Eczema-prone skin can be unpredictable. One day it may feel relatively calm, and the next it can become dry, itchy, tight or visibly irritated. While eczema cannot be cured, a consistent skincare routine can help support the skin barrier, reduce dryness and make everyday skin care more comfortable.
The key is not doing more. It is choosing gentler products, moisturising consistently and understanding what can trigger your skin.
At French Beauty Co, we stock a selection of French pharmacy skincare designed for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin, including Bioderma, Avene, SVR, Uriage, La Roche-Posay and Mustela.
Please note: This guide is for general skincare information and is not a substitute for medical advice or a diagnosis. If your eczema is severe, infected, painful or persistent, speak with your GP or dermatologist.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is a group of conditions that can cause dry, itchy and easily irritated skin. Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common forms.
For people with eczema, the skin barrier can be less effective at retaining moisture and protecting the skin from irritants. This can contribute to the familiar cycle of dryness, itching and inflammation.
That is why eczema care is less about finding one miracle product and more about supporting the skin barrier every day.
Regular moisturising is considered a fundamental part of eczema care, while gentle cleansing and avoiding known triggers can also help reduce irritation.
What Can Trigger an Eczema Flare-Up?
Eczema triggers vary from person to person, but common irritants can include:
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Fragranced skincare and body products
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Harsh soaps and cleansers
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Hot water
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Dry air and changes in weather
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Wool and other irritating fabrics
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Household cleaners
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Sweat and friction
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Dust, pollen and pet dander
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Stress
This does not mean every person with eczema needs to avoid all of these. Learning your own triggers is key.
If a particular product repeatedly causes burning, itching or irritation, stop using it and speak with a healthcare professional if symptoms continue.
How to Care for Eczema-Prone Skin
A simple routine can go a long way. Rather than layering multiple products, focus on four essentials: gentle cleansing, soothing care, moisturising and protecting the skin barrier.
STEP 1: Start With a Gentle Cleanser
Cleansing should leave your skin feeling comfortable, not tight or stripped.
Choose a gentle cleanser formulated for dry or sensitive skin and avoid harsh scrubbing, loofahs and very hot water. Dermatology guidance generally recommends lukewarm water and gentle, fragrance-free cleansers for eczema-prone skin.
French Pharmacy Picks:
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Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Soap-Free Foaming Gel |
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Mustela Stelatopia Cleansing Oil |
Tip: Keep showers short and comfortably warm rather than hot.
STEP 2: Soothe irritations, itching and discomfort with Thermal Water.
Safe to use on the whole family and where and when moisturiser can be hard to use (eyelids, skin folds of babies, etc.)
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Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Balm This is one of French Beauty Co's key options for dry, irritated and eczema-prone skin. The formula contains lipids and ceramides designed to support the skin barrier, and the product is fragrance-free. It can be used on the face and body by babies, children and adults. |
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Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm Made for severe dryness and skin prone to atopic dermatitis, this balm uses Avène's I-Modulia complex and Cer-Omega lipids. It is fragrance-free, soap-free and preservative-free. |
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French Beauty Co's eczema collection also features SVR TOPIALYSE Protect+ Balm, alongside the TOPIALYSE cleansing range. |
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STEP 3: Keep the Routine Simple During a Flare
When skin is particularly irritated, it can be tempting to add more products in the hope of calming it down.
Usually, simpler is better.
Pause unnecessary exfoliants, scrubs and heavily fragranced products and focus on the basics:
Cleanse → Treat as directed → Moisturise → Protect
If you have medication prescribed for your eczema, follow your doctor's instructions rather than replacing it with cosmetic skincare.
There are several medical treatment options for atopic dermatitis, including topical medicines, oral medicines, biologic treatments and phototherapy. The right option depends on the severity and individual circumstances, so treatment should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
STEP 4: Don't Forget the Skin Barrier
Think of your skin barrier as your body's first line of defence. When it is compromised, moisture can escape more easily and irritants can have a greater impact.
That is why consistent moisturising matters even when your skin looks calm.
Daily moisturisation can help maintain the barrier between flare-ups, rather than only reaching for moisturiser when skin becomes extremely dry or itch
Everyday Habits That Can Help Eczema-Prone Skin
Your skincare routine is only part of the picture.
Choose breathable clothing
Soft cotton and breathable fabrics may feel more comfortable than materials that cause friction or irritation.
Be mindful of laundry products
If you notice your skin reacts after wearing freshly washed clothes or bedding, consider whether your laundry products could be contributing to irritation.
Keep showers comfortable
Hot water can worsen dryness. Opt for lukewarm water and avoid prolonged showers or baths.
Resist the urge to scratch
Scratching can further damage already irritated skin. A cool compress may provide temporary relief from discomfort.
Stay consistent
Eczema care is not only about managing flare-ups. Keeping skin moisturised during calmer periods can help support the skin barrier and reduce dryness.
What About Eczema on the Face?
Facial eczema can be particularly frustrating because the skin is visible and may react to products that previously seemed perfectly comfortable.
Common facial triggers include soaps, cleansers, cosmetics, fragrances and other skincare ingredients, as well as environmental changes and stress.
Keep your facial routine simple:
Gentle cleanser → moisturiser → sunscreen during the day
Avoid introducing several new products at once. If you are unsure whether a particular product is suitable for your skin, speak with your dermatologist or healthcare professional.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Skincare can support eczema management, but it is not a replacement for medical treatment.
See your GP or dermatologist if your eczema:
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Is becoming increasingly painful
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Is interfering with sleep or everyday life
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Is spreading or becoming significantly worse
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Develops oozing, crusting or signs of infection
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Does not improve with your usual routine
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Requires frequent treatment for recurring flares
A healthcare professional can assess your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.
FAQs
What is the best skincare routine for eczema?
Keep your routine simple and gentle. Use a mild cleanser, moisturise regularly, and choose products formulated for dry or sensitive skin. Avoid unnecessary exfoliation, harsh soaps and products that cause irritation.
How often should you moisturise eczema-prone skin?
Moisturise regularly, especially after bathing or showering while your skin is still slightly damp. During periods of increased dryness, you may need to moisturise more often. Consistency is key, even when your skin feels calm.
What ingredients should you avoid with eczema?
Fragrance and harsh cleansing ingredients can irritate eczema-prone skin. However, triggers vary between individuals. If a product causes itching, burning or irritation, stop using it and consider speaking with a healthcare professional if symptoms continue.
Is hot water bad for eczema?
Hot water can dry out the skin and may make irritation worse. Keep showers and baths comfortably warm rather than hot, and avoid spending too long in the water. Gently pat your skin dry before applying moisturiser.
When should you see a doctor for eczema?
See your GP or dermatologist if your eczema becomes severe, painful, persistent or starts affecting your sleep or daily life. Oozing, crusting or other signs of infection should also be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Build a Routine Your Skin Can Live With
There is no single skincare routine that works for everyone with eczema. The goal is to understand what your skin responds to, minimise unnecessary irritation and stay consistent with the basics.
Keep cleansing gentle. Moisturise regularly. Avoid your known triggers. And don't wait for a flare-up to start caring for your skin barrier.
Explore French Beauty Co's Eczema Collection for French pharmacy skincare from Bioderma, Avene, SVR, Uriage, La Roche-Posay and Mustela.
