You're going about your day, and your skin is getting dry and itchy again. You pause what you're doing to reapply your moisturizing cream—and while it helps for a minute, the feeling of hydration is fleeting.
Creams are an integral part of any skincare routine for those with eczema, but they can't do everything. In the midst of a flare, your skin needs various kinds of support to rebuild the barrier, stay hydrated, and prevent trans-epidermal water loss.
Flare-prone skin is complex, which means there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Here's what to know about the different roles patches and creams play in your skincare.
Not sure what kind of support your skin needs right now? Take the Flare Quiz to check your stage in 60 seconds.
Why Creams Are Important for Eczema
Flare-prone skin has a weakened barrier, meaning water and moisture escape more easily. This process is known as trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and it's why dryness, cracking, and irritation are symptoms of eczema.
Creams help lock in moisture to help prevent TEWL, and dermatologists agree that moisturizing, especially after showering or bathing, is essential.
"Skin moisturizers protect the skin barrier, reduce water loss and enhance hydration, replenishing key structural components of the skin," said Dr. Raj Chovatiya, dermatologist and clinical associate professor at Rosalind Franklin University Medical School in Chicago, in an article for the National Eczema Association.
Why Patches Don't Replace Creams
Patches and creams both feel soothing to apply, no matter which stage of the Flare Cycle you're in, because they instantly calm the skin and reduce dryness. Moisturizing is important for all-over moisture, which improves barrier function. If you aren't consistent with it, your skin is much more likely to dry out, causing you to itch and the barrier to weaken further.
Patches provide targeted support right on the flare site, and they physically block your nails from scratching your skin. They also deliver gentle, active ingredients over the course of up to six to eight hours, providing long-lasting relief. Some moisturizers feature barrier-supporting ingredients, like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, but they immediately absorb into the skin.
You should apply your creams and lotions as often as your dermatologist recommends, and no product can replace what works for you. However, patches complement the function of moisturizer, and can potentially reduce the number of times you have to reapply throughout the day.
If you're looking to simplify your routine, try the Flare Kit: It features Signal, Surge, and Reset, each of which provide the support your skin needs during Pre-Flare, Active Flare, and Post-Flare.
FAQs
What is the difference between an eczema patch and creams?
Eczema patches are formulated to provide barrier support based on the Flare Cycle stage and directly at the flare-site. Creams provide all-over hydration that helps prevent TEWL and promote general skin health.
Do eczema patches hydrate skin the way a cream does?
Patches hydrate the skin, but in a different way from creams: sustained delivery of ingredients and localized support. Creams absorb into the skin right away and can be applied everywhere.
What can an eczema patch do that a moisturizer can't?
Patches deliver calming ingredients directly to the flare site for up to six to eight hours, and they physically block from scratching and outside irritants. They're also based on the Flare Cycle stages, meaning their formulations are curated for Pre-Flare, Active Flare, and Post-Flare rather than general support.
Do eczema patches and moisturizers contain the same ingredients?
Some creams may share a few of the ingredients that the patches contain; common ones include ceramides and hyaluronic acid. However, patches are able to deliver the ingredients over the course of six to eight hours, while creams immediately absorb into the skin.