Eczema Skincare Routine: A Guide for Every Age

An eczema skincare routine does not need to be complicated. Whether you are navigating teenage skin, busy adult life or the changes that come with mature skin, the foundations remain much the same: cleanse gently, moisturise regularly, protect the skin barrier and avoid products that trigger irritation.

Facial eczema can be particularly frustrating because the skin on the face is constantly exposed to weather, skincare products, sunscreen and makeup. What works for one person may not work for another, and your skin’s needs can also change throughout your life.

The good news is that more products and more steps do not necessarily mean better skin. For eczema-prone skin, keeping things simple is often the best place to start.

The foundations of an eczema-friendly skincare routine

At any age, a gentle and consistent routine can help support the skin barrier.

Cleanse gently

Choose a mild, soap-free cleanser suitable for sensitive skin. Products that foam heavily or leave your face feeling tight or “squeaky clean” may be too drying for eczema-prone skin.

Use lukewarm rather than hot water and avoid scrubbing the skin. Some people may find cleansing once a day is enough, particularly when their skin is very dry, while others may prefer morning and evening cleansing depending on their skin, activities and the products they use.

Make moisturising a priority

Moisturising is one of the most important parts of caring for eczema-prone skin.

Apply a fragrance-free moisturiser regularly and whenever the skin feels dry or tight. Applying it shortly after washing, while the skin retains some moisture, can help support hydration.

Creams and ointments generally provide more barrier support than lighter lotions, although the best formulation is ultimately one that feels comfortable on your skin and that you are happy to use consistently.

Do you need a toner?

Usually, no.

Toner is not an essential part of an eczema skincare routine. Some toners contain alcohol, fragrances, exfoliating ingredients or other substances that may irritate sensitive skin.

If you enjoy using one, choose a simple, fragrance-free product formulated for sensitive skin and stop using it if you notice stinging, redness, dryness or irritation.

Don’t forget sun protection

Sun protection is important for everyone, including people living with eczema.

Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that you can tolerate and use consistently. Fragrance-free formulations designed for sensitive skin can be a useful starting point. Some people with eczema find mineral sunscreens containing ingredients such as zinc oxide easier to tolerate, but individual reactions vary.

If you are trying a new sunscreen, consider testing it on a small area first before applying it more widely.

Teenagers: eczema, sensitivity and breakouts

Teenage skin can bring an awkward combination of concerns. Eczema may be present at the same time as oily skin, blackheads, pimples or acne.

This can make choosing skincare difficult.

Strong acne products, scrubs and exfoliating acids may irritate eczema-prone areas. Rather than trying to “dry out” breakouts, start with a gentle cleanser and moisturiser that suits sensitive skin. If acne is persistent, painful or difficult to manage alongside eczema, speak with your GP, dermatologist or other healthcare professional about an appropriate treatment plan.

What about makeup?

For teenagers beginning to experiment with makeup, introduce products gradually rather than changing an entire routine at once.

Look for fragrance-free products suitable for sensitive skin where possible. Remove makeup gently at the end of the day rather than sleeping in it, and moisturise afterwards.

A mild cleanser may be enough. Fragrance-free micellar water can also suit some people, although even products marketed for sensitive skin can irritate individual skin, so pay attention to how your skin responds.

Young adults to around 40: when skincare gets complicated

This is often the stage when bathroom shelves start filling up.

Retinoids. Vitamin C. Exfoliating acids. Serums. Peels. Masks. Trending ingredients that seem to change every few weeks.

For someone with eczema-prone skin, introducing several active ingredients can make it difficult to work out what is causing irritation.

A simple routine of gentle cleansing, regular moisturising and sun protection remains a strong foundation. If you want to introduce an active ingredient, consider adding only one new product at a time and monitoring how your skin responds.

If an ingredient repeatedly causes burning, stinging, redness or an eczema flare, stop using it and seek professional advice if symptoms persist.

Removing makeup without over-cleansing

If you wear makeup regularly, removing it before bed is important, but your skin does not need to be scrubbed clean.

