Colloidal oatmeal is considered a useful choice in eczema products, and dimethicone is an occlusive, an ingredient that helps hold moisture in. The label classifies the product as a skin protectant; the name, with all the drama of a spreadsheet cell, remains Daily Moisturizing Lotion.23

Lotions spread easily and absorb quickly, but do not last as long as creams or ointments. Creams are thicker, less greasy and suit daytime use; ointments hold moisture best for very dry, thickened skin and suit night time, though they can make your clothes a supporting character. Lotion can be handy on hairy or damaged areas, while very dry or thickened patches often call for a cream or ointment instead.24

How to use it for eczema

  1. 1Test any new product before using it widely: apply a quarter sized amount to the skin inside your arm every day for 7 to 10 days. If your skin stays clear, use it on the area you want to moisturize.
  2. 2Take a short warm bath or shower, up to 5 to 10 minutes. If you are not bathing first, wet your skin with a warm washcloth.
  3. 3Pat your skin dry, leave it damp, then smooth the lotion gently over it instead of rubbing. Apply it immediately after bathing.
  4. 4Aveeno directs you to apply the lotion liberally as often as needed.
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If the lotion feels too light for very dry patches, add petroleum jelly or a thicker ointment on top to seal moisture in. If you use a steroid cream or another skin treatment, wait 20 to 30 minutes between that treatment and your moisturizer, and ask a clinician which one goes first.24

Emollients cover skin with a protective film that traps moisture, and keeping eczema skin hydrated can help reduce flare ups. Moisturizing is one part of eczema care; a treatment plan can also include medicine or phototherapy when needed. If moisturizer alone is not doing enough, a dermatologist can help tailor a plan.1245

Stop using it and ask a doctor if the condition worsens, symptoms last more than 7 days, or symptoms clear and return within a few days. If burning or stinging does not settle after a few days, ask a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.34

Can you use Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion on your face?

Eczema emollient care includes regular use on the face, so you can try this lotion there. Patch test first, and keep it out of your eyes.134

Is Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion good for sensitive skin?

The formula is marked fragrance free, which fits eczema advice because fragrance can trigger flares. Fragrance is not the only possible trigger, so use the small area test above before applying the lotion more widely.13

How often should you apply Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion?

The label says to apply it liberally as often as needed. General eczema moisturizer advice ranges from twice daily to 3 or 4 times a day, with extra applications to affected areas every 3 to 4 hours during a flare. Follow a dermatologist's schedule if you have one.2345

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis skin careaad.org
  2. 2Best Creams and Lotions for Eczemahealth.clevelandclinic.org
  3. 3Aveeno® Active Naturals™ Daily Moisturizing LOTIONdailymed.awsprod.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4Emollientsnhs.uk
  5. 5How to reduce eczema flares with moisturizeraad.org