For me, spring heralds the arrival of allergy season and periodic bouts of hives along with random patches of itchy skin. Yea, spring!
When my allergies are acting up, I try to avoid scented body products because they will often make the situation worse. Thank goodness for Aveeno Active Naturals Eczema Care Body Wash ($9.99 ) and Moisturizing Cream ($9.99), a superstar unscented combo able to clean and moisturize without irritating or drying out my allergy-prone skin.
Aveeno Active Naturals Eczema Care Body Wash and Moisturizing Cream
Use: To cleanse and moisturize the itchy, extra-dry skin associated with eczema
Price: $9.99 apiece
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+
Both Eczema Care Body Wash and Moisturizing Cream are fragrance- and steroid-free, making them ideal for people with sensitive skin. Created by dermatologists to provide itch relief to eczema sufferers (you don’t have to suffer from eczema to use it, though), each contains oat essence and ceramides, compounds with soothing properties. These products are so gentle that they’re approved for use on baby skin (but, as with any product, read your labels and consult a physician if in doubt).
Eczema is a general term used to describe any of a number of rash-like skin conditions, the most common being atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction. In the US, 15 million people have some form of eczema. While people of all ages can have it, eczema is most common among babies (awww, poor things).
I’ve never been diagnosed with eczema but guessed that these gentle products would help relieve my slightly less severe skin issues, and I’ve been using both products at night for the past two weeks. On the first night, I used the Eczema Care Body Wash during my shower. The effect was almost immediate. I didn’t experience any of the itching on my arms and legs that I’ll sometimes have shortly after drying from a shower.
With an almost imperceptible oatmeal scent (natural to the oatmeal in the products, not added for effect), the body wash formula is thick and rich, but not oily. A quarter-sized dollop in my palm was enough to cover all of my sad, itchy patches. Just wash (it forms a slight lather) and rinse. And it didn’t leave a film. My skin felt clean but not dry or tight.
I have dry skin, so after drying from the shower I slathered a layer of the Eczema Care Moisturizing Cream on my legs, arms and trunk. Like the body wash, the cream has the same light oatmeal scent, and it, too, feels soothing. I really like the consistency of this cream. It’s thick and rich without feeling heavy. My skin feels much softer than usual after it’s applied.
Since I’ve started using both of these Aveeno products, I haven’t gotten hives, and the itching has stopped — ’twas a sigh of sweet relief for my skin! Both are super moisturizing. Even after allergy season ends later this year, I plan to keep my bottles of both the body wash and the moisturizing cream handy.
Purchase Aveeno Active Naturals Eczema Care at drugstores like Walgreens and Rite Aid, or online at drugstore.com.
It’s Wednesday, SWEET! Today at work I’ve got a huge stack of detail-oriented paperwork to get through, oh joy. It’s not exactly my idea of fun but it lets the OCD detail freak inside of me shine! Got anything exciting going on today?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
brazille says
March 12th, 2008 at 10:42 amKaren thanks for reminding me! I love Aveeno brand and I have to get moisturizer. this is perfect timing.
Amanda says
March 12th, 2008 at 10:55 amoh-I need this now (adds to Target shopping list). I just went on a power walk, and the waistband of my workout pants made my belly itchy.
BeautyTalk says
March 12th, 2008 at 11:03 amI love Target!
BeautyTalk’s last blog post..Beauty Horoscope: Pisces
Tania says
March 12th, 2008 at 11:06 amKaren-
I have allergies too which results in dermatitis which looks REALLY nasty. One time I had a rash on my eyelids and this last time I had rashy welts that looked like I needed some Stridex! As such, I always have unscented products handy-I’ll have to give this duo a whirl. Will have to hide it from my brother as he tends to steal anything that will relieve his itchy skin (he’s a cook). Have you tried the Aveeno Overnight Cream? It’s awesome too. As for today I work until 3, pick up my paycheck, cash it, go home, and nap before I lead Wednesday Worship and Youth Group. At Youth Group we’re filling plastic eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday. Yay Lenten Season!!
BeautyTalk says
March 12th, 2008 at 11:09 amI love Aveeno!
BeautyTalk’s last blog post..Beauty Horoscope: Pisces
Karen says
March 12th, 2008 at 11:31 amYou are welcome, Brazille. I love Aveeno stuff, too. It works super great and never irritates my skin! I hope you’re having a good Wednesday. Doing anything fun today?
