Jeanine Downie, MD has faced eczema her whole life. “For me, eczema gets worse in the winter,” she says. “You need to pay attention to when it gets worse and stop scratching it.” That’s because rubbing eczema causes the skin to become more inflamed and itchy, so you have to be vigilant to break the itch-scratch cycle.
To do so, Dr. Downie, a board-certified dermatologist in Montclair, New Jersey, and founder of Image Dermatology, follows a winter body care routine that keeps moisture high and reduced itchy. Learn about her favorite products and the best tips she uses to manage her eczema below.
9 Ways Dr Downie Takes Care Of Her Body Like A Dermatologist With Eczema
1. Use an unscented moisturizing shower gel
“I’m a wet kid so I like Aveeno Skin Relief Unscented Body Wash ($11) and Dove Sensitive Skin Shower ($9) because many other make my skin itchy and dry significantly,” says the doctor. .Downie. In addition to a nourishing face wash, you need to make sure you’re keeping your shower temperature low. “I only take warm baths – even if you don’t have eczema, you shouldn’t take hot showers” because they dry out your skin, says Dr. Downie.
Dove Sensitive Skin Shower Gel — $9.00
This fragrance-free shower gel combines a combination of natural skin-nourishing agents and plant-based moisturizers to care for sensitive skin while gently cleansing.
2. Moisturizing
As soon as Dr. Downie comes out of the shower, she will apply Cetaphil moisturizer ($12) or Aveeno Eczema Treatment Itch Relief Balm ($20). Both are fragrance-free (essential for eczema-prone skin) and are rich in moisturizing and soothing ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, and colloidal oats.
Cetaphil Moisturizer — $12.00
This fragrance-free cream instantly replenishes, nourishes and soothes dry skin for up to 48 hours with hydrating glycerin and vitamin B5 plus soothing niacinamide. It has been clinically proven to restore your moisture barrier within a week.
Aveeno Eczema Treatment Itch Relief Balm — $20.00
Colloidal oatmeal and ceramides allow this balm to provide immediate and long-lasting relief from itching
by moisturizing and soothing the skin. It is so good that it has been awarded the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Approval.
3. Moisturize with body oil
After applying the cream, Dr. Downie will absorb all that moisture with Johnson’s Fragrance-Free Baby Oil ($19) or Aveeno Skin Relief Bath & Body Oil ($19).
Johnson’s Baby Oil Unscented — $19.00
Johnson’s unscented mineral oil is hard to find in the states, but this one from Japan does the trick. It will moisturize your skin without a hint of fragrance.
4. Sleep with a humidifier
Dr Downie says: “I recommend that people with eczema sleep with a standalone humidifier in the bedroom. “It adds moisture to your skin, hair and nails.” The Canopy Humidifier ($150) is a great choice.
Roof Humidifier — $150.00
This cute yet powerful humidifier supplies water to rooms up to 500 square feet. By infusing the air with ultrafine water molecules, it promotes healthy skin, nails and hair, and relieves cold and flu symptoms. Plus, these parts are dishwasher-safe, making them easy to clean.
5. Stay away from hand sanitizer
Dr Downie says, especially when the air is stale and dry, “absolutely no hand sanitizer — it will make your hands look like the back of a turtle”. Choose to wash in warm water with mild soap and plenty of hand cream.
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6. Take an antihistamine when the itching is intense
When your skin itch doesn’t stop, Dr. Downie says taking an antihistamine like Claratin can work wonders. “It will reduce the itch, which will ultimately reduce the damage to your skin because you won’t be scratching as much,” she says.
7. Cut your nails short
Another way to break the itch-scratch cycle? Get rid of your nails, the most available scratching tool.
8. Maintain a healthy exercise regimen
“With eczema, psoriasis and thousands of other skin disorders, it’s better to exercise,” says Dr. Downie. She explains that exercise can help lower your stress levels, help reduce inflammation in the body, and reduce the occurrence of these conditions. That’s why she exercises regularly. Worried about irritating sweat? Just remember to shower as soon as you finish your workout. “Exercise will lower your stress levels and boost your circulation,” which helps prevent eczema flare-ups.
9. Skip the perfume
Although perfume is not usually a cure for eczema, Dr. Downie still likes to use perfume. “But when the eczema gets worse in the winter, I don’t wear perfume,” she says.
Get more tips for winter dry skin:
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