Eczema Ointments, Creams and Lotions.
Eczema Ointments, Creams and Lotions.
Eczema Ointments, Creams and Lotions.
Understand the role of emollients in eczema management and how to navigate through the different types.
Understand the role of emollients in eczema management and how to navigate through the different types.
Understand the role of emollients in eczema management and how to navigate through the different types.
If you suffer from eczema, you probably have a cupboard full of emollients, pots of ointments, tubes of creams, and the latest miracle creams. Read on to understand more about the mounting pile of creams cluttering your desk.
Patients with eczema have a weaker outer layer of skin. This makes it more difficult for the skin to keep in water. Additionally, the skin is also deficient in natural surface oils. And finally, the skin is more sensitive to invasion from foreign substances such as bacteria, irritants and allergens. Eczema skin has its fair share of battles, resulting in dry and itchy skin. The weapon in tackling these battles is the trusted emollient.
Emollients help to soften the skin by soothing and hydrating, almost acting like a second skin. Religious use of emollients is critical in keeping your eczema at bay, reducing dry and itchy skin and preventing infections and flare-ups.
Different types of emollients
So, what exactly is the difference between the many types of emollients? In a nutshell, emollients are split up depending on the level of oil and water content. The more oil content, the more moisturising they are. There are three different types, ointments, creams and lotions.
Ointments — are most effective if the skin is dehydrated and thickened. Ointments have a high oil content and the least water content; hence are usually ‘greasy’. So they're often best suited for evening and nighttime use.
Creams — these are good for daytime use as they are less greasy and absorbed more quickly. They contain a mix of oil and water content and are the go-to when you're out and about.
Lotions — have the most water content, so they are thin and spread quickly, but unfortunately, they are not very moisturising. However, they are more suitable for hairy or damaged areas of skin (often best used for the scalp).
Mixing and matching your emollients is a good idea; try to find a regime that works for you and fits in with your lifestyle. A common routine is to use creams during the day and ointments at night.
The sight of soap may make you shudder (probably for good reason). Many everyday soaps and shampoos tend to be fragranced and can dry out the skin. (As a rule of thumb, avoid products that foam). Using an emollient soap substitute for hand-washing and bathing can help to improve your eczema. They do not foam like regular soap but are just as effective at cleaning your skin. Be careful, though, as they can be slippery, and diving in your shower is not ideal.
If you suffer from eczema, you probably have a cupboard full of emollients, pots of ointments, tubes of creams, and the latest miracle creams. Read on to understand more about the mounting pile of creams cluttering your desk.
Patients with eczema have a weaker outer layer of skin. This makes it more difficult for the skin to keep in water. Additionally, the skin is also deficient in natural surface oils. And finally, the skin is more sensitive to invasion from foreign substances such as bacteria, irritants and allergens. Eczema skin has its fair share of battles, resulting in dry and itchy skin. The weapon in tackling these battles is the trusted emollient.
Emollients help to soften the skin by soothing and hydrating, almost acting like a second skin. Religious use of emollients is critical in keeping your eczema at bay, reducing dry and itchy skin and preventing infections and flare-ups.
Different types of emollients
So, what exactly is the difference between the many types of emollients? In a nutshell, emollients are split up depending on the level of oil and water content. The more oil content, the more moisturising they are. There are three different types, ointments, creams and lotions.
Ointments — are most effective if the skin is dehydrated and thickened. Ointments have a high oil content and the least water content; hence are usually ‘greasy’. So they're often best suited for evening and nighttime use.
Creams — these are good for daytime use as they are less greasy and absorbed more quickly. They contain a mix of oil and water content and are the go-to when you're out and about.
Lotions — have the most water content, so they are thin and spread quickly, but unfortunately, they are not very moisturising. However, they are more suitable for hairy or damaged areas of skin (often best used for the scalp).
Mixing and matching your emollients is a good idea; try to find a regime that works for you and fits in with your lifestyle. A common routine is to use creams during the day and ointments at night.
The sight of soap may make you shudder (probably for good reason). Many everyday soaps and shampoos tend to be fragranced and can dry out the skin. (As a rule of thumb, avoid products that foam). Using an emollient soap substitute for hand-washing and bathing can help to improve your eczema. They do not foam like regular soap but are just as effective at cleaning your skin. Be careful, though, as they can be slippery, and diving in your shower is not ideal.
If you suffer from eczema, you probably have a cupboard full of emollients, pots of ointments, tubes of creams, and the latest miracle creams. Read on to understand more about the mounting pile of creams cluttering your desk.
