Why Deep Hydration Matters: Best Skincare Practices for Eczema & Psoriasis
Eczema, psoriasis, or any kind of dry skin problem isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s downright annoying.
One minute you’re fine, the next you’re scratching like you rolled in itchy grass and forgot how to stop.
Maybe it started with a bit of dryness behind your knees. Or perhaps a little red patch on your elbow decided to throw a full-blown tantrum. However it shows up, we get it—it’s unpredictable, frustrating, and often shows up at the worst possible time (hot date, family dinner, that one sunny day you finally wear short sleeves).
In this blog, we’re diving into the why, how, and what to use when it comes to keeping eczema and psoriasis under control. Let’s get your skin back to feeling like skin again.
5 Reasons Why Hydration is Essential for Eczema & Psoriasis
Think moisturising is just a nice, pampering ritual? Think again. For anyone dealing with eczema or psoriasis, slathering on the right cream is less about indulgence and more about survival. Here’s why hydration isn’t just important—it’s everything:
1. It Strengthens the Skin Barrier
Eczema and psoriasis both mess with your skin’s natural barrier, making it weak and leaky—kind of like a fence with missing panels. Moisturisers act like patchwork, reinforcing the skin so it holds in water and keeps irritants out.
According to the Australasian College of Dermatologists, daily moisturising helps rebuild this barrier, which is crucial for preventing flare-ups and managing symptoms long-term.
2. It Reduces Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)
When your skin barrier is compromised, moisture escapes faster than you can say “where’s my cream?”. This phenomenon is called transepidermal water loss.
According to a study published in Clinical Medicine & Research, keeping the skin well-hydrated reduces TEWL, which can calm inflammation and prevent the dry, itchy cycle of doom that often plagues sensitive skin.
3. It Keeps Irritants and Allergens Out
Dry, cracked skin isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s an open door for bacteria, allergens, and even environmental pollutants. These invaders can trigger inflammation and worsen both eczema and psoriasis.
According to the National Eczema Association, moisturising regularly helps seal cracks, lowering your risk of infections and irritant-induced flare-ups.
4. It Boosts the Effectiveness of Other Treatments
Hydrated skin is happy skin—but it’s also more receptive. According to the National Eczema Association, applying medicated creams or ointments right after moisturising can enhance absorption and reduce irritation. So, hydration doesn’t just soothe—it actually helps your other treatments work better.
5. It Soothes the Scratch
We all know that scratch-itch-scratch loop is real. Dryness leads to itching, and itching leads to damage (and sometimes regret). Intensive moisturisers—especially those with barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides and emollients—calm the skin and reduce that uncontrollable urge to scratch.
Want to know which creams actually work? Stick around—we’ve got a roundup of top-rated, dermatologist-approved moisturisers coming up next.
Spoiler: QV Intensive Cream is about to become your skin’s new best friend.
Common Triggers That Dry Out the Skin
If you live with eczema or psoriasis, you’ve probably already developed a sixth sense for what sends your skin into meltdown mode. You know exactly which soap to avoid, how long is too long in the shower, and that one mysterious jumper that feels like it’s woven from regret.
So let’s just take a moment to call out the usual suspects—not to alarm you, but to validate that yes, it’s not just in your head. These triggers really do mess with your skin, according to Cleveland Clinic and the National Library of Medicine:
1. Harsh Soaps & Cleansers
The “squeaky clean” feeling? It’s your skin screaming. Harsh surfactants can strip away your natural oils faster than you can flip over a bottle to check the ingredient list. Even “gentle” options can be misleading—if it foams like crazy, it might be doing more harm than good.
2. Long, Hot Showers
A steamy shower might be your reward after a long day, but your skin is not celebrating. Prolonged exposure to hot water weakens the skin barrier and zaps precious moisture. Think of it like slow-cooking your skin into a flaky mess (yep, we went there).
3. Dry Air, Heaters & A/C
Whether it’s winter winds or summer’s air-con blast, artificial climate control is basically a moisture vacuum. One minute you’re chilling under the heater, the next your legs look like you’ve been exfoliating with sandpaper.
4. Environmental Irritants
Pollen, dust, pet dander, scratchy fabrics... the list is long and personal. Your skin knows what it doesn’t like. These tiny invaders can linger on clothes, in bedding, or float through the air like microscopic troublemakers.
5. Stress & Sleepless Nights
We don’t need to tell you that a bad night’s sleep or a stressful week can turn into a full-blown flare-up. According to dermatology experts, stress can trigger inflammatory responses in the body—hello, red patches and itchiness.
