I am not a doctor, and nothing in this post is medical advice. Always talk to your child’s pediatrician or dermatologist before starting any new skincare routine. This is simply what has worked for my family.
I have had eczema my whole life. We are talking since I was a really young child. I grew up figuring out on my own what made it worse, what made it better, and what products left my skin raw and angry for days. So when my two year old started showing up with splotchy red patches on his legs, I recognized it immediately. A doctor confirmed what I already knew. It was eczema.
I want to be clear that I am not a doctor or a skincare expert. I am a mom who has dealt with sensitive skin her entire life, has a child dealing with the same thing, and has spent years figuring out what actually works. The routine I am going to share with you is what we use in our home. It has made a real difference for both of us.
If your baby or toddler has eczema, or even just really sensitive skin, I hope something here helps you. You are not alone and it does get easier.
First, Let Me Tell You What Made Things Worse
Before I figured out what worked, I made a lot of mistakes. I used regular scented soaps and lotions because they smelled good and seemed fine for everyone else. I used fabric softener and dryer sheets like most people do. I used hand soaps that I grabbed off the shelf without thinking twice.
Every single one of those things was quietly making things worse. My skin would dry out, crack, flare up, and I could never figure out why. It was not until I started paying attention to ingredients and making deliberate switches that things finally started to calm down.
I also tried lotions that seemed perfectly normal and they would flare my skin up badly. Not every product works for every person, and that is important to keep in mind as you read through what works for us. Your skin and your child’s skin are unique.
The Laundry Switch Was a Game Changer
This is the one that surprised me the most when I made the change. I switched to All Free and Clear detergent, stopped using fabric softener and dryer sheets completely, and started using white vinegar in the rinse cycle instead. If something smells particularly bad I will add a little baking soda as well.
The vinegar does not leave your clothes smelling like vinegar, I promise. It just rinses clean and your clothes come out soft without any of the fragrance residue that fabric softener leaves behind. That residue sits on the fabric against your skin all day and for someone with eczema or sensitive skin, it adds up.
All Free and Clear detergent: Find it here on Amazon
I switched the whole family over to this detergent, not just my son’s laundry. When you have sensitive skin in the house it just makes sense to make the whole home as low irritant as possible.
The Hand Soap Switch Nobody Talks About
I used to use Mrs. Meyer’s hand soap and I genuinely loved the smell of it. But it was drying out my skin something awful, especially on my hands. I switched to a much gentler option and the difference was noticeable within a few days.
This is the hand soap I personally use now and I really like it. My hands stay so much calmer since making the switch.
The hand soap I use and recommend
Bath Time for Sensitive Skin
For washing, we use The Honest Company products. I researched them, tried them, and they genuinely work well for both me and my kids. The formulas are gentle, free from harsh ingredients, and I have never had a flare up from using them. On days when my skin is really bad I will use Aquaphor’s wash instead because it is even more gentle and almost acts like a barrier while you wash.
CeraVe is also a really good option for sensitive and eczema prone skin. It is widely recommended by dermatologists and there is a reason for that. It is gentle, effective, and accessible.
Honest Company body wash: Find it here
Aquaphor baby wash: Find it here
CeraVe baby wash: Find it here
The Coconut Oil Trick That Actually Works
This is the part of our routine that I talk about most because it has genuinely made the biggest difference, especially for my son’s legs where his eczema shows up. Right after bath time, while his skin is still just a little bit damp, I rub coconut oil between my hands to warm it up and then apply it directly to his skin.
The reason you apply it while the skin is still slightly wet is that it helps lock the moisture in. Dry skin is the enemy with eczema, and if you wait until the skin is fully dry you have already lost some of that moisture from the bath. Applying it while damp seals everything in.
If I want to go the extra step, I apply the coconut oil first, then follow with lotion on top. The combination makes skin incredibly soft and really helps calm flare ups. I do not use a specific brand of coconut oil, just a regular one you can find at any grocery store.
One thing I want to set realistic expectations about: if your child is in the middle of a bad flare up, the coconut oil is not going to fix it overnight. Be consistent and give it a few days. It works, but it needs time.
In the winter months when dryness is worse, I tend to reach for Aquaphor over the coconut oil more often. It creates a thicker barrier and really helps when the cold air is doing its damage.
If You Do Use Lotion, This Is the One I Trust
I have tried a lot of lotions over the years. A lot of them have flared my skin up badly, which is honestly why I leaned so hard into coconut oil and Aquaphor as my go to options. But when I do reach for a lotion, this is the one I trust and the one I would recommend to another mom.
The lotion I use and trust for sensitive skin
My Nightly Routine for My Own Skin
Every single night before bed I put Aquaphor on my hands, face, and neck. It sounds like a lot but it has become such a normal part of my routine that I do not even think about it anymore. Aquaphor is thick and occlusive, meaning it creates a barrier that keeps moisture from escaping overnight while you sleep.
My hands especially need it. Between washing my hands constantly as a mom of four and the general dryness of life, Aquaphor at night keeps them from cracking and getting painful.
Something Worth Looking Into: Water Filters and Softeners
I have heard from a lot of people that water filters and water softeners have made a huge difference for their family’s skin. Hard water is a real issue in many areas and the minerals in it can aggravate eczema. I do not personally have a water softener yet but it is something I really want to invest in. If you are in an area with hard water and your child’s eczema is stubborn, this might be worth researching.
A Note to the Mom Who Is Googling This at Midnight
If you have a baby or toddler with eczema I want you to know that it is going to be okay. Eczema is incredibly common and while it does suck, especially watching your little one uncomfortable or itchy, you will find what works for your family.
Try to keep the skin moisturized, try to keep them from scratching, and know that easier said than done is a complete understatement on both of those things. Be patient with yourself and be patient with the process.
And always, always talk to your doctor. I found what worked for us through my own experience and a lot of trial and error, but your child’s pediatrician is your best resource and a good one will work with you through this.
You are doing a great job. Save this post for later and come back to it whenever you need a reminder that you are not alone in this.
Our Full Routine at a Glance
Laundry: All Free and Clear detergent, white vinegar in the rinse cycle, skip the dryer sheets and fabric softener
Hand soap: Gentle fragrance free formula, linked above
Bath wash: Honest Company, Aquaphor wash, or CeraVe depending on skin condition
Right after bath: Coconut oil applied while skin is still slightly damp, followed by lotion if desired
Winter or bad flare ups: Aquaphor instead of or on top of coconut oil
Nightly for mom: Aquaphor on hands, face, and neck before bed after skin care routine
Save this for later so you can come back to it whenever you need it.
Kobyluck & Co 