Can you use CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for eczema on the face?

What does the cream do for facial eczema?

The skin barrier is the outer layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out. A damaged barrier can contribute to dryness and itching and aggravate eczema. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream combines three ceramides with hyaluronic acid, dimethicone and petrolatum to moisturize skin and help hold that moisture in. Its texture is rich, and CeraVe describes it as quickly absorbed without a greasy feel. CeraVe labels the cream for both face and body, so the tub does not need a second career as a face cream.134

The US cream is intended for normal to dry skin and ages 3 years and older. For a baby's facial eczema, ask for an age appropriate moisturizer rather than assuming the same directions apply. Check the ingredients on your own package, especially if you react to a known ingredient; formulas are updated, and ingredient lists differ between versions.14

How should you apply it?

1. 1Wash your hands. If you are washing your face, use an emollient cleanser instead of ordinary soap, which can dry the skin.
2. 2For a tub, remove cream with a clean spoon and place it on a clean plate rather than scooping with your fingers. Do not share your emollient with anyone else.
3. 3Apply generously after washing. Smooth the cream over your skin in the direction of hair growth rather than rubbing it in.
4. 4Leave a thin layer to soak in for about 10 minutes. The cream is a leave on moisturizer, so you do not need to rinse it off.
5. 5Use it at least twice daily and whenever your face feels dry. CeraVe allows application as often as needed, day or night.

CeraVe also sells the cream with a pump dispenser, which is a modest but real reduction in bathroom administration.3

Can you use it with an eczema prescription?

Moisturizers are the foundation of eczema care, but flares can need additional treatment, such as a topical corticosteroid, a steroid medicine applied to the skin. If you use a topical steroid, separate it from your moisturizer by at least 30 minutes, applying either one first. Follow the prescribed medicine instructions rather than replacing the medicine with more cream. Keep moisturizing when eczema improves; children's eczema care includes daily emollients even when the skin is clear.256

What should you expect?

The aim is less dryness and discomfort, with regular moisturizing helping reduce flares. Eczema is a long lasting condition with periods of improvement and worsening, not something a moisturizer cures. If facial eczema remains troublesome despite treatment, arrange a medical review rather than waiting indefinitely for the cream to clear it.67

When should you stop or get help?

Stop using the cream if it makes your skin itchy or sore. A reaction to a topical product can need assessment for contact allergy. If you have not had the facial rash diagnosed, see a clinician: eczema includes several conditions, and atopic dermatitis is only one of them.257

Get urgent medical help for blistering, crusting, leaking fluid, pus, pain, swelling, warmth, sudden worsening or spreading, fever, or feeling generally unwell. These can signal infection or eczema herpeticum, a serious eczema complication. Keep emollient residue on clothing and bedding away from cigarettes and naked flames because affected fabrics catch fire more easily.6