Barrier Repair

Eczema & Dry Patches

Atopic dermatitis, barrier dysfunction, chronic itch, and recurrent localised dryness and flaking.

About

What is Eczema & Dry Patches?

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by dry, itchy, and inflamed patches that flare and remit. It is driven by a combination of genetic barrier dysfunction, most commonly a mutation in the filaggrin gene that reduces the skin's ability to produce key structural proteins, and an overactive immune response to environmental triggers. The result is a barrier that is less able to retain moisture and more easily penetrated by irritants and allergens. Eczema is not caused by poor skincare habits, though the wrong products can trigger or worsen flares significantly.

Common Causes

Genetic filaggrin gene mutations that impair the skin's barrier protein production
Environmental allergens such as house dust mite, pollen, and pet dander
Harsh soaps, detergents, and sulphate-containing cleansers
Stress and immune dysregulation
Dry climates, cold weather, and indoor heating that reduce ambient humidity
Certain fabrics (wool, synthetic fibres) that cause friction and irritation

What To Look For

Key Ingredients

Tap an ingredient to learn more

Ceramides

Replenishes the deficient lipid bilayer that is structurally impaired in eczema-prone skin

Colloidal Oatmeal

Soothes itch, reduces inflammation, and forms a protective film over the skin surface

Panthenol

Reduces inflammation and supports the healing of the disrupted barrier

Shea Butter

A rich emollient that locks in moisture and reduces dryness in compromised skin

Allantoin

Calms irritated tissue and supports cell renewal in inflamed skin

How to Treat

Routine & Care

Eczema management relies on consistent barrier maintenance during remission periods and rapid, appropriate response during flares. The routine should be kept minimal and fragrance-free. Moisturising immediately after bathing (within 3 minutes of patting skin dry) is the most effective timing for barrier support.

Steps

1 Cleanse with a gentle, soap-free, sulphate-free cleanser or emollient wash. Avoid hot water; use lukewarm.
2 Pat the skin dry gently; do not rub.
3 Apply a ceramide-rich moisturiser or emollient within 3 minutes of bathing while the skin is still slightly damp.
4 For active flare areas, apply topical corticosteroid as directed by a GP before or after moisturiser, depending on the product.
5 Apply colloidal oatmeal lotion or cream to areas of persistent itch or mild flaring.
6 Reapply moisturiser throughout the day, particularly to dry patches and after handwashing.

Key Actives to Look For

Ceramides
Colloidal Oatmeal
Panthenol
Shea Butter
Allantoin

What to Avoid

Fragrance and perfume in all forms, the most common trigger for eczema flares from skincare
Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) in cleansers, which is a known barrier disruptor
Wool and synthetic fibres directly against the skin, which cause friction and heat irritation

Related Concerns

Pairings & Interactions

Often Occurs With

hydrating

Hydrating and barrier-repair actives are the foundation of eczema management; ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid work together to restore the moisture gradient

soothing

Calming actives such as centella asiatica and allantoin reduce inflammatory activity and are safe to use on eczema-prone skin

pha

When very gentle exfoliation is needed on eczema-prone skin in remission, PHAs are the only exfoliant class appropriate

May Worsen

aha

AHAs are contraindicated on eczema-affected skin; the low pH and exfoliant activity disrupts an already compromised barrier

retinoids

Retinoids should be avoided during flares and introduced very carefully during stable periods only, if at all, for eczema-prone skin

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is eczema the same as dry skin?

No. Dry skin is a cosmetic condition involving low sebum production. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory condition with a genetic component, involving immune dysregulation and structural barrier dysfunction. Eczema-prone skin is dry, but dry skin is not the same as eczema. Eczema also involves characteristic itching, inflammation, and a tendency to flare in response to specific triggers.

What skincare ingredients should I avoid if I have eczema?

The highest-risk ingredients for eczema-prone skin are fragrance (synthetic and natural), sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), alcohol-denat, preservatives such as methylisothiazolinone (MI), and essential oils. Avoiding these across all products, not just moisturisers, significantly reduces flare frequency.

How often should I moisturise eczema-prone skin?

At least twice daily as a baseline, and more frequently during dry weather or flare periods. The most important application is immediately after bathing. For significant eczema, some dermatologists recommend moisturising 4 to 6 times daily on affected areas during flares. Volume matters: using a sufficient quantity (a GP often recommends 250 to 500g of emollient per week for body eczema) is as important as frequency.

Can food allergies cause eczema?

Food allergies are associated with eczema in a subset of cases, particularly in young children. In adults, the relationship is less clear and food triggers are less common than environmental ones. An elimination diet or allergy testing is only worthwhile if there is a clear temporal pattern between eating certain foods and eczema flares. Most adults with eczema are better served by focusing on environmental trigger management and consistent barrier repair.

Are natural or 'clean' skincare products better for eczema?

Not necessarily. Many natural ingredients, including essential oils, botanical extracts, and citrus derivatives, are common eczema triggers. The most important quality in a product for eczema-prone skin is that it is fragrance-free and free of known sensitisers, regardless of whether it is marketed as natural or synthetic. Formulation quality and ingredient list transparency matter more than the 'clean' label.

Products