Eczema and Aging: Adapting Skincare for Mature Skin

Eczema isn’t just a childhood condition. While many associate atopic dermatitis with infancy and adolescence, millions of adults continue to manage eczema well into their 40s, 60s, and beyond. And for some, flare-ups begin later in life for the first time—what experts call adult-onset eczema.

As the skin ages, its ability to retain moisture, defend against irritants, and recover from inflammation naturally declines. When eczema enters the picture, that challenge is magnified. If you’ve noticed your skincare needs changing with time—or your once-manageable eczema becoming more stubborn—you’re not imagining it.

This guide explores the intersection of eczema and aging, what happens to your skin as it matures, and how to build a skincare routine that evolves with you.

Why Eczema Can Worsen With Age

Mature Skin = Weaker Barrier

With age, the skin’s natural barrier becomes thinner, drier, and more prone to damage. This includes:

• Slower cell turnover
• Reduced natural oil production
• Decline in ceramides and collagen
• Increased skin pH, which disrupts microbiome balance

For eczema-prone individuals, these changes reduce the skin’s ability to keep moisture in and irritants out—creating a perfect storm for flare-ups.

Flare Triggers Evolve Over Time

As we age, new sensitivities can develop. You might find yourself reacting to:

• Fragrance in products you’ve used for years
• Hot water or long baths
• Prescription skincare for wrinkles or pigmentation
• Fabric softeners, wool, or synthetic clothes
• Hormonal shifts, especially in menopause. For more information, refer to our blog about women’s hormones and eczema.

According to a 2024 article in UT Health Houston, adult-onset eczema—especially in people over 60—is increasingly diagnosed, often triggered by environmental and physiological shifts.

What Mature Eczema-Prone Skin Needs Most

To manage eczema effectively as you age, your skincare routine should be both gentler and more supportive than ever before.

Here’s what to focus on:

Hydration

Mature skin loses water faster and produces less sebum. This leads to persistent dryness, which exacerbates eczema. Opt for:

• Thicker moisturizers with ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid
• Ointments at night for deep repair
• Twice-daily moisturization—even when you’re not flaring

NellaDerm’s barrier-repair moisturizers are designed for sensitive, dry skin and formulated without common irritants.

Fragrance-Free, pH-Balanced Products

As the skin’s pH rises with age, maintaining balance is essential. Avoid:

• Foaming cleansers
• Scented lotions or serums
• Toners with alcohol or exfoliating acids

Look for pH-balanced, fragrance-free, and dermatologist-tested products labeled for “sensitive” or “eczema-prone” skin.

Barrier-Repair Ingredients

Mature skin with eczema needs lipid-replenishing ingredients, such as:

• Ceramides
• Cholesterol
• Fatty acids
• Niacinamide (which also improves elasticity and soothes inflammation)

These rebuild the protective layer that eczema damages and aging thins.

6 Steps to Build a Mature Eczema Skincare Routine

1. Start with a Gentle Cleanser

Choose a low-lather, non-soap cleanser. Cleanse only twice daily (or once at night) to avoid over-stripping.

2. Use Lukewarm Water

Hot water worsens dryness and inflammation. Stick to cool-to-warm showers and baths, limited to 10 minutes.

3. Moisturize While Skin Is Damp

Apply your moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing to lock in water and improve absorption.

4. Layer Treatments Correctly

If using a topical steroid or prescription:

• Cleanse → Pat dry → Apply medication → Wait 10 mins → Apply moisturizer

This ensures medication efficacy while still sealing in moisture.

5. Protect Your Hands and Feet

These areas often worsen with age due to frequent washing and exposure. Use hand creams after every wash and wear cotton gloves or socks overnight for deep repair.

6. Watch for Contact Irritants

Older skin becomes more reactive. Avoid triggers like:

• Nickel (in jewelry or glasses)
• Wool or scratchy fabrics
• Detergents with enzymes or dyes
• Overuse of exfoliants or retinoids

Anti-Aging Products and Eczema: What to Know

Many anti-aging products contain ingredients that trigger or worsen eczema, including:

• Retinoids
• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)
• Essential oils
• Vitamin C in high concentrations

If you’re using these, try:

• Buffering with a moisturizer
• Using every 2–3 days
• Spot-testing on non-flare areas
• Opting for gentler peptides or bakuchiol (a plant-based retinol alternative)

Lifestyle Tips to Support Skin Through Aging

Beyond skincare, these habits can improve eczema control and skin health as you age:

Manage Stress

Chronic stress increases cortisol, which disrupts the immune system and impairs skin repair. Try meditation, walking, or hobbies that bring calm.

Prioritize Sleep

Nighttime is when the skin heals. If itching disrupts sleep, ask your dermatologist about sedating antihistamines or topical corticosteroids for nighttime flares.

Eat for Skin Resilience

Focus on anti-inflammatory foods:

• Fatty fish
• Berries
• Leafy greens
• Whole grains
• Plenty of water

Avoid known flare foods (like dairy, gluten, or sugar) if you’re sensitive.

Q&A: Eczema and Aging

Q1: Can eczema appear for the first time in older adults?
Yes. Adult-onset eczema is increasingly common, particularly in people over 50. Often, it’s linked to skin barrier decline, allergies, or undiagnosed sensitivities.

Q2: Why does my eczema feel worse in my 60s than in my 30s?
As the skin ages, it becomes drier, thinner, and less resilient. These factors reduce your skin’s ability to recover from flares or resist irritation.

Q3: Can I still use anti-aging products with eczema?
Yes, but choose gentler, fragrance-free formulas and test slowly. Look for soothing ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide instead of acids or retinoids.

Final Thoughts

Aging skin deserves just as much care—and compassion—as youthful skin. If you’re managing eczema and aging, it’s time to rethink your routine with maturity in mind. With gentler products, supportive ingredients, and a consistent regimen, you can reduce flares and keep your skin comfortable, hydrated, and strong.

For science-backed skincare designed for eczema-prone, sensitive, and mature skin, explore NellaDerm’s full collection—your skin’s ally at every age.