicken pox, and it works wonders for relieving eczema, too. That's why it's the hero ingredient in First Aid Beauty's moisturizer specifically formulated for dry, irritated skin. On top of oatmeal, the non-greasy cream is also packed with ceramides; the lipids that repair the skin's barrier and trap moisture in. Bonus: It also makes a great facial moisturizer for eczema-prone skin. 

I treat Province Apothecary's balm like a spot treatment for my eczema. A little bit of the calendula and zinc mixture instantly soothes itchiness, swelling, and redness. It also has rosehip oil in it to prevent post-eczema flare-up scars. 

There's nothing sexy about struggling with eczema, so it's fitting that an unattractive tub of Vaseline is excellent at healing dry patches. I like rubbing a bit of Vaseline on extremely bad flare-ups where my skin is raw and cracked. It seals the moisture in, and protects the rash from getting irritated. It's cheap, effective, and once you try it, you'll understand why dermatologists (and your mom) always recommend it.