Murad’s New Eczema Collection Calmed My Itchy, Uncomfortable Winter Flare-Ups in Under a Week

Ask anyone with eczema-prone skin what their least favorite season is, and you’ll likely be told “winter.” Brisker air compromises the skin’s barrier, leaving it feeling drier than the Sahara desert and prone to flare-ups. Having battled eczema since childhood, I’ve tried tons of topical solutions, including dermatologist-prescribed ointments and OTC creams, most of which didn’t work for me.  So, when I was given the opportunity to test Murad’s new Eczema Collection for a week ahead of the launch, I gladly accepted.

The collection, which dropped today (!!!) features three star products—a cleanser, a moisturizer, and a treatment—which allow you to calm eczema at every step of your routine.

First up in my daily flare-up-fighting regimen is the Soothing Oat and Peptide Cleanser ($42). It’s formulated with oat extract, micellar peptides, and shea butter. The oat has anti-inflammatory properties that keep itchiness and redness at arm’s length while the peptides lift dirt and grime without stripping my skin’s essential oils. Shea butter is also great because “the fatty acids from the shea butter have a calming, anti-inflammatory effect, which often improves itch,” Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, previously told Well+Good.

Packed in a squeeze bottle, the cleanser’s consistency is creamy and looks just like milk. After using it in the morning and at night for a week now, my skin feels calmer and cleaner than it has in a long while. My skin is also noticeably more supple, smooth, and less red.

Shop the cleanser

Murad, Soothing Oat and Peptide Cleanser — $42.00

Cleansers can be harsh on eczema-prone skin, but not this one. As the name implies, the Oat and Peptide Cleanser is formulated with oat extract and peptides to provide soothing and hydrating benefits, and cleanses the skin of dirt and debris without stripping it of essential oils.

After cleansing, I’ll reach for the Daily Defense Colloidal Oatmeal Cream ($54). Infused with niacinamides and oat lipids, the cream strengthens my skin barrier and relieves irritation. A stronger skin barrier means it’s less vulnerable to irritants that can cause flare-ups and is essential in preventing flares. It also contains colloidal oatmeal to quell inflammation and redness. “Colloidal oatmeal can be beneficial for all skin types, but it works especially well to relieve uncomfortable itching, irritation, and rashes in those with eczema, dermatitis, and generally dry, sensitive skin,” says Howard Murad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, pharmacist, and founder of Murad Skincare.

Personally, what I love about the cream is that it calms my angry skin instantly upon application. I use it twice a day, and over the past week, I’ve noticed fewer instances of itching and flaking (goodbye, peeling skin). Also nice: it’s packed in an airless pump jar to keep the product from drying out. All I have to do is push down on the pump to retrieve the product.

Shop the cream

Murad, Daily Defense Colloidal Oatmeal Cream — $54.00

Featuring a blend of one percent colloidal oatmeal, niacinamide, and oat lipids, the Daily Defense Cream soothes and hydrates parched skin while preventing eczema flare-ups. It’s best used on the face (but can be applied all over) and comes packaged in an airtight pump container for easy use.

When my face or hands need a little extra love, I’ll turn to the Quick Relief Colloidal Oatmeal Treatment ($46). Similar to the Daily Defense cream, this travel-friendly treatment is packed with colloidal oatmeal to ward off itchiness and rashes, plus oat lipids that act as a barrier against environmental stressors like dry air and heat (note: it’s got a higher concentration of oats than the daily cream, and is meant to control eczema when it’s flaring and extra itchy). Since I have patches of dry skin on my hands, I’ll squeeze out a pea-sized amount of product and allow it to soak in.

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Murad, Quick Relief Colloidal Oatmeal Treatment — $46.00

For quick, targeted relief, dab a pea-sized amount of this colloidal oatmeal and lipid-infused cream and massage it into any patchy, dry skin. Also nice? It’s formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and fragrances.

So far, this trio of products has been a godsend in my skin-care routine. After using them for just a week, I no longer have flaky skin under my lip or dry patches on my hands (thanks, colloidal oatmeal) and have seen an improvement in my skin’s barrier. What’s more, all of the products are free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and fragrances, so I don’t have to worry about my skin reacting to these chemicals.

Whether you’re battling dry skin or are in the market for an eczema-friendly moisturizer and cleanser, Murad’s Eczema Collection provides itch relief, hydrates and replenishes the skin’s barrier, and quells inflammation, and you can shop the entire collection here.

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