Medically Reviewed By:
Dr. Hema Sathish, MBBS, DD (UK)
Cosmetic Dermatologist
Co-Founder cum Organic Skincare Formulator, The Good Hygiene Company
Healthy, radiant skin is more than a cosmetic desire—it’s closely linked to how we feel about ourselves. For individuals living with eczema or sensitive skin, maintaining skin health can be a daily challenge. One of the most essential steps in managing these conditions is choosing the right body moisturizer for sensitive skin—not just for hydration but for long-term relief and skin barrier support.
Why Moisturizers Matter for Sensitive and Eczema-Prone Skin
Skin affected by eczema or chronic dryness often shows visible cracks, feels tight or itchy, and may sting or burn. These symptoms are not only physically uncomfortable but can also have a psychological impact, lowering self-esteem and quality of life.
Whether the skin is generally healthy or affected by conditions like eczema, proper moisturization is crucial. Moisturizers don’t just soften and smooth the skin; they serve as an essential barrier-supporting therapy that helps to:
- Prevent moisture loss
- Soothe inflammation
- Reduce itchiness
- Speed up healing
- Support the skin’s natural repair process
How Do Moisturizers Work?
The outermost layer of the skin—the stratum corneum—functions like a brick-and-mortar wall, with corneocytes as bricks and lipids (ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol) as mortar. When this barrier is compromised, as in eczema or sensitive skin, water evaporates more easily and irritants can enter, triggering inflammation.
Moisturizers help manage this by functioning in three key ways:
- Humectants (like glycerin and urea) draw water into the skin.
- Emollients (like ceramides and fatty acids) fill gaps between skin cells, making skin feel smooth.
- Occlusives (like petrolatum) form a barrier to prevent water loss.
By restoring hydration and reinforcing the skin’s barrier, moisturizers break the dry-skin cycle and reduce the need for corticosteroids in eczema management.
Key Benefits of Moisturizers Beyond Hydration
1. Anti-Inflammatory Action
Moisturizers that contain ingredients like glycyrrhetinic acid, ceramides, and Vitis vinifera (grape seed extract) can help suppress inflammatory markers and cytokines that fuel skin flare-ups. These agents not only calm the skin but also help reduce redness and irritation over time.
2. Itch Relief (Antipruritic)
Water-based moisturizers or those with menthol provide a cooling sensation that can alleviate itching—a major concern in eczema. Reducing itch helps prevent scratching, which in turn prevents further barrier damage.
3. Wound Healing Support
Hyaluronic acid, commonly found in high-quality moisturizers, has been shown to accelerate wound healing by maintaining a moist environment and supporting skin regeneration.
4. Slows Skin Cell Overgrowth
Some moisturizers, particularly those containing mineral oils, exhibit antimitotic effects—useful in conditions like psoriasis where skin cell turnover is abnormally high. (1)
What Research Says About Moisturizers in Eczema
Clinical reviews have evaluated dozens of moisturizers in people with eczema across various age groups. Overall, most moisturizers showed positive outcomes in reducing flare-ups, improving skin appearance, and decreasing the need for topical steroids.
- Urea-based moisturizers showed improvement in dryness and flare frequency but were associated with a slightly higher rate of adverse events like stinging.(2)
- Glycerol-containing formulas were more likely to be perceived as effective by users.
- Oat-based moisturizers showed potential in flare prevention but were linked to higher adverse events in sensitive individuals.
- Formulations with glycyrrhetinic acid received higher satisfaction ratings and better itch relief in participant self-reports.
These findings highlight the importance of not only choosing a body moisturizer for sensitive skin but also understanding how different ingredients work for different individuals.
The Hidden Risk: Not All Moisturizers Are Safe for Sensitive Skin
While many moisturizers appear beneficial, some can worsen skin conditions if they are not formulated for compromised skin barriers. Many mainstream products are tested on individuals with normal skin, not on those with a history of eczema or sensitivity. In sensitive individuals, such moisturizers can trigger a vicious cycle of irritation, leading to repeated application without real relief.
For those with atopic dermatitis (AD) or sensitive skin, barrier-repairing moisturizers with physiologic lipids (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids) and a balanced pH offer added benefits. These formulations can:
- Strengthen the barrier without irritation
- Activate enzymes that rebuild the lipid layers
- Inhibit bacterial growth and inflammation
- Promote ceramide production via PPAR activation(3)
Tips for Choosing the Right Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
When selecting a body moisturizer for sensitive skin or eczema-prone skin, look for:
- Fragrance-free and alcohol-free formulas
- Ceramide-rich barrier repair creams
- Moisturizers with urea, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid
- Products tested on sensitive skin populations
- Occlusive agents like petrolatum for deep hydration
Avoid products with known irritants or those not specifically labeled as suitable for sensitive skin.
Conclusion:
The role of moisturizers goes far beyond hydration—especially for those dealing with eczema or sensitive skin. They help restore skin function, reduce inflammation, ease discomfort, and can significantly improve overall skin health and appearance. By selecting the right body moisturizer for sensitive skin, you’re not just treating the symptoms—you’re helping your skin heal and build resilience.
References:
1. The Role of Moisturizers in Addressing Various Kinds of Dermatitis: A Review - 2017 Dec - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5849435/
2. Emollients and moisturisers for eczema - 2017 Feb - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6464068/
3. Clinical Perspective: Moisturizers vs. Barrier Repair in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis - 2019 Dec - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6289688/#S9
