Beauty Tips For People With Eczema
Your Eczema-Prone Skin Will Thank You After Trying These Soothing Makeup Products
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If you suffer from eczema, you know how frustrating one of the itch fests it causes can be. Combine that with redness, dry patches, and flaky skin, and you'll probably wish you had a dermatologist on-call 24/7. While treating the issue can be tricky, there are a few makeup tips that can help ease your frustration.
Before we jump in, New York-based dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler, who is also a consultant for Chanel's skin care range, suggests being smart when shopping for new items. "Use makeup from a reputable company, where you can go to a counter, sample things, and ask questions," Wechsler says. "And always do a test spot when trying new products."
With that said, ahead are several makeup goodies — from a color-corrector infused with superfruits to a hydrating foundation — to consider adding to your arsenal if you battle eczema.
Mild Cleansers Are Best
Before you reach for your makeup brush, it's important to cleanse skin with a product that leaves it feeling fresh, not stripped. One option is Glossier's Milky Jelly Cleanser ($18), which has a nondrying, gel-like texture and contains rosewater and vitamin B5, among other ingredients, to combat dehydration.
Go For Fragrance-Free Products
Once skin is cleansed, you'll need a quality moisturizer. According to Dr. Wechsler, "fragrance-free is one good step," as these products tend to be less harsh on skin. "Fewer ingredients is usually better and sensitive skin claims are good as well," she says.
Dr. Wechsler recommends Chanel La Solution 10 de Chanel ($80-$110), which is targeted to sensitive skin and features only 10 ingredients, including rare silver needle tea that's filled with antioxidants. Plus, it's alcohol- and fragrance-free.
We also like Peet Rivko's Balancing Face Oil ($56), a fragrance-free formula infused with nourishing ingredients like organic avocado, jojoba, and prickly pear oils.
Try a Hydrating Foundation
Finding the right foundation requires a ton of trial and error, especially if you have eczema. "I always suggest that people with eczema and sensitive skin do a test spot on their face for three days with any new product to see if they tolerate it well," says Dr. Wechsler.
Search for a foundation that hydrates skin. One medium-coverage option with a creamy texture is Chanel Vitalumière Moisture-Rich Radiance Sunscreen Fluid Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($60). It contains SPF 15 to help protect your complexion from sun exposure, which can further stress your skin.
Hyaluronic Acid Has Benefits
Hyaluronic acid has great benefits for those with dry and flaky skin caused by eczema. "Hyaluronic acid is a great moisturizer for all skin types, and eczema skin types have to be extra diligent about dry skin care, and this is one great ingredient for that," says Dr. Weschler.
On days when you want to switch up your liquid foundation routine, give a moisturizing compact that's packed with hyaluronic acid a whirl. One that's worth a try: IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Compact With SPF 50+ ($38). A follow-up to the brand's cult-favorite moisturizer, Confidence in a Cream, this serum foundation is infused with the same moisturizing ingredients along with hyaluronic acid for added hydration.
Consider Cream Products
"Creams are inherently more moisturizing than powders and liquids," says Dr. Wechsler. Whenever possible, it pays for eczema sufferers to incorporate them into their makeup routine. Brands like RMS Beauty carry lightweight cream products — including its Living Luminizer ($38) — which keep skin supple using organic ingredients such as coconut and castor oils.
Use Gentle Tools
Makeup-lovers with eczema should pay special attention to brushes used for application. "The bristles should be super soft," Dr. Wechsler warns. "This is a place to spend extra as good brushes, when cared for properly, last a very long time."
The BeautyBlender ($20) makeup sponge is another good alternative, as it applies product without irritation. Because you're meant to use it damp, it leaves skin with a dewy feel.
Avoid Lip Plumpers
When it comes to lip products, Dr. Wechsler says there's one type to bypass. "Avoid lip plumpers because they are irritating," she says. "A perfect lip product for women suffering from eczema is one which is moisturizing."
Formulas like NYX Butter Gloss ($5) keep lips soft while offering an impressive color payoff without any stickiness. Even better, there are more than 30 shades in the range, so you can achieve a bold look, subtle sheen, or anything between.
Color-Correctors Are Your Friends
Eczema flare-ups can leave skin with everything from redness to a dull appearance. Color-correcting can come in handy whenever this is your reality.
The Hello FAB 3 in 1 Superfruit Color Correcting Cushion ($36) from First Aid Beauty tackles redness, helps to even out your complexion, and revives drab-looking skin. Bonus: it's loaded with a blend of superfruits — dragon fruit, kiwi, and blueberry — to soothe and nourish.
