Top 5 Moisturizers Recommended in Dubai for Atopic Dermatitis or Extremely Dry and Sensitive Skin

Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition we hear more often about nowadays. As the most common type of eczema, Atopic dermatitis causes the skin to become itchy, inflamed, or have rash-like appearances. Pollution, accumulation of toxic materials in the body, allergy, dehydration; many have been discussed as possible culprits but experts are not completely sure yet. At least, it is quite plausible that the extremely sunny, dry climate of the UAE often makes the symptom worse.

Up until today, complete treatment of Atopic dermatitis is not yet known. It is something that needs to be engaged and controlled. Most common recommendations by dermatologists to control the atopic dermatitis can be roughly summarized into three steps: controlling inflammation (if it already exists), hydrating the skin, and rebuilding skin barriers. Once an acute outbreak subsides, dermatologists usually prescribe clinically proven moisturizers to support the above mentioned interventions. 

In general, moisturizers are designed to maintain water content of the skin. There are three types of ingredients known to help with moisturization: occlusives, humectants, and emollients. Occlusives minimize the evaporation of water. Humectants attract water from both the deeper layers of the skin and the outside environment; while emollients make the skin feel soft and supple. High quality moisturizers typically contain all 3 of these ingredients.

The problem is, among the hundreds of moisturizers available in the UAE market today, it is never an easy task to choose the right one for you and the family. The stakes are especially higher if you or a loved one is suffering from Eczema or Atopic dermatitis. 

Analyzing dermatologists’ recommendations, user reviews, and ingredients, we have narrowed down the selections to the following 5 moisturizers most recommended for skins suffering with Atopic dermatitis in the UAE.

1. Pro Eczema-Prone Skin Body Lotion by Cetaphil. 295ml. AED121

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Cetaphil is a well-established brand in the market for its mild ingredients. Pro Eczema Prone Skin Body Lotion (also known as Restoraderm Eczema Soothing Moisturizer in the US market) is Cetaphil’s answer for atopic dermatitis patients. Without irritative moisturizing agents, it claims to soothe the skin with colloidal oatmeal, nourish it with vitamin E, and rebuild skin barriers using ceramide.

a. Medical remarks

The product received a seal of acceptance from the US National Eczema Association, meaning it is suitable for care of eczema or sensitive skin.

b. Review analysis

According to user reviews, Pro Eczema Prone Lotion is praised for its ability to moisturize even on severely dry skin, and many commented their eczema improved after using it. Also it is noted that people don’t think it is greasy like other moisturizers recommended for dry skin. 

However, we could also see some users’ warning that oatmeal-sensitive people should avoid it. Some users with very sensitive skin remarked they experienced irritation with the product; and some complained their eczema did not improve since using the product.

c. Notable ingredients

Pro Eczema has multiple ingredients to help with moisturization. Most notable are Arginine and Sodium PCA, Colloidal Oatmeal, Ceramide NP, and Sodium Hyaluronate. 

• Arginine and Sodium PCA: combined together help to restore “filaggrin”, a protein which is essential for skin hydration and integrity of skin barrier 
• Colloidal Oatmeal: a finely ground oatmeal. As a natural ingredient, Colloidal Oatmeal is highly effective for anti-inflammation as well as moisturization
• Ceramide NP: one of many different types of ceramides. Ceramides are important to keep skin barrier healthy
• Sodium Hyaluronate: as a form of Hyaluronic acid, helps skin to hold onto water

d. Risk factors

Pro Eczema, like other cosmetics, shows weakness at emulsification – a process of putting oil-based ingredients and water-based ones together. Also, some of its natural ingredients could come across as an allergen to some people.

• Cyclopentasiloxane: widely used as an emollient. In lab experiments, exposure to high doses of Cyclopentasiloxane has been shown to cause uterine tumors and harm to reproductive, immune, as well as nervous system
• Colloidal Oatmeal, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea butter) and Helianthus Annuus (sunflower seed oil): despite being a rare allergen, possible concern to someone very sensitive to such natural ingredients

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2. Atoderm Intensive Balm by Bioderma. 75ml. AED39

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Bioderma is a French Cosmeceutical brand with a history spanning over 40 years. It’s ingredients are known to be mild enough to work with very sensitive skins. In the UAE many dermatologists are prescribing Bioderma moisturizers for eczema care. Atoderm is Bioderma’s product line for very dry, irritated to atopic sensitive skin. Bioderma claims that the Atoderm products incorporate their skin barrier protection and restoration technologies, as well as to improve skin tolerance to irritation. 

a. Medical remarks

According to the research published on their official website, 95% of participants testified immediate relief in their itching and irritation after using the product. In the longer term, 76% of participants reported no more flare-ups for 6 months.

b. Review analysis

We could see people praising the immediate feeling of relief from itchiness. Its superior moisturizing capability was also frequently mentioned. Many people with eczema-prone skin also commented about improvements in their skin condition.

