Should You Use Body Oil with Eczema Cream?

When managing eczema, hydration is key—and for many, combining body oil with eczema cream might be the secret to better skin relief. While eczema creams are formulated to reduce inflammation and restore the skin’s barrier, layering body oil can enhance their effects by locking in moisture and improving absorption. But does this dynamic duo really work better together? Let’s explore.

Why Combine Body Oil with Eczema Cream?

Eczema is more than just dry skin—it's a chronic skin condition marked by inflammation, itchiness, and a compromised skin barrier. While eczema creams are specially formulated to reduce inflammation and repair the skin, combining them with body oils can supercharge their benefits. The idea isn’t just to moisturize—but to optimize how your skin retains that moisture and responds to treatment.

Here’s a closer look at why this combination works so well:

1. Improved Absorption and Skin Prep

When used in the right order, body oils can help prepare the skin to absorb the active ingredients in your eczema cream more effectively. Oils soften and condition the outermost layer of skin (the stratum corneum), making it more receptive to the cream that follows. This is especially helpful in areas with thickened, rough patches of eczema where creams might otherwise sit on the surface.

2. Enhanced Barrier Protection

People with eczema often lack enough natural oils in their skin, making them vulnerable to irritants, allergens, and environmental aggressors. Applying body oil helps mimic the skin's lipid barrier, creating a protective shield that reduces exposure to external triggers. This added layer of defense is especially beneficial when skin is raw, cracked, or healing from a flare-up.

3. Continuous Hydration Throughout the Day

One of the biggest challenges for eczema sufferers is keeping the skin hydrated between applications of cream. Body oil, when used strategically, extends the time skin stays moisturized—acting like a moisture reservoir. This can be especially helpful overnight or during dry seasons, when water loss from the skin is higher.

Oils That Are Beneficial for Eczema

Not all oils are created equal, especially when it comes to sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Here are a few dermatologist-recommended options:

Coconut Oil: Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, great for reducing eczema flare-ups.
Sunflower Oil: Rich in linoleic acid, helps maintain the skin barrier and improve hydration.
Castor Oil: Deeply moisturizing and can reduce itching.
Jojoba Oil: Closely mimics skin’s natural sebum, making it gentle and soothing.
Canola Oil: Soothes inflammation, restores the skin’s moisture barrier and supports healing with its rich content of omega fatty acids and vitamin E (antioxidant).

💡 Tip: Always choose cold-pressed, unrefined oils without added fragrance or preservatives.

Not sure which body oil to start off with for your sensitive skin? Try considering California Baby Super Sensitive Organic Body Oil! It is free from any potential allergens and suitable for all ages.

How to Apply for Best Results

To maximize the benefits of using body oil with eczema cream, follow this simple routine:

Shower or bathe with lukewarm water (avoid hot water which can further dry the skin).
Pat your skin dry gently, leaving it slightly damp.
Apply body oil to seal in the moisture while the skin is still damp.
Follow up with eczema cream, focusing on affected areas.

This layering technique creates a moisture-locking seal, allowing the cream to do its job beneath the protective barrier of oil. Double the effectiveness by choosing the right products that soothes and moisturises sensitive skin. Give California Baby Eczema Cream a try along with its Super Sensitive body oil product for the best results.

Things to Keep in Mind

Always do a patch test before applying a new oil to your skin.
Avoid pure essential oils or fragranced oils, which can irritate eczema-prone skin.
Talk to your dermatologist before adding new products to your routine—especially if you're using prescription eczema treatments.
Consistency is key. Hydration and barrier repair take time, so stick to your routine daily for best results.

Pairing body oil with eczema cream can be a powerful one-two punch for calming irritated skin and reinforcing your skin’s natural defenses. By locking in moisture and supporting cream absorption, body oil can elevate your eczema care routine—helping you feel more comfortable in your skin.

References

National Eczema Association (2025) Moisturizing for Eczema. Available at: https://nationaleczema.org/treatments/moisturizing/#:~:text=Why%20is%20it%20so%20important,may%20provide%20additional%20eczema%20relief.

Santos-Longhurst, A. (2022) The Difference Between Body Oil and Body Lotion, Explained, Healthline. Healthline Media. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/body-oil-vs-lotion#which-to-use

Purnamawati, S. et al. (2017) ‘The Role of Moisturizers in Addressing Various Kinds of Dermatitis: a Review’, Clinical Medicine & Research. 15(3-4) pp. 75–87. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5849435/#:~:text=a%20new%20tab-,Emollients,important%20role%20for%20therapeutic%20benefits.&text=Emollients%20classification%20is%20showed%20in%20Table%202.