Karen says
March 12th, 2008 at 11:34 amHi Amanda!
Good for you for going on your power walk! I love intense power walks, especially when I go really fast I can feel my muscles burning… sooo satisfying!
Hopefully the Aveeno will help take care of that itchy belly. 🙂
Karen says
March 12th, 2008 at 11:35 amHey Beauty Talk,
Yep… I’ve got love for both Tar-ghay and Aveeno too. Have a good one!
Karen says
March 12th, 2008 at 11:40 amHi Tania,
Oh, I’m sorry about your allergies. Sometimes I get these huge red hives which look like welts on my face and a couple of times I didn’t come to work because they looked so awful. It’s tough when it’s on your face.
I haven’t tried the Overnight Cream yet but will look for it when I finish this tube. It sounds like it would be good for my super dry parts (shins and feet). When I lived at home I had to hide stuff from
my brother too; mostly hair stuff. My conditioner would always seem to get used a little too quickly.
I can’t believe Easter is right around the corner. I love this time of year, when you feel the world waking up again and the sense of renewal in the air. How fun that you get to stuff eggs tonight! Put in some extra good stuff for the youngin’s, LOL.
After work I’m heading home to do some writing and then I go to dance class, wheee!
Glosslizard says
March 12th, 2008 at 11:41 amWow, this sounds terrific! I had some out-of-the-blue allergic dermatitis a couple of years ago. With the help of Allegra (yay, Allegra!) it has since cleared up, but my skin is always dry so I’m going to snag some of that body wash!
Today I get to help my 1st grader build a leprechaun trap for school! Fun! Then I get to go to aikido and take a pounding (so to speak) for missing last night! I’m gonna sleep well tonight! 🙂
Karen says
March 12th, 2008 at 11:43 amHi Glosslizard,
A leprechaun trap – that’s SO CUTE! I could actually use one, as a pot of gold would be handy right about now.
This is a totally dumb questions, but do they ever play music when you’re at aikido?
Megan says
March 12th, 2008 at 11:50 amKaren…you are a girl after my own heart. LOL I was thinking I so shouldn’t go into a dissertaion of my random skin problems. Although I have some pictures from my last bout with hives a couple months ago that would scare you to death (it was awful). I use aveeno already (I have to in the winter), but I’ve never tried the eczema care. I was diagnosed with eczema when I was a kid and occasionally get it now. LOL…so since someone else was telling their nasty story about eyelids…LOL here comes mine. The weirdest thing is that probably since I was 11ish or so, I will from time to time get dyshidrotic eczema on the palms of my hands – typically triggered by an allergy to using a new product…and occasionally from an allergic reaction when I haven’t used a new product…and yeah I’ve had some over the past two weeks so it’s perfect timing. The thing I am thankful for is that I don’t get it that bad… I might get like three or four places on my palms that are like the size of say a pencil point and just slightly raised…there are people who end up with their entire palm covered. SOOOOO not cute at all!!!
Sylvie says
March 12th, 2008 at 2:34 pmKaren Karen, au secours! Okay, which should I go for – BillyB brushes or Shu Uemura? Just need one for blush/face powder, one or two for eyeshadows and that’s about it actually. You’re the pro, considering your great collection of brushes and cosmetics so your advice means a lot. Thank you!
Glosslizard says
March 12th, 2008 at 2:36 pmIt’s not a dumb question, but no, they don’t. However, I do know for a fact that sometimes when people practice at the dojo outside of formal classes, they do pump up the volume!
The leprechaun trap is so cute! 🙂
Sylvie says
March 12th, 2008 at 2:37 pmPS, I don’t have faith in MAC brushes anymore… =( But I still love MAC nonetheless.
Karen says
March 12th, 2008 at 2:42 pmMegan!
OH my gosh, I’m sorry about your hives (and all your other allergy issues)! They are so unpredictable and they show up at seemingly the most inopportune times. SO NOT COOL!
I used to get rashes on my forearms when I was a college student, but they haven’t shown up in years (knock on wood). I think they were mostly from stress, eek.
Thank goodness for allergy medicine. I remember the days when Benadryl was the only thing available and that SUCKED!