On the downside, some users complained that the product was thicker than they thought. Others said it did not help with their eczema. 

c. Notable ingredients

Ingredients analysis shows that Bioderma’s moisturizers use various kinds of compounds to enhance moisturizing effects and many of them are natural, such as Sunflower seed oil, Canola oil, and Seaweed (Laminaria Ochroleuca) extract. We could also see ingredients to help rebuild skin barriers (Cerimides), and to soothe and heal the skin (Zinc)

• Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, and Ceramide NP: as waxy lipids found in the outer layer of the skin, ceramide is critical in having a healthy skin barrier. Bioderma’s moisturizers have 3 different types of ceramides designed to rebuild the skin barrier more effectively
• Zinc gluconate: Zinc can be beneficial in many aspects including anti-bacterial, sebum-regulating, and wound healing side.
• Xylitol: known to be magical moisturizing ingredient by "harmonizing the skin's hydrous flow”

d. Risk factors

As a French company, we could see Bioderma incorporate some ingredients not commonly used in the US market anymore due to recent high-profile controversy on their toxicity when used on the skin. 

• Mineral oil: used as a non-irritative, moisturizing agent for a long time. It can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and studies have shown that exposure to PAHs – including skin contact over extended periods of time – is associated with cancer. Whereas, proponents of mineral oil claim that those used for cosmetic products are good quality ingredients and free from PAHs.
• Sodium hydroxide: commonly used to adjust acidity of products. Sodium hydroxide is known as skin irritant, but when it is reacted with other ingredients, its irritating quality gets removed.

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3. AtopiControl Body Care Lotion by Eucerin. 250 ml. AED100.90

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Eucerin is an over 100 year old German skincare brand owned by Beiersdorf; the same company that runs NIVEA. The origin of the brand was Eucerit, the world’s first water-in-oil emulsion, which the company used for its first line of products. With no fragrances, colourants, or parabens, AtopiControl is Eucerin’s product line designed to restore skin barrier and make it more resistant for skins with Atopic dermatitis.

a. Medical remarks

According to a study on 144 participants with mild and moderate atopic dermatitis, after using both AtopiControl Body Care Lotion and AtopiControl Acute Care Cream for 4 weeks, 97% of participants expressed their skin condition improved. It also received a seal of acceptance from the Eczema Society of Canada. 

b. Review analysis

Overall, we could see that people are satisfied with its moisturizing ability and itchiness relieving effect. Most negative comments were about its greasiness after application. 

c. Notable ingredients

We can see AtopiControl Body Care Lotion contains many natural ingredients to help with moisturization such as:

• Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil: helps with antioxidation and repairs skin barrier
• Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil: good for moisturization and hydration. Also has an anti-inflammation effect. 
• Glycyrrhiza Inflata (Batalin) Root Extract: a type of licorice, frequently used in many Eucerin products. Licorice-derived ingredients are known to be antioxidants and moisturizing agents
• Ceramide NP: one of many different types of ceramides. Ceramides are important to keep skin barrier healthy

d. Risk factors

Similar to French brand Bioderma, German brand Eucerin has a few ingredients not so commonly used in the US market due to recent controversies over its harmful effect.

• Mineral oil: used as a non-irritative, moisturizing agent for a long time. It can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and studies have shown that exposure to PAHs – including skin contact over extended periods of time – is associated with cancer. According to proponents of mineral oil, those used for cosmetic products are good quality ingredients and free from PAHs.
• PEGs: PEGs are acronyms for polyethylene glycol(s), and common petroleum based compounds used in combination with other mixtures of compounds to achieve desired effect. AtopiControl Body Care Lotion uses various PEGs such as PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Methoxy PEG-22-Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer, PEG-45-Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer, and PEG-2 Hydrogenated Castor Oil. The concern with PEGs has been, first of all, the possibility of its contamination with impurities such as 1,4 dioxane, known to possibly cause cancer. Another concern is its potential absorption into the body through compromised skin.
• BHT: it is commonly used as a preservative. Studies have shown that BHT, after longer exposure through oral consumption, can cause cancer and other hormonal issues. Otherwise, according to the CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review), topical application of BHT (i.e., cosmetic use of it) is mostly harmless to the human body.