Avoid vigorous rubbing and be cautious with makeup wipes, which can create friction and may contain ingredients that irritate sensitive skin.

For heavier makeup or water-resistant products, some people may need an additional cleansing step. The priority is to remove the product without leaving the skin feeling stripped, tight or sore.

Follow cleansing with your usual moisturiser.

Stress, lack of sleep, weather, hormones and other lifestyle factors can also influence eczema. Skincare is only one part of managing the condition, so don’t assume a flare automatically means you have chosen the wrong moisturiser.

Mature skin: supporting skin as it becomes drier

Skin naturally changes as we age. It may become drier and more fragile, and some people notice that products they previously tolerated no longer feel as comfortable.

For mature eczema-prone skin, moisturising may need to become more frequent. Rich creams or ointments can be particularly useful when dryness increases.

Cleansing can also be kept minimal. Some people may find a gentle evening cleanse and a simple lukewarm-water rinse in the morning is enough.

Ingredients commonly used to support hydration and the skin barrier include ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Petrolatum can also help reduce moisture loss.

The overall formulation matters, though. A product containing a beneficial ingredient can still contain something else that your skin does not tolerate.

Makeup and eczema: keep it simple

Having eczema does not automatically mean giving up makeup.

The trick is finding products your skin tolerates and resisting the urge to introduce too many at once.

When possible, look for fragrance-free products formulated for sensitive skin. If your eczema is actively flaring, cracked or very irritated, you may find that taking a break from makeup gives your skin time to settle.

Removal matters just as much as application. At the end of the day:

• Remove makeup gently without excessive rubbing.
• Use lukewarm rather than hot water.
• Pat rather than rub the skin dry.
• Apply your moisturiser afterwards.

If a particular makeup product repeatedly causes itching, burning or redness, stop using it.

What should you look for in eczema-friendly skincare?

Skincare labels can be confusing. “Natural”, “clean”, “organic” and “dermatologically tested” do not automatically mean a product will suit eczema-prone skin.

A simpler approach is to look for products that are fragrance-free, gentle and formulated for sensitive skin.

Depending on your individual skin, useful moisturising or barrier-supporting ingredients may include:

• Ceramides
• Glycerin
• Petrolatum
• Hyaluronic acid

It is also worth remembering the difference between fragrance-free and unscented. An unscented product may still contain fragrance ingredients used to mask the smell of other ingredients. For eczema-prone skin, fragrance-free is generally the better place to start.

What should you avoid?

Fragrance is a common source of irritation for sensitive and eczema-prone skin, including fragrance from some essential oils and botanical ingredients.

Also be cautious with harsh physical scrubs, strongly fragranced products, alcohol-heavy formulations and exfoliating or active ingredients that cause irritation.

“Natural” does not necessarily mean gentle.

Plant extracts and essential oils are still biologically active ingredients and may irritate sensitive skin. Choose products based on how appropriate the overall formulation is for your skin rather than relying on marketing claims on the front of the packaging.

A simple eczema skincare routine at any age

If you’re unsure where to begin, come back to the basics:

Morning: Gentle cleanse or rinse → Moisturiser → Sunscreen

Evening: Gentle cleanse → Moisturiser

Additional products can be considered depending on your individual needs, but they do not need to form the foundation of your routine.

When trying something new, introducing one product at a time can also make it easier to identify what your skin does and doesn’t tolerate.

Your skin can change, and your routine can too

The skincare routine that suited you at 17 may not be the one you need at 37 or 67.

Hormones, weather, lifestyle, medications, ageing and changes in your eczema can all affect how your skin behaves. Rather than chasing the perfect routine, focus on keeping your skin comfortable and supporting its barrier consistently.

If facial eczema is persistent, worsening, affecting your eyes or interfering with everyday life, speak with your GP, dermatologist or another qualified healthcare professional. They can help determine whether you need changes to your skincare routine, prescription treatment or further assessment.

Remember: Skincare can support eczema management, but it does not replace medical treatment when treatment is needed.

This information is general in nature and is not intended to replace individual medical advice. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your individual circumstances.