What's the Best Way to Cover Eczema on the Face?

An eczema flare-up on the face or neck can keep you from putting your best face forward. The combination of flakiness and redness makes concealment a tough task. Integrating these 4 steps into your beauty routine will help you cover patches of atopic dermatitis safely and effectively.

1. Exfoliate gently with a moisturiser containing lactic acid or urea.

The first key to covering eczema is pre-treatment. The appearance of dry and flaky skin is helped significantly by suitable exfoliation.

There are 2 ways you can exfoliate skin:

Physically (muslin cloths, scrubs, facial brushes)
Chemically (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid)

Chemical exfoliants work by softening dead skin. Lactic acid works very well for dry, sensitive skin because this acid is found in skin naturally. Lactic acid is less irritating than other acids and also hydrates, which makes it a perfect exfoliant for dry skin.

Urea benefits dry, flaky skin in a similar way to lactic acid. Urea is also naturally found within skin, but eczema-prone skin can be up to 80% deficient in this compound.

2. Use a primer.

A primer creates a smooth 'second skin', which is extremely helpful for skin types that suffer from chronic dryness. Primers work by using silicone-type ingredients to provide excellent slip, helping skin to feel comfortable and makeup to sit well.

3. Use a redness neutraliser.

If you see redness in your skin, it means your skin is reflecting red light. By adding a bit of green, the complement of red, you can cancel out the redness.

So if your skin is red, as is common with eczema, using makeup with green pigments will help to neutralise an uneven skin tone to give a healthier and more attractive appearance.

4. Avoid using matte foundations and powders.

Powders absorb moisture , which makes them a no-no for dry skin. What's less obvious to avoid are liquid or cream foundations that turn to powder or create an air-brushed, matte appearance.

Such formulas are just as drying as powders and should be avoided when making up dry skin. Instead, opt for a hydrating foundation or tinted moisturiser, which will help to nourish skin throughout the day.