Real Talk: You already know your skin. You’ve done the detective work, played elimination bingo, and have your own personal “do not touch” list. This section isn’t here to teach you that—it's here to remind you you’re not alone, and you're absolutely not imagining how annoying these triggers are. Your vigilance? Totally justified.
How to Choose the Right Moisturiser (Not All Creams Are Created Equal)
When your skin barrier is compromised, you need more than just a light lotion. Look for moisturisers that are:
✅ Fragrance-free – Fragrances are a common irritant, even in "natural" products.
✅ Rich and creamy – The thicker the better. You want occlusives that trap in moisture.
✅ Formulated with ceramides, glycerin, or petrolatum – These help repair and strengthen the skin barrier.
✅ Dermatologist-tested – Especially important for people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Avoid products with alcohol, essential oils, or fancy active ingredients unless your dermatologist says otherwise. Gentle is the name of the game here.
Best Moisturisers for Eczema & Psoriasis from Platinum Health
When you’re dealing with eczema or psoriasis, a regular moisturiser just won’t cut it. You need products that do more than feel nice. You need hydration heroes with barrier-boosting superpowers, itch-soothing, and zero nonsense ingredients that could start another flare-up.
Here are some tried-and-true favourites stocked right here at Platinum Health Supply—all dermatologically tested and trusted by people who actually live with sensitive skin:
1. QV Dermcare Eczema Daily Cream
Shop QV Dermcare Eczema Daily Cream
If you want a moisturiser that’s clinically proven to reduce flare-ups, this is it. Specially designed for eczema-prone skin, QV Dermcare contains ceramides to help support the skin barrier, plus high levels of moisturising agents to lock in hydration.
💡 Perfect for full-body use, especially after showers or flare-up episodes.
2. QV Face Ultra Calming Moisturiser
Shop QV Face Ultra Calming Moisturiser
Need something lighter for your face that won’t sting or trigger redness? This one’s made just for sensitive, eczema-prone facial skin. Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and ultra-gentle—this QV moisturiser gives your face the love it deserves without the drama.
💡 Ideal for under makeup or as your everyday face moisturiser.
3. Epaderm Ointment (25g)
Don’t let the tiny tube fool you—this one’s a powerhouse. Epaderm is a 3-in-1 emollient, skin cleanser, and bath additive designed for very dry, cracked, or thickened skin. It’s free from fragrances, colourings, and preservatives, making it a favourite among dermatologists and parents alike.
💡 Great for spot-treating stubborn patches or as an overnight occlusive layer.
4. Pinetarsol Solution
It’s not technically a moisturiser, but this is one you’ll want in your shower caddy. Pinetarsol is a soap-free cleanser with natural pine tar, known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s ideal for relieving itchy, inflamed skin during flare-ups.
💡 Use it in place of soap to cleanse without stripping natural oils.
5. Sebitar Scalp Treatment
Scalp acting up? Sebitar is specially formulated for scalp psoriasis and eczema. It soothes itching, reduces flakiness, and gently cleanses without harsh foaming agents.
💡 Apply directly to the scalp and leave it on before rinsing for best results.
Come See (and Feel) the Difference at Our Epping Showroom
Some things are better experienced in person—and when it comes to choosing the right moisturiser or skincare solution, sometimes you just want to see the texture, smell the formula (if it has one), and talk to someone who actually gets it.
That’s exactly what you’ll find at our Platinum Health Supply showroom in Epping—your trusted local medical equipment and supplies store in Victoria. Whether you’re dealing with dry, flaky skin or helping a loved one manage eczema or psoriasis, our friendly team is here to help you pick the right products based on real-life skin needs—not just marketing buzzwords.
- Want to compare the thickness of Epaderm vs QV?
- Need advice on which cream plays nicest with your shower routine?
- Looking to build your own personalised skincare kit?
We’ve got you.
Drop by: Unit 2/51 Trafalgar Rd, Epping VIC 3076
Open during business hours—just pop in, no appointment needed!
Not based in Victoria? No stress—we ship Australia-wide, so you can get all your skincare must-haves delivered straight to your door.
Because healthy skin shouldn’t come with a postcode limitation.
The Takeaway: Hydrated Skin = Happier Skin
When it comes to managing eczema and psoriasis, hydration isn’t just about comfort—it’s about control. With the right products and a little routine, you can help prevent flare-ups, reduce itchiness, and restore your skin’s natural glow (minus the flakiness).
Your skin deserves comfort, support, and hydration that lasts. Let’s make that happen—together.
Shop our collection of deep-hydration moisturisers at Platinum Health Supply today!