Patients with eczema have a weaker outer layer of skin. This makes it more difficult for the skin to keep in water. Additionally, the skin is also deficient in natural surface oils. And finally, the skin is more sensitive to invasion from foreign substances such as bacteria, irritants and allergens. Eczema skin has its fair share of battles, resulting in dry and itchy skin. The weapon in tackling these battles is the trusted emollient.
Emollients help to soften the skin by soothing and hydrating, almost acting like a second skin. Religious use of emollients is critical in keeping your eczema at bay, reducing dry and itchy skin and preventing infections and flare-ups.
Different types of emollients
So, what exactly is the difference between the many types of emollients? In a nutshell, emollients are split up depending on the level of oil and water content. The more oil content, the more moisturising they are. There are three different types, ointments, creams and lotions.
Ointments — are most effective if the skin is dehydrated and thickened. Ointments have a high oil content and the least water content; hence are usually ‘greasy’. So they're often best suited for evening and nighttime use.
Creams — these are good for daytime use as they are less greasy and absorbed more quickly. They contain a mix of oil and water content and are the go-to when you're out and about.
Lotions — have the most water content, so they are thin and spread quickly, but unfortunately, they are not very moisturising. However, they are more suitable for hairy or damaged areas of skin (often best used for the scalp).
Mixing and matching your emollients is a good idea; try to find a regime that works for you and fits in with your lifestyle. A common routine is to use creams during the day and ointments at night.
The sight of soap may make you shudder (probably for good reason). Many everyday soaps and shampoos tend to be fragranced and can dry out the skin. (As a rule of thumb, avoid products that foam). Using an emollient soap substitute for hand-washing and bathing can help to improve your eczema. They do not foam like regular soap but are just as effective at cleaning your skin. Be careful, though, as they can be slippery, and diving in your shower is not ideal.
How to apply your emollients correctly.
Application technique is just as important as the type of emollient you pick.
You need be wearing your emollient liberally, at least 3–4 times a day.
Try to dab on some emollient after a lukewarm bath (pat your skin dry, please do not rub) to help lock in moisture.
Emollients should be smoothed into the skin in a downward direction to prevent your hair follicles from getting blocked.
This may sound cumbersome, but incorporate it into your daily routine, and your skin will thank you. Remember, emollients are very safe, and overuse is impossible!
Keeping safe!
Lastly, some points on safety:
Keep away from fire, flames and cigarettes when using all types of emollients, as they can be flammable.
Use clean spoons to remove emollients from pots, preventing contamination and reducing infection risk.
If you are trying a new emollient, test patch a small amount (size of a pea) and wait 24 hours to check for a reaction.
Unfortunately, there is no magic cure, but consistency is key to keeping your eczema at bay. If you are new to eczema or have tried and tested every emollient out there, we hope this provides guidance in wading through the world of emollients.
Learning more about your eczema and its management is crucial. However, the overwhelming amount of information online can be hard to understand and keep track. Proton Health includes a science-based programme which provides more hints and tips on effectively managing your eczema.
How to apply your emollients correctly.
Application technique is just as important as the type of emollient you pick.
You need be wearing your emollient liberally, at least 3–4 times a day.
Try to dab on some emollient after a lukewarm bath (pat your skin dry, please do not rub) to help lock in moisture.
Emollients should be smoothed into the skin in a downward direction to prevent your hair follicles from getting blocked.
This may sound cumbersome, but incorporate it into your daily routine, and your skin will thank you. Remember, emollients are very safe, and overuse is impossible!
Keeping safe!
Lastly, some points on safety:
Keep away from fire, flames and cigarettes when using all types of emollients, as they can be flammable.
Use clean spoons to remove emollients from pots, preventing contamination and reducing infection risk.
If you are trying a new emollient, test patch a small amount (size of a pea) and wait 24 hours to check for a reaction.
Unfortunately, there is no magic cure, but consistency is key to keeping your eczema at bay. If you are new to eczema or have tried and tested every emollient out there, we hope this provides guidance in wading through the world of emollients.
Learning more about your eczema and its management is crucial. However, the overwhelming amount of information online can be hard to understand and keep track. Proton Health includes a science-based programme which provides more hints and tips on effectively managing your eczema.
How to apply your emollients correctly.
Application technique is just as important as the type of emollient you pick.
You need be wearing your emollient liberally, at least 3–4 times a day.
Try to dab on some emollient after a lukewarm bath (pat your skin dry, please do not rub) to help lock in moisture.
