If you’ve arrived at this edit, you most likely have eczema or know someone who does. You’re probably looking for recommendations on how to best care for your skin and products to help you keep flare-ups at bay; luckily, this edit offers both. For National Eczema Awareness Week, I’ve asked fellow eczema sufferers to put one of my favourite brands, QV Skincare, to the test. Hear why QV formulas are some of the best for caring for atopic skin from people who have experienced them work first hand.
New to QV Skincare? Read our guide ⬇
Ceryn, Escentual Communications & Campaigns Editor
Tell me a little about how long you’ve suffered from eczema, where you tend to get it, and what tends to cause you to have a flare-up.
Ever since I can remember, it was definitely at its worse when I was a teenager, probably because I neglected my skin back then. Nowadays, my eczema flares when I am stressed and tends to appear on my neck, eyes, hands, and lips.
Why did you want to take part in this QV trial? What drew you to this brand/range?
I’m a long-time fan! QV formulas are incredibly reliable. Not only are they quick to get my skin back on track when I have a flare-up, but they’re also excellent for maintenance. I took part because QV Skincare is a brand all eczema sufferers should know about.
What did you like about the QV Skin Lotion?
It’s calming. When my skin is itchy, this lightweight lotion offers welcome relief. Because it’s so light, it also absorbs into my skin quickly, meaning that my skin doesn’t feel sticky, and I don’t have to wait for an age to get dressed.
What was your favourite thing about the QV Cream?
The formula is slightly thicker than the lotion, so I reach for it when my skin flares and needs a richer texture. I also like the packaging options; there’s a handy 100g tube that I like to travel with and keep in my handbag, plus a 500ml pump, which makes application quick and easy – and the bottle’s conical bottom means that you never waste a drop!
What was your favourite thing about the QV Intensive Ointment?
When my skin’s bad, I want all the nourishment I can get, and this delivers that and then some. When my skin flares, it feels tight, itchy and flaky, but as soon as I put this on, I start to feel ‘normal’ again. I tend to wear this at night, and my skin feels much better when I awake.
What was your favourite thing about the QV Gentle Wash?
For a long time, my eczema routine consisted of lotions and creams, and I overlooked the products I used in the shower. These products can have a massive effect on the condition of your skin, so I’m now cautious of what I choose to bathe with. Because it’s soap-free, it’s super gentle, and I no longer experience the stinging feeling I used to get when my skin was flared, and I used other shower gels.
What was your favourite thing about the QV Bath Oil?
This one’s a sore subject for me. I adore the formula and used it on a recent weekend away, but I don’t have a bath at home! The oil disperses in water and creates a milky bath that makes my skin feels so smooth.
Which one of QV’s products was your favourite and why?
A hard one because I love every product. So, with that in mind, I am opting for my most used product, the QV Cream 100g. I never leave the house without it.
What is the #1 tip you think every eczema sufferer should know?
Turn down the water temperature heat! I love a hot shower, especially on a cold day, but it’s not good for your eczema-prone skin. Turn down the heat, and lather yourself in emollients as soon as you come out to lock in hydration.
Lowri Hawkins, @lifeoflowri
Tell me a little about how long you’ve suffered from eczema, where you tend to get it, and what tends to cause you to have a flare-up.
Since birth. I only get it on my face and neck these days but have had it all over for most of my life.
Why did you want to take part in this QV trial? What drew you to this brand/range?
My dermatologist prescribed QV and knew it worked for me and my skin. I love how gentle the products are.
What did you like about the QV Skin Lotion?
It’s perfect for summer. I like lighter moisturisers at this time of year after my shower, and this is the perfect lotion for that!
What was your favourite thing about the QV Cream?
It was so rich, and I know this will be so good in a flare-up or during winter when my skin is dry.
What was your favourite thing about the QV Intensive Ointment?
It really protects the skin, and I know this would also be great in the winter as well.
What was your favourite thing about the QV Gentle Wash?
I’ve used this for years, and it lathers so well without any irritation, one of my favourite body washes.
What was your favourite thing about the QV Bath Oil?
It makes my skin so smooth and leaves it feeling nourished.
Which one of QV’s products was your favourite and why?
The body wash is my favourite!
What is the #1 tip you think every eczema sufferer should know?
Rest is so important; take time to make yourself feel comfortable! Prioritise yourself
Isabel Wright, @thewrightglow
Tell me a little about how long you’ve suffered from eczema, where you tend to get it, and what tends to cause you to have a flare-up.
From birth. Usually elbows, wrists, behind knees, eyes and hands. It varies from intolerances to allergies. Usually, food like eggs/milk flares it up, or dust/harsh chemicals.
Why did you want to take part in this QV trial? What drew you to this brand/range?
I am currently suffering from a lengthy flare-up; I saw the products and looked into the brand, and the formulation and ingredients looked great so I wanted to try them to see if they would help my condition.
What did you like about the QV Skin Lotion?
Very lightweight and absorbed easily.
What was your favourite thing about the QV Cream?
Slightly heavier than the lotion, rich and moisturising.
What was your favourite thing about the QV Intensive Ointment?
I loved this, a really nice thick treatment to protect the skin.
What was your favourite thing about the QV Gentle Wash?
No irritation and soothed my skin.
What was your favourite thing about the QV Bath Oil?
Felt very nourishing.
Which one of QV’s products was your favourite and why?
I love the cream; it’s really moisturising without any irritation. My skin felt soothed but not greasy, which is really important when constantly having to reapply products for eczema.
What is the #1 tip you think every eczema sufferer should know?
Hydration is key!
Adrienne Guthrie, @thesundaygirl
Tell me a little about how long you’ve suffered from eczema, where you tend to get it, and what tends to cause you to have a flare-up.
Life long, stress and everything from e45 to medical intervention.
Why did you want to take part in this QV trial? What drew you to this brand/range?
I like the broad range, price point and how easy it is to order.
What did you like about the QV Skin Lotion?
It was lightweight and soothed my skin.
What was your favourite thing about the QV Cream?
Instantly hydrating and comforting to my irritated skin.
What was your favourite thing about the QV Intensive Ointment?
It is so quick and easy to use. I expected it to be greasier. It felt so high-end.
What was your favourite thing about the QV Gentle Wash?
It didn’t sting my skin but was deeply cleansing.
What was your favourite thing about the QV Bath Oil?
Felt luxurious, yet it again took the itch out of my skin.
Which one of QV’s products was your favourite and why?
Bath oil, it was a treat to use and something I looked forward to each night. This will be a winter staple for me.
What is the #1 tip you think every eczema sufferer should know?
Pat, don’t scratch any itchy areas; it helps stop the itchy feeling without further irritation.
