We’re currently in the crisp, beautiful season of autumn — pumpkin patches for the makings of pies; leaves of red, gold, and brown when we look up or down — and the air is as dry as ever.

During sweater weather, our skin desperately tries to retain moisture, and we can only hope our arsenal of lotions, creams, and ointments will deliver. Sadly, we often have to find out through trial and error what’s best for our skin.

Those of us with eczema go through a daily battle of keeping our condition under control. We have to monitor triggers and respond accordingly. It’s emotionally, mentally, physically, socially, and financially taxing.

Living in Chicago, I know the worst is yet to come, as bitter winter will follow shortly. So I’m going to let you in on my saving grace, which I would never survive without — and yes, it’s found over the counter.

Though I have prescription steroid creams, those products can thin the skin if overused. I use CeraVe literally every day of my life and genuinely swear by it as an essential.

Disclaimer: I’ll be fangirling over this product for the remainder of this article. I have eczema all over my body, unfortunately, so I get the 19-ounce size, which keeps me from making frequent orders or deliveries. I’ve only seen this size online.

Some online retailers let you set up a recurring delivery, if that makes sense for you. It saves in the long run, and knowing you’ll never run out gives you peace of mind. You can choose between weeks or months at a time.

Again, this an over-the-counter product, so any drugstore chain will carry it. The sizes available vary from store to store, so keep that in mind.

I always apply CeraVe immediately after showering, and it’s when my skin is the softest. The product helps clear discoloration on my trunk, arms, neck, face, and legs. My hands and ears get flaky sometimes, and this clears it up after a couple of coats. When applied to my face, CeraVe keeps my skin clear for the majority of the day.

Something I noticed from experience is how this product treats different symptoms of eczema differently. For example, my calves and shins are scaly, and the cream makes this symptom less noticeable. However, I have patches of discoloration on my thighs and arms, and it evens out my skin tone. It immediately hydrates any dryness anywhere.

This product is highly adaptable, which I love. It works even during the hot Chicago summers, when I’m showing skin. Whether I’m at the beach, having a drink on a patio, or taking an evening stroll, I don’t need to be self-conscious.

When I first had signs of eczema in 2017, my self-esteem took a heavy hit. I had to relearn how to love myself because I felt like a monster. CeraVe was key for helping me rediscover unconditional self-love.

Another great thing is that CeraVe comes in travel sizes. I try to always have one in my bag, allowing reapplication throughout the day. It’s also such a stress relief, knowing that when I go on vacation, I don’t have to sacrifice my skin care routine.

When living with eczema, it doesn't take long to learn that it can cost a pretty penny to try to keep this condition under control. We don’t have the luxury to cut corners, even if using home remedies. You learn how to be a savvy spender.

I pay less than $18 for the 19-ounce size, which isn’t bad at all considering it lasts for months of daily usage. To put it in perspective — the travel size is around $6 or $7.

You may also find bundle deals online or in stores. For example, you might get the cream along with a facial cleanser (which I also use every day after brushing my teeth — it’s fabulous). Prices vary, but if you come across it, I’d say go for it! I’ve seen a 12-ounce cream with a 3-ounce facial cleanser for about $15.

For me, CeraVe makes daily life with eczema less stressful, and I breathe with more ease. Hopefully, it’ll bring you the same on your journey of skin care.

I know I’m preaching to the choir when I say it’s hard to manage eczema. What with weather, diet, stress, societal norms, access to resources, and undeterminable variables, it’s a marvel that we make it happen. Be proud of just doing the work of discovering what’s best for your skin.

On MyEczemaTeam, members discuss eczema from a specific point of view. Would you like to share your personal story to help others living with eczema? You can learn more about this paid writing opportunity from MyEczemaTeam here.

Members’ articles don’t reflect the opinions of MyEczemaTeam staff, medical experts, partners, advertisers, or sponsors. Content on MyEczemaTeam isn’t intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.