Skin barrier repair moisturizers may work better than ordinary skin moisturizers for treating dry skin. These moisturizers have ingredients like ceramide that help the skin form a natural barrier. They work by reducing water loss and helping to rebuild the skin.

Barrier repair moisturizers help reduce the burning and itching that happens with skin problems such as eczema, allergic contact dermatitis, and radiation dermatitis. They also help reduce the redness, scaling, dryness, and thickening of the skin from problems such as eczema. They are safe enough to be used to treat children who have atopic dermatitis.

Skin barrier repair moisturizers range widely in cost. You can get them over-the-counter (CeraVe, TriCeram) and by prescription (Atopiclair, MimyX). If you have eczema, check with your doctor before you try an over-the-counter brand. You’ll want to make sure that you use one that doesn’t contain fragrance or other ingredients that might irritate your eczema.