Emollients should be smoothed into the skin in a downward direction to prevent your hair follicles from getting blocked.
This may sound cumbersome, but incorporate it into your daily routine, and your skin will thank you. Remember, emollients are very safe, and overuse is impossible!
Keeping safe!
Lastly, some points on safety:
Keep away from fire, flames and cigarettes when using all types of emollients, as they can be flammable.
Use clean spoons to remove emollients from pots, preventing contamination and reducing infection risk.
If you are trying a new emollient, test patch a small amount (size of a pea) and wait 24 hours to check for a reaction.
Unfortunately, there is no magic cure, but consistency is key to keeping your eczema at bay. If you are new to eczema or have tried and tested every emollient out there, we hope this provides guidance in wading through the world of emollients.
Learning more about your eczema and its management is crucial. However, the overwhelming amount of information online can be hard to understand and keep track. Proton Health includes a science-based programme which provides more hints and tips on effectively managing your eczema.
Dr Niall Jawad
Dr Niall Jawad
Dr Niall Jawad
our journal
our journal
our journal
More insights for you.
More insights for you.
More insights for you.
Explore more reflections, guidance, and practical tools to support your growth and well-being.
Explore more reflections, guidance, and practical tools to support your growth and well-being.
Explore more reflections, guidance, and practical tools to support your growth and well-being.
Here, we'll examine the impact of education programs on quality of life and eczema severity.
Here, we'll examine the impact of education programs on quality of life and eczema severity.
Here, we'll examine the impact of education programs on quality of life and eczema severity.
Understand the different ways eczema can present in different skin tones and how to take action to improve inequalities in dermatology.
Understand the different ways eczema can present in different skin tones and how to take action to improve inequalities in dermatology.
Understand the different ways eczema can present in different skin tones and how to take action to improve inequalities in dermatology.
Your questions.
Answered.
Not sure what to expect? These answers might help you feel more confident as you begin.
Didn’t find your answer? Send us a message at
hello@proton-health.com — we’ll respond with care and clarity.
How is this different to traditional dermatology or telehealth apps?
Most telehealth apps are just video calls with doctors who don't know your history, offering templated advice. Traditional dermatology gives you 7 minutes every few months. Symphony is different — it's an AI that learns your complete skin story and provides personalized guidance 24/7, backed by specialists who review your case. Think of it as a personal trainer for your skin, not just another appointment booking app.
How is this different to traditional dermatology or telehealth apps?
Most telehealth apps are just video calls with doctors who don't know your history, offering templated advice. Traditional dermatology gives you 7 minutes every few months. Symphony is different — it's an AI that learns your complete skin story and provides personalized guidance 24/7, backed by specialists who review your case. Think of it as a personal trainer for your skin, not just another appointment booking app.
Which conditions does Symphony support?
Which conditions does Symphony support?
Symphony is built for chronic skin conditions: acne, eczema, psoriasis, and topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). These are the conditions where understanding your triggers matters most — and where the traditional "here's a cream, see you in 3 months" approach fails hardest. If you're dealing with something else, reach out — we're expanding based on what our members need.
Is my data protected?
Is my data protected?
Your data is encrypted, never sold, and never used for advertising. You can export it. You can delete it anytime. Read our full privacy policy below.
Why not just see a dermatologist more frequently?
Why not just see a dermatologist more frequently?
You could — if you could get an appointment, afford the visit, and somehow give them access to absolutely everything that happened between visits. The reality: your dermatologist sees a snapshot. Symphony sees the full picture — what you ate, how you slept, what products you used, how stressed you were — and connects it to how your skin responded. We're not replacing your dermatologist. We're giving them (and you) context they'd never otherwise have.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate?
How do I know if I'm a good candidate?
If you've been dealing with a chronic skin condition and still don't fully understand why your skin flares — you're a good candidate. Symphony works best for people willing to track consistently (a few minutes a day) and who want to understand their patterns, not just treat symptoms. If you're looking for a quick fix or a magic cream recommendation, we're probably not the right fit.
What if I've tried everything already?
What if I've tried everything already?
Then you're exactly who we built this for. "Tried everything" usually means you've tried a lot of products and treatments — but you've never had the tools to see how your skin actually responds to your life. Symphony doesn't give you more things to try. It helps you understand what's already happening — so the next thing you try is actually informed by your data. It knowing instead of guessing.
Is Symphony a replacement for medical advice?
Is Symphony a replacement for medical advice?
