Kosterina’s Extra Virgin Moisturizing Cream is not suitable for eczema

I’ve dealt with eczema my whole life and can tell you from personal experience that there’s no time of year that makes it worse than winter. When the ice-cold temperatures hit, my skin broke out and itched uncomfortably, leaving my skin red and flaky all over. During my eczema I tried a lot of moisturizers to help reduce flaking and flare-ups, staying away from oil-based products because they often give me breakouts. That’s why I’m so impressed with Kosterina’s Extra Virgin Moisturizer ($30) – it’s the only oil-based moisturizer that doesn’t leave my skin breakouts.

You may know Kosterina because its attenuated Greek olive oil is so delicious you can practically drink it right out of the bottle. But it’s not just for eating—Kosterina capitalizes on the wonders of olive oil and also creates beauty products, like lip balm, deodorant, and this fragrant face cream. Those antioxidants are just as powerful inside your body as they are on your skin.

Since having eczema meant that my skin barrier was compromised, it was essential to restore hydration, which is exactly what Kosterina’s Extra Virgin Moisturizer does, thanks to an Large amount of super humectants and humectants. Features glycerin, a humectant that helps add moisture and moisture to the skin, while shea butter, an emollient, helps soften skin, smoothing rough texture and reducing inflammation. “The fatty acids from shea butter have a soothing, anti-inflammatory effect that often helps improve itching,” says Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at The Dermatology Group. Schweiger, previously told Well + Good.

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I’ve been using the moisturizer for the past three weeks, applying it morning and night, and I’ve noticed overall more nourished, less patchy skin. Its hydrating power lasts for about 5-8 hours (I reapply it twice more after the first application.) I can combine it with my other serums, whether they’re oil-based or not. No. (Usually, I find that oil-based, non-comedogenic serums absorb better into my dry skin.) However, since this is already an oil-based product, I prefer to combine it with more oil-free products so as not to double up. reduced emollients, including Thayers Rose Petal Toner ($11) and Olay’s Vitamin C + Peptide Serum ($30). Together, all three products leave my skin as soft as marshmallows.

Since Kosterina’s Extra Virgin Moisturizer is non-comedogenic, I don’t have to worry about it clogging my pores (which is a plus for me and my sometimes acne-prone forehead area.) The moisturizer is okay. Packaged in a pump bottle in blue and white, colors reminiscent of the dome churches of Santorini and the Mediterranean. In texture and scent, moisturizer is like a slice of lemon cake: It’s creamy like frosting and smells like lemon trees. um.

All in all, moisturizer has quickly become a must in my skincare arsenal. It has kept my skin soothed during those bone-chilling dry and cold days when my eczema didn’t show up, while also keeping my skin barrier smooth and fresh. Now, that’s the moisturizer I’ve always used, and if you’re struggling with eczema-prone skin, I recommend it as well.