You know the exhausted feeling of trying on what feels like a thousand different outfits for one specific event, only to feel like none of them quite fit your vibe?  That’s how it feels to go through the trial-and-error process of finding a skin-care product that actually works for eczema-prone skin (read: next to impossible).

Take it from beauty content creator Sachita Subramanian (aka @pigmentedglow), whose body eczema flare-ups made an unwelcome return during the pandemic. After years of questioning her on-and-off symptoms and even experiencing a not-so-great dermatologist visit, Subramanian started to document her journey on Instagram, where she shares beauty solutions for South Asian complexions and hair types.

“Along the way I began to share my personal journey with eczema, which allowed me to find a greater community,” she says. “I always felt like my experiences with eczema weren’t valid because they weren’t as visible compared to others. However, I have learned over the years that each individual’s experience is different…just because you think someone’s eczema ‘isn’t bad’ does not make their struggles any less [valid].” (Retweet.)

After figuring out what doesn’t work for her (harsh ingredients, unplanned sweaty workouts, and falling down a stress rabbit hole), Subramanian has learned that a gentle focus is key. ” I look for products that are really hydrating, soothing, and nourishing,” she says. “I also look for skin barrier strengthening ingredients like colloidal oatmeal.”

According to Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, she’s on the right track. “Less is more! You don’t need anything fancy when it comes to skin care,” she says. “Just good moisturizing ingredients and barrier repair creams to keep it strong. Treat your skin delicately, choose your products wisely, and your eczema will flare less often and your skin will be able to handle the environmental challenges much more successfully.”

To follow through on this, Subramanian swears by Josie Maran’s Argan Apothecary Intensive Daily Repair Body Butter—which packs the brand’s signature 100% Pure Argan Oil, FDA-approved colloidal oatmeal, aloe leaf juice, and more skin-soothing ingredients—to help aid her dry, itchy, eczema-prone skin.

Keep scrolling for Subramanian’s firsthand experience trying this hydrating body butter to help ease her body eczema.

Josie Maran Argan Apothecary Intensive Daily Repair Body Butter — $46.00

All about the ingredients

When it comes to body eczema, says Subramanian, it’s vital to keep your skin moisturized 24/7—with high-quality nutrients, of course. “Colloidal oatmeal is a star ingredient that I always look for in my eczema-related products,” Subramanian says, adding that it helps to relieve the itch.

Dr. Nazarian agrees: “Colloidal oatmeal is beneficial for eczema-prone skin due to its calming and anti-inflammatory properties,” she explains. “Many patients who suffer with eczema find use of colloidal oatmeal to be effective in decreasing itch and inflammation during their eczema flares.”

If that weren’t enough for this eczema-easing body butter, 100% Pure Argan Oil, squalane, shea butter, and Argan omega ceramide (a plant-based complex that’s clutch for skin hydration and protection) are all part of the super soothing equation, too. “Argan oil is high in fatty acids and squalane,” says Dr. Nazarian. “Fatty acids are used to improve the skin barrier by supporting the waxy coating that healthy skin contains, and squalane is a natural substance that lubricates and hydrates the skin.” 

Presentation matters

After years of dealing with body eczema, the products Subramanian usually came into contact with were, well, boring and overly sterile. “I am tired of seeing really bland or medical branding on eczema products—I want the packaging to be attractive, elegant…and overall make me feel good about using that product,” she says.

Which is exactly why she loves Josie Maran body butter‘s minimal, pale blue shelfie appeal. “I used to be very negligent of body care until I had to deal with a flare up,” Subramanian says. “By using the Josie Maran body butter, I am able to prevent those flare ups while still feeling fancy.” (It’s called self care, y’all.)

Super-soothing experience

“It sank into my skin super quickly and did not leave a greasy residue,” Subramanian says of her initial impression. “This is very important especially during a flare-up—the last thing I want to do is keep rubbing…and cause further irritation.” Plus, with its thick-yet-absorbent texture and pearly white color, the application is downright calming in and of itself.

“My skin felt really soft, hydrated, and overall healthier,” Subramanian says. “Winters can really dry out my skin so the body butter brought back the moisture and strengthened my skin barrier, which I love.” Putting her eczema-prone skin at ease? Check. Finding her new-favorite form of self care? Double check.

Photo: Josie Maran; Art: Well+Good Creative