Eczema can be tough finding the right product to treat it, especially when it comes to delicate spots like your eyelids and finding the right Eczema eye cream can be challenging.
Eyelid Eczema is common with adults as with children with atopic Eczema. The skin of the eyelid can be itchy, red, dry with scaling skin which is problematic for all ages as the skin is very thin and sensitive.
We can’t hide the conditioning of our eyes, so we must pay a great deal of attention to what we are applying to them to boost our confidence levels! All creams listed will be analysed in terms of their ingredients to give you a full visible outlay of what you are putting on your face, evening the concerning ingredients.
What Should I Look For In Eczema Eye Creams?
The first thing you should look for is fragrance-free. Fragrance can irritate skin and should be avoided in any products when having Eczema. Moisturizing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid is highly desired as they are great for treating flaky patches without further irritation to the skin.
Those who have Eczema on eyelids tend to be very allergic and have a personal history of season allergies. For those with more severe cases of Eczema, products housed in airtight packaging is more desirable as it can prevent bacteria and other allergens from getting inside.
From a personal experience, avoid any kind of steroid creams for the eyes. like hydrocortisone. These kind of creams have harsh ingredients that can do more damage than good. Our skin around our eyes is thin and fragile. From my personal experience, I have slathered many steroid creams around my eyes to no avail.
Also consider what shampoo you are using, as they can contain harsh ingredients that do come in contact with your face/eyes. There is a high change that your shampoo is the reason why your eczema is flaring up. I stick with a brand that I know that doesn’t cause any flare ups. No matter how good the eye cream is, you need to make sure that the other products you are using on your body is compatible as well.
Ingredients To Look For in Eczema Eye Creams
All products in the list contain the following ingredients that are hugely beneficial when it comes to selecting the best Eczema eye cream for your needs. The purpose of this section is to bring awareness to what these ingredients do in the products and why they are essential.
Dimethicone
Dimethicone (also called polymethylsiloxane) is a silicon-based polymer used as a lubricant and conditioning agent. The materials it is used for vary from contact lenses and medical devices to elastomers; dimethicone also appears in shampoos (it makes your hair soft and shiny), food (antifoaming agent), caulking and lubricants.
As well as cosmetics and consumer products, Dimethicone is used in various ways. Dimethicone, for example, is used widely in moisturizing lotions as an active ingredient meaning “skin protection.” Some cosmetic formulations use dimethicone and related siloxane polymers in concentrations of up to 15%.
Glycerin
Glyercin is another ingredient found in La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Eye Cream. Though it is generally a safe ingredient, it does a pose the concern of skin irritation. Glycerin is used in skincare products as a means of improving smoothness, providing lubrication, and as a humectant. Glycerin is in Canada’s ingredient hot list on the restricted for use in cosmetic products list (2019).
1. Eau Thermale Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm
First on the list is one that has the seal of approval from the National Eczema Association. The balm by Avene is free of preservatives, parabens, fragrances and dyes. It is seal in an airtight packing that prevent allergens and bacteria from infecting the balm.
Product Description
A high-performance soothing balm for face and body Features a fragrance-free, non-greasy formula contains I-Moduli to relieve itching and inflammation blended with Cer Omega and Avene Thermal Spring Water to deliver long-lasting hydration treats and replenishes moisture loss due to sensitive skin conditions, atopic dermatitis and eczema Skin feels softer, calmer and more comfortable Ideal for severely dry skin.
Ingredient Analysis
The Eau Thermale Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm is highly regarded because of its clean formulated ingredient list and background. Known for having generally safe product lines, it is a must try for Eczema users with a seal of approval from the National Eczema Association that gives it a top ranking.
Mineral Oil
While mineral oil has no direct links to skin irritation, it is an ingredient that is ranked as used sparingly according to the 1Source ranking system. Mineral oil is a common ingredient in baby lotions, cold creams, ointments and cosmetics. It is a lightweight inexpensive oil that is odorless and tasteless. Overall, mineral oil does pose some concern as it has the potential to invoke inflammatory or autoimmune responses.
Citric Acid
Citric Acid has many functions, notably as an exfoliant that removes dead cells at the surface of the skin and as a skin whitening agent by reducing the melanin content of the skin.
Despite the multiple benefits of using Citric Acid, it has many safety hazards and potential health concerns for Eczema users. It can cause skin irritation and allergic skin reactions.
2. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Eye Cream
Last but not least, this La Roche-Posay eye cream has an array of exceptional ingredients that make this product a must try. It is free of common irritants like preservatives, parabens, alcohol, fragrance, and dyes. It also comes in an airtight packaging that ensures no contamination. It is ranked well in the 1Source system.
Product Description
Tested on allergy-prone skin, this calming eye cream helps restore skin’s natural protective moisture barrier around the eyes and on the eyelids: prime sites for signs of irritation due to dryness or sensitivity.
Ingredient Analysis
One of the best ranked Eczema eye creams in terms of generally safe to use ingredients, La Roche-Posay provides a product with only 18 identifiable ingredients in the formula. There is only one ingredient that needs to be highlighted but is generally safe to use in Citric Acid.
Citric Acid
Citric Acid has many functions, notably as an exfoliant that removes dead cells at the surface of the skin and as a skin whitening agent by reducing the melanin content of the skin.
Despite the multiple benefits of using Citric Acid, it has many safety hazards and potential health concerns for Eczema users. It can cause skin irritation and allergic skin reactions.
3. CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
One of our favourite brands, CeraVe has a product specifically for repairing the skin around the eye. It has great reviews on Amazon and is formulated with the essential ingredients to help repair the skin’s protective barrier.
Product Description
Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe Eye Repair Cream visibly reduces the look of dark circles and puffiness. It contains 3 essential ceramides to repair and restore the protective skin barrier. For optimal results, apply in small dots around the eye area and gently smooth until thoroughly absorbed. Can be used once or twice daily in the AM and/or PM.
Ingredient Analysis
The eye cream from CeraVe has a whopping 38 identifiable ingredients according to the 1Source system. 37 of the 38 identifiable ingredients are considered to be generally safe for use, but there is only one problematic ingredient that should noted.
Phenoxyethanol
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream has one single ingredient that stands out and can be problematic, Phenoxyethanol. It has been reported as harmful if absorbed through skin, causing irritation and blistering. This makes Phenoxyethanol a potential health concern for Eczema sufferers like ourselves.
Phenoxyethanol is an interesting ingredient as it is now banned in Palau due to the damages it can cause to coral reefs. If it can cause long lasting damages to the aquatic wildlife, the question is, what kind of damage can do to our skin?
Deciding The Best Eczema Eye Cream For You
Before deciding what Eczema eye cream is best for you, you should always contact a doctor or dermatologist to see if it is compatible with your skin. It is highly recommended you should get an allergy test to determine what ingredients you need to avoid.
Patch testing can help you distinguish if the cream is suitable for your skin or not without the need of seeing a doctor. Apply a small layer of the cream and record the results. If you do not see any suitable changes or the conditioning of your skin is getting worse, you can assume that the cream is not compatible with your skin!
It is recommended to use 1Source as your ingredient decoder for any products that you come across. It lists the ingredients in a product and tells you whether they are harmful or safe. You can perform your own research by finding out recent research and study results of specific ingredients. You can download the app to try out the product. Simply scan a bar code and it will do the rest for you!
Final Thoughts
All three of the listed Eczema eye creams are highly regarded within the Eczema community. With the generally safe formulas, all are designed and catered for sensitive skin. I would choose the Eau Thermale Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm on the basis of its ingredients and the seal of approval from the National Eczema Association.
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Originally posted on Eczema Feed