Karen says
March 12th, 2008 at 2:45 pmHi Sylvie,
I understand how you feel – I love Laura Mercier but I don’t have faith in her brushes because the first (and only) one I bought fell apart when I took it out of the packaging.
Are you ordering them in person or online? I like both Shu and Billy B, but would suggest 1.) getting the brush that feels softer to you and is comfortable in your palm and 2.) purchasing from the line which allows you to return without any hassle should you not like the product.
I don’t own any, but have heard amazing things about Becca brushes as well. 🙂
Karen says
March 12th, 2008 at 2:50 pmHi Glosslizard,
LOL, I figured they wouldn’t be bumping house music in class! But hey, ya never know.
How fun that you guys got to do that project together! When I was growing up both my parents worked a lot and I was always so jealous of the kids with mums that helped them with their projects. Your lil’ ones are so lucky. 🙂
evo says
March 12th, 2008 at 3:02 pmi’ve been looking for that in canada. only place i haven’t tried here is walmart. do you think they would have it?
otherwise i’ll have to wait til next week when i head to vegas…
Christine says
March 12th, 2008 at 3:06 pmI recently received these two, as well! I passed them along to my sister who suffers from ridiculously dry skin, so I’m glad you liked them! I’ve always loved Aveeno for skin care, though, so I’m not surprised that they’re worthy-of-your-penny products.
Christine’s last blog post..Beauty Discovered – Emollients
Karen says
March 12th, 2008 at 3:52 pmHi Evo,
Hmmm, it’s been a while since I’ve hit Walmart but I do remember them carrying Aveeno. I think this particular pair has been on the shelves for some time so hopefully it’s there!
I just went to Vegas last month! Are you going for work or for fun? (Hopefully fun!) 🙂
Karen says
March 12th, 2008 at 3:53 pmHi Christine,
Aww, you’re a great big sis. I hope your younger sister uses it, cause it works wonders.
I’ve also used Aveeno’s sunscreen and I think a cleanser (a long time ago). I like their face stuff too.
Hope you’re having a good week!
evo says
March 12th, 2008 at 6:29 pmgoing there for fun!
i hope i can find it while i’m there (or hope stores are open on easter sunday when i get back to bellingham). but i have been using Aveeno Baby Soothing relief moisture cream before the eczema line came out
Clueless Cat says
March 12th, 2008 at 9:17 pmI’ll be getting some of that for my boyfriend, poor thing has some eczema and gets all self-conscious about it (it really isn’t even that bad). 🙂 Thanks for sharing!!
Clueless Cat’s last blog post..LoL
Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net says
March 13th, 2008 at 12:51 amI dig that the line is made for eczema sufferers. Word up!
Sadly baby is an eczema victim (hubbo’s side) and I’ve been rubbing kukui nut oil on him after his baths. the huge dry streak on his face is a tad leathery feeling because of the small eczema bumps that linger, but omg moisture is restored!
Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net’s last blog post..Product Review: St. Ives Elements Microdermabrasion Scrub
Karen says
March 13th, 2008 at 9:12 amHi Evo,
Oh cool! Are you going to see any shows? I saw the Cirque’s “O” a few years ago and it was pretty amazing.
You have to go to the Dior store in Ceasar’s! It’s small but fun.
Anyway, I hope you find it there. It’s a very good product (used it again last night…ahh).
Karen says
March 13th, 2008 at 9:14 amHey Clueless Cat,
What a nice girlfriend you are…that’s so sweet of you! I hope it helps him!
Have a good Thursday!
Karen says
March 13th, 2008 at 9:16 amHi Lynne,
Awww, poor babe! I’m glad the kukui oil has been working for him. Hmmm, I think I have a bottle of that stuff somewhere around here!
Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net says
March 13th, 2008 at 12:30 pmI love this stuff! I even use it to moisturize!
Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net’s last blog post..Product Review: St. Ives Elements Microdermabrasion Scrub
Karen says
March 13th, 2008 at 12:39 pmHi Lynne,
I like it too…I think mine is scented with tropical-y flavors. I only use it in the summer, because the rest of the year my bathroom is too cold, and I don’t have the patience or stamina to stand there on the freezing tile and rub it in.
Please tell me it’s warm there today! I am missing Hawaii very much right now.
Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net says
March 13th, 2008 at 2:18 pmThat’s the only thing with oil is you have to spend the time to rub it in and waiting for that to absorb can not be so fun.
