When you see Kerry Washington's picture perfect skin on screen, you'd probably never guess the actress struggles with eczema. The stunning, 42-year-old star of the hit show "Scandal" recently shared what works to help control her eczema. Some of her must-haves are pretty standard, but you might be surprised by others.
At the top of her list was moisturizer, which she said was "too critical" to skip. This probably comes as no surprise since keeping your skin well-moisturized is the mainstay of eczema treatment. Washington mentioned several of her favorite serums are from Neutrogena. She likes their new Hydroboost Gel as a lighter option during the summer months.
One of Washington's lesser known picks is hyaluronic acid. With acid in its name, it might sound like it would be irritating or abrasive. However, hyaluronic acid actually helps your skin retain moisture, so it's a great option for people with eczema. One study found that people who used hyaluronic acid showed significant improvement in their eczema in two weeks.
For her hands, Washington loves Neutrogena Norwegian Hand Cream. She says her manicures last an extra week when she uses it. Since your hands are exposed to the elements and can be irritated by repeated handwashing, finding a good moisturizer for them can go a long way towards managing your eczema.
When it comes to her diet, Washington is a big believer in omega-3s. She takes fish oil supplements to make sure she's getting enough. She swears by them, saying, "omega fatty acids work." Omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role in normal skin function and appearance. Fish oil may help improve eczema by reducing an inflammatory substance that's associated with eczema. Be sure to talk to your doctor before you start taking fish oil because it can interfere with blood thinners and high doses may contain too much vitamin A.
