Some people have completely given up on finding skincare products that has acids that are good for eczema. Some may even think acids are just too harsh and can no way be helpful to improve skin condition for those with eczema!
However, it is untrue that all acids are bad for people who have eczema! Some acids, such as the ones we recommend, can moisturize the skin, and even alleviate flare-ups. These acids are typically not exfoliative and tend to be more moisturizing in nature! Hydration in skin can not only help with controlling eczema, but also have an anti-aging effect as the moisture smoothens the wrinkles and creases on our skin! Here is our list of 3 good acids for people with eczema.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Topical niacinamide is actually used to treat skin conditions such as acne breakouts and eczema flare-ups! It works by fortifying the barrier of the skin. It means that by using niacinamide, you can have stronger skin! This makes niacinamide the “it” product for moisturizing, brightening and anti-aging effects. For sensitive skins prone to eczema flare-ups, niacinamide can give the protection our skin needs!
Caveats
To make your skin absorb more of the good vitamin B3, it is recommended to use the acid alongside with hyaluronic acid! However, as some articles recommend using niacinamide with retinol and glycolic acid, it is important to note that retinal and glycolic acid may be irritative for sensitive skin! Click here to read more about acids that may irritate skin!
Apart from the skincare product combination, it is best to use niacinamide from a lower concentration and gradually build the tolerance up. This can prevent irritation and ensure you do not suffer from any side effects. (Albeit side effects are quite rare with this acid.)
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is an acid that our bodies produces naturally, usually in our eyes, joints and skin! This acid is very safe to use and side effects are rare. Chemically, this acid can hold a lot of water! In other words, it can bring more moisture to our face and allow cells to grow. This is a similar process to how our body heal wounds. As it has a moisturizing and healing effect, it can decrease swelling! Typically, hyaluronic acids are branded to help with aging and dry skin.
The Gentlest AHA – Lactic Acid
In many skincare products targeting people with dry skin, you will see urea and lactic acid being a central ingredient. Lactic acid is a form of hydroxy acid and carries exfoliating properties. This means that people with eczema should use it cautiously as anything exfoliating in nature can be irritative.
However, for those who can tolerate this acid and started with a lower concentration, you may see the benefits of it hydrating your skin, unclogging pores and brightening the overall tone. It is crowned as the best acid for those with sensitive skin.
Patch-test and Sunscreen
Even though these acids are milder in nature than others, it does not mean we can skin the patch testing. To patch test, simply put few drops of the product on other parts of your body apart from your face to check if there are any worrying reactions. Acids can also weaken the barrier of the skin, so please put sunscreen on if you exfoliated your skin recently!
Overall thoughts
A lot of times when people hear acid, they assume the product is going to be harsh and drying! For many suffering from eczema, it seemed like acids are off the limits to add to the skincare routine. But if we try milder acids that are known to have less side effects, patch test and start on a low concentration, we can harness the benefits of acids! It is also important to check the products and make sure they do not contain these 3 acids or it might worsen flare-ups!
