The Best Skincare for Eczema and Dermatitis: What Really Works (Especially for Sensitive & Mature Skin)

Ciao, Beautiful!

Let’s start with something I wish more people were told early on—steroid creams can help in a pinch, but overusing them can actually thin out your skin over time. So it’s really important to use them sparingly and temporarily.

That’s why I wanted to create this post. Because whether you’re dealing with facial dermatitis, eczema, or just inflamed, irritated skin, some products are better suited for the actual flare-up, and others are better for maintaining your skin once it starts to calm down—and today, I’ll explain the difference.

Also, a quick note for those of you who get overwhelmed by labels: there’s no such thing as medical grade skincare—that’s just a marketing term. But there is what we call clinical grade skincare, and in my professional opinion, that’s the best alternative to prescriptions if you're trying to calm your skin with high-quality ingredients that actually work.

In my 20s, I suffered from eczema on my arms. It was red, itchy, embarrassing, and nothing seemed to help—until I discovered Cetaphil. That was the first product that gave me real relief, and you'll be pleasued to know that it's recommeded by many dermatologists. And while some of their formulas have changed over the years, I still keep Cetaphil in my spa and consider it a solid option for body and face hydration that helps soothe dry, itchy skin. 

But today, I want to go beyond that and give you a roundup of some of the best dermatologist-loved, esthetician-trusted, and even natural barrier-repairing options. These are affordable, accessible, and non-irritating OTC choices you can turn to during and after a flare.

Of course, this is not medical advice—if your skin is cracked, weeping, or getting worse, please see a board-certified dermatologist. These products are for supporting your skin once you’re stable or to help manage milder symptoms.

Let’s start with the one that's most ideal for flared-up, inflamed, tender skin.

Avene Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
This is what I recommend when my clients come in with barrier-compromised skin—especially around the eyes, cheeks, or mouth. It contains sucralfate, which promotes healing; zinc and copper, which help reduce inflammation and prevent infection; and Avene's famous thermal spring water, which has a long history of calming irritation. It’s fragrance-free, preservative-light, and one of the best non-prescription options out there for dermatitis and eczema.

Now if that one’s a bit out of budget, the next best option is La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5.
This one contains panthenol (vitamin B5), madecassoside from Centella Asiatica, plus zinc, glycerin, and shea butter. It's dermatologist-approved, fragrance-free, and extremely gentle. What I love is that it’s not only great for flare-ups—it also doubles as a calming overnight mask. The texture is rich but breathable, which makes it a great option for both flare and maintenance, especially for mature, sensitive skin.

Now let’s talk about a product that’s close to my heart—because I made it.
My Whipped Olive Oil Face Butter was designed specifically for dry, sensitive, mature skin that needs to be nourished—not smothered. It features extra virgin olive oil from our family farm in Italy, combined with aloe, green tea extract, and gentle emulsifiers that help the product melt into the skin without clogging pores. This is not what I recommend during an active flare—especially if the skin is raw or weeping—but it’s a beautiful option for overnight recovery and barrier maintenance once inflammation has calmed down.

Next, for something ultra simple and dermatologist-loved, I really like Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer.
It contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, with absolutely no fragrance, lanolin, parabens, or dyes. It’s ideal for people whose skin reacts to just about everything. I recommend this for mild facial dermatitis, as a daily moisturizer that keeps things calm and supported.

For the body, especially areas like arms, legs, and hands, I recommend Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream.
It’s loaded with colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and licorice root extract, which helps reduce redness and irritation. This one is excellent for chronic eczema patches or for sealing in moisture after a shower.

I also want to touch on a product I've used for years in my spa that contains 0.1% hydrocortisone, called Control Corrective Calming Balm. This one is useful for short-term spot treatment—like a red patch on the cheek or jawline—but again, short term only. I recommend using it for no more than 2–3 days, and only when the skin really needs that extra anti-inflammatory help. After that, you can switch back to a barrier-repair product like Cicalfate or Vanicream.

Now there’s a water-based product a lot of people ask about called Banish Fighter Gel (use code JENTRI05 for $5 off orders of $50 on their website). I personally use it when my skin is behaving badly (i.e., calming hormonal breakouts). I've recommended it to friends and family, and have used it on endless clients who love it for this reason. It has some great ingredients—like aloe, MSM, Centella, and green tea which is a great combo for ezcema—but it's important to note that it also contains menthol and peppermint oil which can be irritating for already-inflamed skin (but not my experience). 

To wrap this all up, remember:

• Use anti-inflammatory products like Cicalfate or Cicaplast Balm B5 during a flare.

• Use moisturizing, nourishing products like my Olive Face Butter or Vanicream during recovery and for maintenance.

• Be cautious with any products that contain fragrance, alcohol, essential oils, or unnecessary actives while your skin is compromised.

• And always be mindful with steroid creams—they’re helpful short-term, but not meant for everyday use.

I hope this breakdown helps you make more informed, confident choices. You don’t need to spend a fortune, and you don’t need 10 steps. You just need the right tools at the right time.

If you’ve found something that works really well for your sensitive skin, I’d love to hear from you—drop a comment or send me a message.

And remember, the more you know, the more you glow… ciao for now. 

xo

Jentri 

ps. for more beauty insider tips & BTS life moments, listen to my Beauty Backroads podcast!