Moisturizing for Healthier Skin

Simple habits that reduce itching, prevent flare-ups, and help your treatments work better.

Why Does Moisturizing Matter?

For people with eczema or psoriasis, moisturizing isn't just skincare — it's medicine.

Repairs Your Skin Barrier

Your skin works like a wall — keeping moisture in and irritants out. Eczema and psoriasis weaken that wall. Moisturizing helps fix it.

Reduces Itching and Pain

Dry skin itches — a lot. Moisturizing regularly keeps your skin hydrated, which means less itching, less scratching, and more comfort.

Helps Prevent Flare-Ups

Studies show that moisturizing daily can reduce how often your skin flares up. It also makes your prescription treatments work better.

Based on AAD Guidelines for Psoriasis (Elmets et al., 2021) and Atopic Dermatitis (Sidbury et al., 2023)

How to Moisturize Your Skin

Simple steps that make a big difference — follow the guide for your condition below.

For eczema: Step-by-Step Guide / Soak & Seal Method

1. Bathe in lukewarm water Use warm — not hot — water for 5–10 minutes. Hot water dries your skin out.
2. Use a gentle, soap-free wash Avoid anything with fragrance or foaming soap. Look for "fragrance-free" on the label.
3. Pat dry — gently Pat your skin with a soft towel. Never rub — rubbing can irritate and trigger a flare.
4. Moisturize within 3 minutes Apply while skin is still slightly damp. This "soak and seal" step locks in water.
5. Repeat 2–3 times per day More often during a flare-up or in dry winter weather. Consistency is key.

What to Look For in a Moisturizer

• Ceramides — Rebuilds your skin's protective wall. A top ingredient for eczema.
• Glycerin — Draws moisture into the skin and keeps it there all day.
• Colloidal Oatmeal — Calms itching and redness. FDA-recognized for eczema care.
• Petrolatum (e.g., Vaseline) — Best at sealing moisture in — especially during flare-ups.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) — Reduces inflammation and helps repair the skin barrier.
• Dimethicone / Shea Butter — Softens skin and helps prevent water from escaping.

For psoriasis: Step-by-Step Guide / Daily Moisturizing Routine

1. Shower or bathe in lukewarm water Keep showers short — 5 to 10 minutes. Hot water can trigger inflammation and worsen plaques.
2. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser Harsh soaps strip protective oils. Look for gentle, non-foaming formulas designed for sensitive skin.
3. Pat skin dry — never rub Rubbing irritates psoriasis plaques. Use a soft towel and pat gently to avoid friction.
4. Apply a thick cream or ointment immediately Ointments work best for psoriasis — they seal in moisture longer than lotions. Apply within 3 minutes of drying.
5. Moisturize throughout the day Reapply whenever skin feels tight or dry — especially in winter or air-conditioned spaces.

What to Look For in a Moisturizer

• Salicylic Acid — Helps soften and lift psoriasis scales so moisturizer absorbs better.
• Urea (10–20%) — Breaks down thick plaques and deeply hydrates rough, scaly skin.
• Petrolatum (e.g., Vaseline) — Best occlusive for psoriasis — creates a barrier that locks in moisture all day.
• Ceramides — Restores the skin barrier weakened by psoriasis plaques.
• Lactic Acid — Gently exfoliates scaly patches while hydrating at the same time.
• Dimethicone / Shea Butter — Softens skin and provides a protective layer over irritated patches.

Sources: AAD Atopic Dermatitis Guidelines (Sidbury et al., 2023) · AAAAI/ACAAI Joint Task Force (Chu et al., 2024)

Do's and Don'ts of Moisturizing

For eczema

Do

• Moisturize right after your bath or shower Within 3 minutes of patting skin dry — skin absorbs moisturizer best while it's still a little damp.
• Use a thick cream or ointment Thicker is usually better for eczema and psoriasis. Ointments like Vaseline are best for sealing in moisture.
• Choose products labeled "fragrance-free" "Fragrance-free" means no added scents. "Unscented" is different — it may still have masking fragrances.
• Moisturize at least 2–3 times per day The more consistently you moisturize, the better your skin can heal and stay protected between flares.
• Look for ceramides, glycerin, or colloidal oatmeal These ingredients are clinically proven to help repair and protect your skin's natural barrier.

Don't

• Use products with added fragrance or perfume Fragrance is the #1 cause of skin reactions in people with eczema. Even "natural" scents can trigger a flare.
• Use hot water when bathing Hot water strips the natural oils from your skin. Stick with lukewarm water every time you bathe.
• Rub your skin dry with a towel Always pat gently — rubbing causes irritation and friction that can make symptoms worse.
• Apply products with drying alcohol Labels saying "alcohol denat," "isopropyl alcohol," or "ethanol" signal a product that will dry your skin out.
• Skip moisturizing between flare-ups Keeping your skin moisturized every day — even when it looks fine — is one of the best ways to prevent flares.

For psoriasis

Do

• Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing Locking in moisture right after a shower helps prevent plaques from drying out and cracking.
• Use thick ointments or creams over thin lotions Ointments provide a stronger barrier for psoriasis-affected skin and keep moisture in longer.
• Look for salicylic acid or urea These ingredients help soften and lift psoriasis scales so your skin can better absorb treatment.
• Moisturize consistently — even during remission Daily moisturizing helps prevent new plaques from forming, not just treat existing ones.
• Choose fragrance-free, dye-free formulas Sensitive psoriasis skin reacts easily — keep ingredient lists short and clean.

Don't

• Scratch or pick at plaques Scratching can trigger the Koebner phenomenon — causing new psoriasis patches to form at the site of injury.
• Use hot water when bathing Hot water increases inflammation. Lukewarm showers are gentler on psoriasis plaques.
• Rub skin dry — always pat Rubbing aggravates plaques and causes micro-tears that can worsen irritation.
• Use alcohol-based products on affected areas Drying alcohols strip moisture and can intensify scaling and tightness on psoriasis patches.
• Skip moisturizing when skin looks clear Psoriasis skin needs daily moisture even in remission — consistency helps prevent future flares.

Sources: AAD/NPF Guidelines · National Eczema Association · Hamann et al. JAAD 2021 · Elmets et al. JAAD 2021

Explore More from the Skin Health Hub

Continue learning about skin health, diet, and care.

• Mediterranean Diet — What it is, its history, and proven health benefits.
• 2025 Psoriasis Study — Summary of the MEDIPSO trial in JAMA Dermatology.
• Dr. Gilroy's Recipes — 10 easy Mediterranean meals — 30 minutes or less.
• Dining Out Tips — 10 tips for staying on track at any restaurant.

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