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4. Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream for Sensitive Skin by Aveeno. 354 ml (12 oz). AED 93

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Aveeno is an American skin care brand founded in 1945. It is well known for its love for natural ingredients, especially colloidal oatmeal and oat extract. Consumer goods giant Johnson and Johnson acquired Aveeno in 1999. Free from fragrances and steroids, Eczema Therapy is Aveeno’s product line developed to help dry, itchy eczema-prone skin. 

a. Medical remarks

Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream received a seal of acceptance from the U.S. National Eczema Association. A clinical study has shown that at week 12, 64% of participants experienced improvement in itching after using Aveeno’s Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream.

b. Review analysis

We could see multiple reviews saying their eczema symptoms improved after using the cream. Some even mentioned, after many trials with other products, this was the only one that worked. Negative comments include moisturizing effects not lasting long enough, and – for some – eczema symptoms not improving. 

c. Notable ingredients

Being an Aveeno product, Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream’s most notable ingredient is Oatmeal. The product uses Oat Kernel in ground, extract, and oil format. One thing to note is that among the five moisturizers we compared, Aveeno is using the least number of ingredients with 15 for its Eczema moisturizer. Next smallest number is Eucerin’s 25.

• Colloidal Oatmeal: finely ground version of whole oat kernels. It is well known for its skin soothing, protecting, and antioxidant abilities. 
• Oat Kernel Oil: known to moisturize and heal the skin without greasiness.
• Oat Kernel Extract: Removing dirt and oil from the skin, it acts as skin cleanser.

d. Risk factors

Although Aveeno tries to position itself as a nature-friendly brand, we could see some ingredients that can pose a potential harm to some people. 

• Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Oat Oil and Oat Extract: these ingredients may be of concern as it relates to potential food allergies. Those allergic to oat are recommended to avoid this product.
• Distearyldimonium Chloride: this is an ingredient often used for Aveeno products as a moisturizing and smoothing agent. Studies have shown that it can cause irritation on sensitive skin and asthma.
• Benzalkonium Chloride: used as a preservative, antibacterial agent. Aveeno uses this ingredient across multiple Eczema care products. Higher concentrated solutions are known to be toxic, causing irritation to the skin, whereas concentration below 0.1% does not cause trouble. People with a compromised skin barrier might be at a higher risk of potential irritation from Benzalkonium Chloride. 

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5. Eczema Creamy Oil by CeraVe. 235.5ml (8 ounce). AED 109.22

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CeraVe is a well trending dermaceutical brand founded 15 years ago in the US. Loreal acquired CeraVe in 2017 and nowadays, one of the most frequently mentioned brands among influencers on social media. Developed with a close collaboration with dermatologists, CeraVe’s key focus is strengthening and rebuilding the skin barrier with three different types of ceramides: Ceramide 1, 3, and 6-II. Mainly expressed as compromised skin barriers, Eczema is one of the main challenges CeraVe tries to tackle.

a. Medical remarks

CeraVe received a seal of acceptance from the US National Eczema Association. According to a survey conducted between the first quarter of 2019 upto May 2020, CeraVe has been mentioned as the most recommended skincare brand by US dermatologists.

b. Review analysis

We could see many reviews saying their eczema symptoms were relieved after using the product. However, some comments mentioned that it caused bigger irritation on their skin for those with hay fever (or ragweed) allergies because it contains safflower oil. Other negative comments included its thickness and, as a result, difficulty to spread on the skin. 

c. Notable ingredients

We could find lots of natural goodies from the CeraVe Moisturizer. There is a slight difference between the old and new formula, and below ingredients and risk factors analysis are based on the new formula. 

• Olive Fruit Oil: great for moisturizing and nourishing the skin. 
• Safflower and Sunflower Seed Oil: containing natural Omega-6 acids, works as anti-inflammatory and hydrating agent
• Grape Seed Oil: helps with antioxidation and repairs skin barrier
• Ophiopogon japonicus root extract: contains saccharides that hydrate the skin.
• Ceramide 1, 2, and 6-II: as waxy lipids found in the outer layer of the skin, ceramide is critical in having a healthy skin barrier. Like Bioderma’s, CeraVe’s moisturizer has 3 different types of ceramides designed to rebuild the skin barrier more efficiently

d. Risk factors

Possible food allergies and potential toxicity of some ingredients are screened as major risk factors to note with CeraVe Eczema Creamy Oil.

• Safflower oil, Olive oil, Avocado oil and Grape seed oil: may be of concern if you have food allergies and skin sensitization to any of these
• Behentrimonium Methosulfate: used for smooth spreading feeling. At a lab test with animal exposure, its reproductive toxicity has been identified. For cosmetics use, it has been determined as safe subject to concentration and use limitations. 
• Phenoxyethanol: used as preservatives. Reports have shown it could be related to allergic reaction. Japan puts concentration limits on its use for cosmetic products.
• Chlorphenesin: used as preservatives. Lab tests have shown that it can cause allergic reaction and/or skin irritation. Known to be non-toxic at low concentration and application on skin. Japan puts concentration limits on the use of Chlorphenesin for cosmetic products.

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