Eczema around the eyes can be particularly challenging to treat due to the sensitivity of the area. The dryness, itching, and inflammation characteristic of eczema call for a gentle yet effective solution. Eye creams formulated for eczema-prone skin can help manage these symptoms and provide relief. This article explores the best eczema eye creams on the market, focusing on their ingredients, effectiveness, and user experiences.
Understanding Eczema Around the Eyes
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a condition that causes the skin to become red, inflamed, and itchy. The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate, making it more susceptible to irritation. The need for a targeted eye cream arises from the necessity to treat eczema symptoms without causing further irritation or damage to this sensitive area.
Criteria for an Effective Eczema Eye Cream
An ideal eczema eye cream should meet the following criteria:
- Hypoallergenic and Non-Irritating: The product should be free from common irritants such as fragrances, alcohol, and potential allergens.
- Moisturizing: Hydration is key in managing eczema. Ingredients that lock in moisture are crucial.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Components that reduce inflammation can help alleviate the symptoms of eczema.
- Barrier Repair: The cream should contain ingredients that help repair and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Ophthalmologist Tested: Safety around the eyes is paramount, and the product should be tested and approved for use in this area.
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, frangrances 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?
Ingredients to Look for and Avoid
When choosing an eczema eye cream, it’s important to consider both beneficial and harmful ingredients.
Beneficial Ingredients:
- Colloidal Oatmeal: Soothes and protects the skin.
- Ceramides: Help repair the skin’s natural barrier.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts moisture to the skin.
- Niacinamide: Reduces inflammation and improves the skin’s elasticity.
Ingredients to Avoid:
- Fragrances: Can irritate and worsen eczema.
- Alcohol: Dries out the skin, leading to further irritation.
- Preservatives: Certain preservatives may trigger eczema flare-ups.
Effectiveness and User Experiences
The effectiveness of an eczema eye cream can often be gauged by user experiences and clinical studies. Many users of the above-mentioned products have reported reduced dryness, itching, and inflammation after regular use. It’s important to note that what works for one person may not work for another, and sometimes it requires some trial and error to find the perfect product.
Tips for Application
When applying eye cream for eczema, follow these guidelines to ensure you’re doing so safely and effectively:
- Clean Hands: Always start with clean hands to prevent introducing any bacteria to the eye area.
- Patch Test: Before using a new cream, do a patch test on another part of your body to ensure you don’t have a reaction.
- Gentle Application: Use your ring finger to gently tap the cream around the orbital bone, avoiding the lash line and eyelid unless the product specifies it’s safe for those areas.
- Consistency is Key: Apply the eye cream consistently as part of your morning and/or nighttime skincare routine.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best eczema eye cream is a personal journey due to the unique nature of everyone’s skin. The products listed above are highly regarded and offer a good starting point for anyone suffering from eczema around the eyes. Remember to look for key moisturizing and anti-inflammatory ingredients while avoiding irritants. And, as always, it’s advisable to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider to tailor a treatment plan specific to your condition.
Eczema around the eyes requires special care, and with the right eye cream, relief is within reach. By choosing a product that soothes, moisturizes, and protects, you can minimize the discomfort of eczema and improve the health of your delicate eye skin.