Symphony's AI and tracking tools are not a replacement for medical advice — they help you understand patterns in your own data, but they don't diagnose or prescribe.
That said, we know insights alone aren't always enough. That's why our Premium tier includes referrals to specialist dermatology consultations, gut and skin microbiome testing, and comprehensive lab panels — actual specialists who review your Symphony data.
The app gives you context and understanding. When you need clinical expertise, we connect you with professionals who understand your story.
How is Symphony different from apps that scan your face and sell you products?
How is Symphony different from apps that scan your face and sell you products?
Most "AI skincare" apps take a photo, run it through a basic algorithm, and recommend products they get commission on. They're not trying to help you understand your skin — they're trying to sell you things. Symphony doesn't work that way. We analyze your symptoms, lifestyle, stress, diet, and products over time to find patterns unique to you. We don't sell skincare products directly, and our recommendations are based on your data — not affiliate deals.
When we do recommend products, we're checking thousands of products against YOUR specific sensitivities and triggers. The goal is to stop you wasting money, not to add to the pile of half-used bottles under your sink.
Can I cancel anytime?
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. No contracts, no cancellation fees. If Symphony isn't working for you, you can cancel in a few clicks. We'd rather earn your trust every month than trap you in one.
Your questions.
Answered.
Not sure what to expect? These answers might help you feel more confident as you begin.
How is this different to traditional dermatology or telehealth apps?
Most telehealth apps are just video calls with doctors who don't know your history, offering templated advice. Traditional dermatology gives you 7 minutes every few months. Symphony is different — it's an AI that learns your complete skin story and provides personalized guidance 24/7, backed by specialists who review your case. Think of it as a personal trainer for your skin, not just another appointment booking app.
How is this different to traditional dermatology or telehealth apps?
Most telehealth apps are just video calls with doctors who don't know your history, offering templated advice. Traditional dermatology gives you 7 minutes every few months. Symphony is different — it's an AI that learns your complete skin story and provides personalized guidance 24/7, backed by specialists who review your case. Think of it as a personal trainer for your skin, not just another appointment booking app.
Which conditions does Symphony support?
Which conditions does Symphony support?
Symphony is built for chronic skin conditions: acne, eczema, psoriasis, and topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). These are the conditions where understanding your triggers matters most — and where the traditional "here's a cream, see you in 3 months" approach fails hardest. If you're dealing with something else, reach out — we're expanding based on what our members need.
Is my data protected?
Is my data protected?
Your data is encrypted, never sold, and never used for advertising. You can export it. You can delete it anytime. Read our full privacy policy below.
Why not just see a dermatologist more frequently?
Why not just see a dermatologist more frequently?
You could — if you could get an appointment, afford the visit, and somehow give them access to absolutely everything that happened between visits. The reality: your dermatologist sees a snapshot. Symphony sees the full picture — what you ate, how you slept, what products you used, how stressed you were — and connects it to how your skin responded. We're not replacing your dermatologist. We're giving them (and you) context they'd never otherwise have.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate?
How do I know if I'm a good candidate?
If you've been dealing with a chronic skin condition and still don't fully understand why your skin flares — you're a good candidate. Symphony works best for people willing to track consistently (a few minutes a day) and who want to understand their patterns, not just treat symptoms. If you're looking for a quick fix or a magic cream recommendation, we're probably not the right fit.
What if I've tried everything already?
What if I've tried everything already?
Then you're exactly who we built this for. "Tried everything" usually means you've tried a lot of products and treatments — but you've never had the tools to see how your skin actually responds to your life. Symphony doesn't give you more things to try. It helps you understand what's already happening — so the next thing you try is actually informed by your data. It knowing instead of guessing.
Is Symphony a replacement for medical advice?
Is Symphony a replacement for medical advice?
Symphony's AI and tracking tools are not a replacement for medical advice — they help you understand patterns in your own data, but they don't diagnose or prescribe.
That said, we know insights alone aren't always enough. That's why our Premium tier includes referrals to specialist dermatology consultations, gut and skin microbiome testing, and comprehensive lab panels — actual specialists who review your Symphony data.
The app gives you context and understanding. When you need clinical expertise, we connect you with professionals who understand your story.
How is Symphony different from apps that scan your face and sell you products?
How is Symphony different from apps that scan your face and sell you products?
Most "AI skincare" apps take a photo, run it through a basic algorithm, and recommend products they get commission on. They're not trying to help you understand your skin — they're trying to sell you things. Symphony doesn't work that way. We analyze your symptoms, lifestyle, stress, diet, and products over time to find patterns unique to you. We don't sell skincare products directly, and our recommendations are based on your data — not affiliate deals.
