Written by: Dr. Sunbin Song, PhD
Reviewed by: Dr. Gayin Lee, MD, Dermatology
August 28, 2025
Eczema can make your baby’s skin dry, itchy, and irritated. A gentle, consistent skincare routine can help. Here are practical tips to build an eczema skincare routine.
1. Non-stripping bathtime routines.
Bathe daily or every-other-day in order to wash off dirt and potential irritants.
If the skin is highly irritated and your child is uncomfortable with bathing, Dr. Lee suggests following your child’s preference at first and gradually increasing the frequency. Use lukewarm water. Limit baths to 5-10 minutes.
2. Choose the right wash or cleanser.
Choose a mild, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic wash or cleanser for sensitive skin.
Avoid bubble baths or harsh soaps, including castile soap. They strip baby’s skin of much needed oils.
3. Moisturize right after bathing.
Pat the skin dry, don’t rub.
While the skin is still slightly damp, apply a nourishing moisturizer.
This locks in moisture and helps protect the skin barrier.
Avoid products with alcohol, fragrance, essential oils, lanolin or food ingredients (such as coconut oil, almond oil).
4. Use a barrier cream or ointment at least twice daily.
Barrier creams (or ointments) contain skin protective ingredients such as allantoin, petrolatum, zinc oxide and dimethicone.
These help protect from irritants and lock-in moisture.
Apply them at least twice daily in the morning and before bed.
5. For facial eczema, use a barrier cream before meals.
If your child has facial eczema, skin contact with food may be the issue.
Apply a barrier cream (or ointment) to their face before meals to minimize contact.
Avoid using baby wipes on their face after meals, as these can contain irritants.
Instead, rinse the face with lukewarm water.
6. Dress your baby in soft, breathable clothes.
Choose 100% cotton. Avoid wool or rough fabrics.
Wash all clothes in fragrance-free, dye-free, methylisothiazolinone-free detergent.
Consider rinsing clothes twice to remove all residue.
7. Use medicated creams, if prescribed.
Sometimes, skincare alone isn't enough.
Your doctor may prescribe a mild steroid or non-steroid cream.
Apply only as directed and then wait 15-30 minutes before applying moisturizer.
Applying moisturizer right after prescription cream can rub it off.
8. Work with a doctor to identify triggers.
Eczema is caused by a number of factors, including environmental, genetic and immunologic. Common triggers include excessive bathing without moisturizing, low humidity, exposure to cigarette or wood smoke, emotional stress, friction and overheating of skin, sweating, and exposure to certain products such as wool, fragrance, harsh soaps, bubble baths, and laundry detergents.
Do not jump to the conclusion that foods are causing eczema, as elimination diets can carry risks. Instead, work with your doctor to identify and test for potential triggers.
9. Stick to the routine.
Consistency is key - use the same products daily and consistently.
Even on clear skin days, keep up the routine of regular moisturization.
Final Thoughts.
A good eczema skincare routine protects your baby’s skin and prevents flare-ups.
Choose gentle, nourishing products. Avoid irritants. Be consistent.
When in doubt, talk to your pediatrician, dermatologist or allergist.
Best products for eczema are ones that keep your baby’s skin calm, soft, and happy.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. It should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about your or your child’s health.
