Body & Hand Care

Soap-free washes, shower oils and moisturisers for skin that gets dry and itchy, especially in winter: Elave (made in Ireland), Bioderma Atoderm, La Roche-Posay Lipikar and Astral. Kind to eczema-prone skin and the whole family.

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Body care for dry and sensitive skin

Hot showers, soap and central heating are the three things that dry Irish skin out between October and April. Swap two of them and most winter itch disappears.

Wash

Soap-free is the key word. Elave Sensitive Body Wash is fragrance-free, made in Ireland and gentle enough for babies; the one-litre pump is the best value. Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil and La Roche-Posay Lipikar Shower Gel leave a light film that stops skin tightening after the shower, ideal for eczema-prone skin.

Moisturise

Apply within three minutes of drying while the skin is still damp. Astral is a rich, old-fashioned cream that works brilliantly for very dry hands, elbows and heels at a very fair price. For the whole body daily, a lotion is quicker; see our sensitive and medicated range for the CeraVe, Aveeno and Eucerin options.

Hands

Hand washing and sanitiser strip the skin faster than anything. Keep a hand cream beside every sink and use it after every wash. At night, a thick cream under cotton gloves repairs cracked knuckles in days.

Pharmacist tip: keep showers under ten minutes and warm rather than hot, and use the shower oil as the last step so it is not rinsed away.

Common questions about body & hand care

What is the best body wash for eczema?

A soap-free, fragrance-free wash. Elave Sensitive Body Wash, Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil and Lipikar Shower Gel are all suitable for eczema-prone skin and can be used on children.

How often should I moisturise dry skin?

At least once a day, ideally twice, and always within a few minutes of showering while the skin is damp. Regular use prevents dryness; occasional use only treats it.

Is Elave suitable for babies?

Yes. Elave is fragrance-free and free of common irritants, made in Ireland, and widely used for babies and children with sensitive skin.

Written and reviewed by the pharmacist team at Laois Pharmacy, Portlaoise. General information only, not a substitute for advice about your own health. Ask us in store or on WhatsApp.