When we do recommend products, we're checking thousands of products against YOUR specific sensitivities and triggers. The goal is to stop you wasting money, not to add to the pile of half-used bottles under your sink.
Can I cancel anytime?
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. No contracts, no cancellation fees. If Symphony isn't working for you, you can cancel in a few clicks. We'd rather earn your trust every month than trap you in one.
Didn’t find your answer? Send us a message at
hello@proton-health.com — we’ll respond with care and clarity.
Your questions.
Answered.
Not sure what to expect? These answers might help you feel more confident as you begin.
Didn’t find your answer? Send us a message at
hello@proton-health.com — we’ll respond with care and clarity.
How is this different to traditional dermatology or telehealth apps?
Most telehealth apps are just video calls with doctors who don't know your history, offering templated advice. Traditional dermatology gives you 7 minutes every few months. Symphony is different — it's an AI that learns your complete skin story and provides personalized guidance 24/7, backed by specialists who review your case. Think of it as a personal trainer for your skin, not just another appointment booking app.
How is this different to traditional dermatology or telehealth apps?
Most telehealth apps are just video calls with doctors who don't know your history, offering templated advice. Traditional dermatology gives you 7 minutes every few months. Symphony is different — it's an AI that learns your complete skin story and provides personalized guidance 24/7, backed by specialists who review your case. Think of it as a personal trainer for your skin, not just another appointment booking app.
Which conditions does Symphony support?
Which conditions does Symphony support?
Symphony is built for chronic skin conditions: acne, eczema, psoriasis, and topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). These are the conditions where understanding your triggers matters most — and where the traditional "here's a cream, see you in 3 months" approach fails hardest. If you're dealing with something else, reach out — we're expanding based on what our members need.
Is my data protected?
Is my data protected?
Your data is encrypted, never sold, and never used for advertising. You can export it. You can delete it anytime. Read our full privacy policy below.
Why not just see a dermatologist more frequently?
Why not just see a dermatologist more frequently?
You could — if you could get an appointment, afford the visit, and somehow give them access to absolutely everything that happened between visits. The reality: your dermatologist sees a snapshot. Symphony sees the full picture — what you ate, how you slept, what products you used, how stressed you were — and connects it to how your skin responded. We're not replacing your dermatologist. We're giving them (and you) context they'd never otherwise have.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate?
How do I know if I'm a good candidate?
If you've been dealing with a chronic skin condition and still don't fully understand why your skin flares — you're a good candidate. Symphony works best for people willing to track consistently (a few minutes a day) and who want to understand their patterns, not just treat symptoms. If you're looking for a quick fix or a magic cream recommendation, we're probably not the right fit.
What if I've tried everything already?
What if I've tried everything already?
Then you're exactly who we built this for. "Tried everything" usually means you've tried a lot of products and treatments — but you've never had the tools to see how your skin actually responds to your life. Symphony doesn't give you more things to try. It helps you understand what's already happening — so the next thing you try is actually informed by your data. It knowing instead of guessing.
Is Symphony a replacement for medical advice?
Is Symphony a replacement for medical advice?
Symphony's AI and tracking tools are not a replacement for medical advice — they help you understand patterns in your own data, but they don't diagnose or prescribe.
That said, we know insights alone aren't always enough. That's why our Premium tier includes referrals to specialist dermatology consultations, gut and skin microbiome testing, and comprehensive lab panels — actual specialists who review your Symphony data.
The app gives you context and understanding. When you need clinical expertise, we connect you with professionals who understand your story.
How is Symphony different from apps that scan your face and sell you products?
How is Symphony different from apps that scan your face and sell you products?
Most "AI skincare" apps take a photo, run it through a basic algorithm, and recommend products they get commission on. They're not trying to help you understand your skin — they're trying to sell you things. Symphony doesn't work that way. We analyze your symptoms, lifestyle, stress, diet, and products over time to find patterns unique to you. We don't sell skincare products directly, and our recommendations are based on your data — not affiliate deals.
When we do recommend products, we're checking thousands of products against YOUR specific sensitivities and triggers. The goal is to stop you wasting money, not to add to the pile of half-used bottles under your sink.
Can I cancel anytime?
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. No contracts, no cancellation fees. If Symphony isn't working for you, you can cancel in a few clicks. We'd rather earn your trust every month than trap you in one.