Andy Devaney
Around 15 million Brits are living with eczema, and if you’re one of them, you’ll know the condition is about as welcome as a wasp at a picnic. Mild cases can leave the skin dry, scaly and itchy, while more severe bouts may bring weeping, bleeding, and a fair bit of frustration.
The good news? There are simple, dermatologist-approved steps to make eczema skincare a lot less of a guessing game.
Enter Dr. Gabriel Serrano, the revered dermatologist and founder of Sesderma, who’s seen it all when it comes to inflamed complexions. He’s shared five practical ways to help soothe symptoms—and crucially, to avoid making matters worse.
1. Watch the acids
In the eternal battle against fine lines and hyperpigmentation, many of us reach for heavy-duty acids like salicylic acid and retinol. Trouble is, if you’re prone to eczema, these can be like throwing petrol on a bonfire.
“I would recommend that you opt for hyaluronic acid instead,” says Dr. Serrano. “Hyaluronic acid can plump the skin, deterring those fine lines from appearing, as well as helping to retain hydration by drawing moisture from the air and ultimately preventing skin dryness, which is a common ailment associated with eczema.”
His pick? Sesderma’s HIDRADERM HYAL Facial Cream (£25.46, 50ml, sesderma.co.uk), packed with three types of hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated morning and night.
2. Keep showers short and lukewarm
We all love a long, hot soak, but your skin doesn’t. “When your skin is dry, it’s not because it doesn’t contain enough oil. It’s because your skin isn’t retaining its moisture (water) very well,” Serrano explains.
If your fingers are pruning up, you’ve overstayed your welcome under the water. Long or overly hot showers strip the skin of moisture and worsen irritation. And if you’re hopping in and out multiple times a day without moisturising immediately afterwards, you’re practically begging your skin to dry out.
3. Moisturise like it’s a sport
Eczema skincare lives and dies by moisturising. It’s not just a suggestion—it’s a daily ritual. “Those who have eczema have a damaged skin barrier, which results in their skin being more sensitive to the likes of bacteria, irritants and allergens,” says Serrano.
His go-to recommendation is Sesderma’s ATOPISES Body Milk, a daily moisturiser designed for atopic and extremely dry skin. Used after bathing or showering, it locks in hydration and helps fend off flare-ups. “I’d recommend that you use this product daily as many times as required after bathing or showering, to help lock in the moisture.”
4. Calm the stress monster
Stress doesn’t just make you feel wound up—it can show up in your skin. Elevated cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, triggers inflammation that can spark flare-ups.
“Living with eczema can be challenging on your emotional wellbeing, especially when the condition is heightened, but it’s crucial that you try to keep stress at bay, as this can in turn prevent your symptoms from worsening,” Serrano advises.
5. Keep a diary of triggers
Diet can play a part in eczema, but there’s no universal culprit. According to the NHS, common triggers include cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, soya, and wheat. Still, what irritates one person may not bother another.
“Try to keep a food and drink diary, as tracking this might make any potential links clearer,” Serrano suggests. That way, you can separate genuine triggers from sheer coincidence.
The bottom line
Eczema skincare doesn’t need to be a maze of conflicting advice. By avoiding harsh acids, shortening your showers, moisturising religiously, calming stress levels, and keeping an eye on diet, you can help keep flare-ups under control.
And while no two cases of eczema are the same, one truth holds up: a little care, consistency, and self-awareness can go a long way in restoring both skin and sanity.
