What to do while your skin recovers

  1. 1Pause harsh soaps or chemicals, scrubbing and over exfoliating. These can damage the skin barrier. If skin around a pimple is broken, ease up on acne treatments for a while and focus on gentle care.
  2. 2Wash with warm, not hot, water and a mild cleanser made for sensitive skin. Hot water can make a shower feel industrious while washing away the oils your skin is trying to keep. Massage cleanser on, then rinse; washing for longer brings no benefit.
  3. 3Pat skin dry, then smooth on an emollient rather than rubbing it in. Apply it as soon as you finish washing and whenever skin feels dry or tight. Aim for at least three or four applications a day.
  4. 4Wear sunscreen every day. Choose one you like and can afford so you will use it.
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Which moisturizer should you use?

Creams absorb quickly and are less greasy for daytime use. Ointments are thick and very moisturizing, so they suit very dry, thickened skin and night use. Ointments are usually free of preservatives and can suit sensitive skin, but should not be used on weeping eczema. Look for moisturizers with ceramides, fatty acids and lipids, which are also found in the skin barrier.23

If ordinary soap, shampoo or shower gel dries your skin, an emollient can work as a soap substitute for dry or itchy skin. It will not foam like soap, but it still cleans. To use one as a wash, mix a small amount with warm water, spread it over damp or dry skin, then rinse and pat dry.3

Barrier creams help protect skin from irritants and drying. Petroleum based products reduce water loss more effectively, while silicone or dimethicone products are less greasy. Apply them sparingly and reapply as needed; a barrier cream is a modest raincoat for skin, not a force field. Some occlusive creams can aggravate acne on the face, and most barrier creams should not go directly on broken skin.1

What if you use a prescription skin cream?

Leave 20 to 30 minutes between applying an emollient and a steroid cream or another skin treatment. Ask your doctor which one to apply first.3

Does hand eczema need different care?

For dyshidrotic eczema on the hands, remove rings before washing or applying moisturizer, use lukewarm water and a mild fragrance free cleanser, and moisturize after washing and whenever the skin feels dry. Protect your hands from water, detergents and household cleaners with gloves. For wet work, wear cotton gloves under waterproof gloves. A dermatologist may suggest a dimethicone barrier repair cream.4

How long does repair take?

Cleveland Clinic says it typically takes three or four months to start seeing the benefits of gentle care. Skin also replaces its barrier more slowly with age.2

When should you get medical advice?

Emollients can cause a burning or stinging feeling that does not settle after a few days, blocked or inflamed hair follicles, or a facial rash that aggravates acne. If these happen, talk to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. If an emollient wash stings and does not settle after rinsing, ask a pharmacist about a different product. Allergic reactions to barrier cream ingredients such as preservatives or fragrances are uncommon, but possible. If an underlying skin condition is contributing to the problem, work with a dermatologist.123

Clothing and bedding that have been in contact with an emollient can catch fire easily, so keep them away from flames and cigarettes.3

Signs of a damaged skin barrier

  • Dry, scaly or flaky skin
  • Itchiness or rough patches
  • Inflammation or irritation
  • Stinging when you apply skin care products
  • Tenderness or sensitivity
  • Acne or infection
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Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Barrier creamdermnetnz.org
  2. 2Signs Your Skin Barrier Is Damagedhealth.clevelandclinic.org
  3. 3Emollientsnhs.uk
  4. 4Eczema types: Dyshidrotic eczema self-careaad.org