Yay! Warm in your neck of the woods is a good thing! It’s been humid here although the nice cool breeze yesterday was FANTASTIC!
Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net’s last blog post..Let’s Discuss: 5 Must NOT Have Items!
Karen says
March 15th, 2008 at 10:09 pmOh nice! I love it when the tradewinds kick in! How long have you guys lived in Hawaii now?
Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net says
March 16th, 2008 at 12:03 amIt will be 3 years this September 22. Time sure does fly fast.
Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net’s last blog post..MAC Product Releases: Heatherette 3/20
Karen says
March 16th, 2008 at 12:06 amThat’s a long time, wow! Do you ever miss the Bay? Come by and visit me next time you’re in town.
BTW, my in-laws called us today and told us about how the big news on the island is the opening of the new wing of Ala Moana (with the new Nordies), LOL. They went today for the second time in two weeks.
Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net says
March 16th, 2008 at 12:20 amGirl, me and you have a date for sure! I definitely do miss it though. Hubbo and I are contemplating on moving back when he finishes school since there will be better opportunities for him there in what he wants to do, Computer Science. And we’re also thinking about the kids’ education and know that they would have better schools back there as well. And if that does happen, once the kids are big and grown, we’ll head back to the islands for ourselves 🙂
Oh yup. Nordies opened at the beginning of the month. They were having makeovers on the opening day too. I wanted to go, but thinking of traffic and tagging the tykes with me plus the crowd, let’s just say it wasn’t the best of settings, hah.
Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net’s last blog post..MAC Product Releases: Heatherette 3/20
cakes says
June 4th, 2008 at 12:11 pmAfter not being able to find this product anywhere, I emailed Aveeno and they replied saying that it’s been discontinued already! =(
“AVEENO® Eczema Care Moisturizing Cream has been discontinued”
I really wanted to try it too!
Sandy Ragsdale says
June 20th, 2008 at 4:04 pmSorry, Drugstore.com doesn’t carry Aveeno Eczema Care Lotion. I couldn’t find it there or anywhere else online. (Except EBAY, and they want $44.00 for 2 tubes.)
jeannie says
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:47 pmDid they say why they discontinued the lotion? I have horrific excema and this is the only product that helped soothe the itching and take away the sores. Anyone have a secondary recommendation? I’m so bummed!
Renee says
September 6th, 2008 at 2:20 pmThey have not discontinued this product, just re-named it which I am trying to find out. My daughter was part of the original study and our dermatologist said it has been renamed and still on the market. It is great stuff!!! Target seemed to be place that always had it before.
Renee says
September 6th, 2008 at 2:28 pmI found it, the new name for Aveeno Eczema Care is Aveeno Active Naturals Advanced Care. Walgreens web-site has a statement about it saying Johnson & Johnson changed the name and packaging, but the ingredients are exactly the same as the Eczema Care.
Jessica says
June 6th, 2009 at 2:55 pmI also recently noticed my hands getting red more often. there are also on my knuckles red hardish patches forming. I also noticed that it sometimes gets worse after applying some types of cream. I’m new to this sort of thing and was wondering if one of you girls could give me some advise of whiter you think it could be eczema. I would really appreciate any advise I can get.
lynne says
March 11th, 2010 at 2:21 amI was introduced to this product very recently. My Canadian frend who lives close by here in Greece bought it for me. She tried to get me more but came to the conclusion it must have been discontinued. I have written to Aveeno in Canada three times to ask for the replacement product but haven’t even had the courtesy of a reply. The UK website isn’t very helpful because the Aveeno range is very limited there. So, all the comments here have helped me enormously. Thank you. I noticed well.ca have some in stock but as yet I haven’t got as far as the check out so it may be that I’ll be told they no longer have it. It’s worth a try. This product is great for my psoriasis and I’ll never understand why companies elect to discontinue a product that is so effective. Perhaps their marketing teams don’t ask the right questions of the right people? Hope you are all able to soothe your skin poblems. Thanks again.
Alex says
March 18th, 2011 at 8:21 pmI have been at war with my eczema for many years now. I do like Aveeno’s products but I wanted to try something different. My Mom sent me some bath treatments from this company called The Seaweed Bath Co. (http://www.seaweedbathco.com) and I loved it!