My Current Eczema & Dry Skin Go-To’s

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional – please consult your GP or a dermatologist if you are really struggling with your skin, and remember to patch test new products before applying to large patches of skin.

I’ve suffered with my skin for as long as I can remember – I’m pretty sure I was born with eczema, and I’ve got vague memories of being lathered in lotions and potions growing up.

I grew out of my eczema for a while, then in my twenties, it came back with a vengeance. I’m lucky enough to be blessed with the sensational combination of eczema, dermatitis herpetiformis and generally dry skin. I’ve tried all sorts, both prescribed lotions and various brands – trust me, my bathroom is a shrine to Tesco Pharmacy and Holland & Barrett!

I try all sorts of lotion and potions to try and relieve the itch of eczema and the dry skin that comes after a flareup – here are a couple of my over the counter favourites.

Dr Organic Manuka Honey Rescue Cream

I first read about this in someone’s eczema blog years ago – I wish I could remember whose it was – you’re a lifesaver!

I love Dr Organic’s Manuka Honey range, but my favourite has to be the Rescue Cream. I particularly use it as face cream – I tend to get flare-ups under my eyebrows, around my mouth and on my earlobes. It’s super moisturising, and sinks in really easily – it doesn’t sting irritated skin like some other moisturizers tend to do. The combination of organic Manuka honey, cocoa butter, vitamin E and beeswax is so gentle, and it smells divine!

Epaderm

I first started using this in ointment form, where its really thick and gunky – I’m currently using it below my eyebrows where my skin is currently really dry and flaky. For my body though I much prefer the lotion form. It comes in a big pump bottle, best generously slathered on after a shower. It takes a bit of working in to sink in but is a really good moisturiser. Plus its SLS free, which is really important for eczema prone skin! I get mine via prescription but it’s available to buy if you aren’t being prescribed it.

T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel

Ok, so its not a moisturiser, but this is a vital new addition to my eczema care routine! I struggle, as so many do, with broken skin from itching so much, and often suffer from weeping bits of eczema (yum, so glamourous) – I’ve been dabbing this on sore patches and its been a miracle worker for drying up any nasty patches. It also seems to take away a fair bit of itching, as well as bruises!

Child’s Farm Grapefruit & Organic Tea Tree Oil Moisturiser

You might remember the buzz in the press about this as being a lifesaver for eczema and psoriasis – as a result it took me 2 weeks of going round shops to find it (actually it was my mum that eventually found it – thanks mum!). It’s certainly very soothing – I use the Unfragranced Moisturiser, as well as the Grapefruit & Organic Tea Tree Oil Hand Wash and the Unfragranced Baby Wash in the shower.

Melolin Dressings

Alongside my dry skin and eczema, I’ve always had a problem with scratching and skin picking. It’s the taboo side of skin problems but it means I’ve usually got scabs and open wounds somewhere on me. I find that covering it when it’s really bad can help with the healing and stopping your clothes sticking to your skin.

What are your recommendations for dry skin? Let me know in the comments below – I’m always keen for new suggestions!