Eczema Vs. Dry Skin: How To Tell The Difference + Our Top Products For Treatment

Can you tell the difference between dry skin and eczema? If you’ve ever found yourself confused by these two seemingly similar skin conditions, be sure to keep reading.

Although eczema and dry skin share a lot in common, there are some key differences that are critical to know for proper care. To help you out, here’s a helpful breakdown:

Eczema Basics:

In technical terms, eczema is an inflammatory skin condition, also sometimes referred to as atopic dermatitis. Although the exact cause of eczema is unknown, most experts cite that it is the result of genetics, as well as environmental factors, which can cause chronic symptoms.

Common characteristics of eczema include rashes, itchy skin, and dry patches that may appear red, flaky, or scaly. Additionally, eczema can be worsened when certain triggers are present - including allergies, irritants, certain foods, and stress. In most cases, symptoms can be managed with proper treatment, and may come and go throughout a person’s lifetime.

Skincare Recommendations For Eczema:

In order to address root issues related to eczema – including inflammation and a compromised moisture barrier – the best products will be those that feature simple, gentle, soothing and calming ingredients.

Lizzie’s product picks:

• Eczema Butter – The ultimate skin soother, our body butter was designed especially for eczema with ingredients that target common symptoms. Key components include shea butter, colloidal oats, and six different skin nourishing botanical oils.
  
  
• Eczema Oil – Our calming oil blend for infusing the skin with intense moisture. For this soothing elixir we offer an unscented formula, as well as gently fragranced versions.
  
  
• Organic Unscented Eczema Soap or Body Wash – For anyone whose skin reacts negatively to fragrance, we’ve designed two amazing cleanser options, suitable for daily use without causing irritation.

• Oatmeal and Honey Soap – Our signature soap recipe includes shea butter, hemp seed, coconut, olive, and sunflower oils – all of which support moisture retention for healthy skin. We especially love the Oatmeal and Honey because both ingredients are known to calm and protect sensitive skin.

Dry Skin 101

Dry skin tends to be a more broad term, referring to skin that lacks moisture. It is one of the four primary skin types, and also determined by genetics. However, dry skin is much more common than eczema, and is typically marked by more mild symptoms.

Those with dry skin tend to have small pores which do not produce much oil leading to a lack of elasticity, tendency to show fine lines, sensitivity, and in extreme cases, itching or flaking. Similar to eczema, dry skin can be affected by external factors, such as dry climate, aging, UV exposure, or use of products that don’t support moisture retention in the skin.

Skincare Recommendations For Dry Skin

The best products for dry skin will be those that replenish the skin with hydrating and moisturizing ingredients. Those with dry skin should avoid harsh cleansers and aggressive exfoliants, as these can strip the skin of protective oils and lipids.

Lizzie’s Product Picks:

• Whipped Shea Butter – Shea butter is known to be one of the best ingredients for dry skin. It’s filled with vitamins, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants, making it an ideal choice for replenishment and repair. It also absorbs quickly, leaving the skin soft, supple and smooth.
  
  
• Oatmeal and Honey Soap – Our signature soap recipe includes shea butter, hemp seed, coconut, olive, and sunflower oils – all of which support moisture retention for healthy skin. We especially love the Oatmeal and Honey because both ingredients are known to calm and protect sensitive skin.

Eczema Vs. Dry Skin: Key Differences To Understand

Although eczema and dry skin are not the same thing, it’s important to note that they can overlap. Many people with eczema also struggle with dry skin as a symptom, and eczema flares are often exacerbated when the skin lacks moisture. In order to properly address eczema, it can be very helpful to be aware of this connection, and be mindful to treat signs of dryness, as part of a comprehensive care routine.