Mandy Moore Says This $6 Moisturizer Soothes Her Eczema-Prone Skin

If you were a teen or young adult in the early 2000s, it's safe to say you knew of Mandy Moore. After all, the now 39-year-old singer and actress was a Y2K icon. Her 1999 debut album "So Real" quickly became a platinum-certified success, and in the early aughts, her films A Walk to Remember and The Princess Diaries became blockbuster hits. Fast forward to today, grown-up Moore has continued to capture our hearts, most recently starring as the matriarch, Rebecca Pearson, in the NBC hit series This Is Us from 2016 to 2022.

No matter what you've seen her in, there's something about the brunette beauty that feels refreshingly relatable. And this down-to-earth energy certainly comes through in conversation. We recently sat down with the multihyphenate to chat about her latest partnership with Incyte on "Moments of Clarity" (a program that highlights stories of real people with eczema who found relief from their symptoms), her less-is-more beauty philosophy, and how she practices self-care as a busy mom.

Tell us about your experience dealing with eczema.

A few years ago, out of the blue, I noticed my face was getting really red, itchy, inflamed, and peeling. I thought it was from constantly wearing makeup and prosthetics at work [on the set of This Is Us]. I threw everything but the kitchen sink at it, and nothing was helping. I finally went to the dermatologist, and that's when I was diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, which is the most common form of eczema. I want to empower people to talk to their doctor, know their treatment options, and find relief.

What do you think triggers your eczema? 

My eczema tends to be more seasonally focused. It shows up a lot this time of year as it gets colder and drier. I know the things that will trigger it—stress is obviously a big one. I know my diet is important, so I try to eat foods rich in omega-3. I'm a big salmon fan, and I love sardines.

Can you run us through your go-to skincare routine for eczema? 

I tried so many different lotions, and I realized when I pared things back, my skin felt and looked the best. My skin constantly fluctuates, but I use CeraVe's Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($16). I also carry around Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($6), which tends to help a lot. Sometimes, I'll use raw coconut oil, let that soak in, and then top it off with the Aquaphor to lock in moisture. For SPF, I'm a Supergoop fan. I also try not to wear a lot of makeup.

Sounds like you are a minimalist. 

What's been the most helpful is being discerning about what I use, how much I use, and not stressing out about it. Product-wise, it's not like you have to get anything fancy. There are plenty of options that are non-comedogenic and don't have a ton of fragrance. Keeping my routine simple and using products with limited ingredients works best for me.

What are some favorite self-care practices?

2024 will be the year I get a hold of it again [laughs]. Having two kids knocked me off track a little bit in terms of my wellness routine and finding the time for myself. Right now, [self-care time] exists between the hours of like 7 and 8 pm, and it usually involves listening to a podcast and having a glass of wine or a cup of tea while I'm in the bath. I'm not great at it. However, one thing that I've been consistent with is supplements. It's something I started during pregnancy and have continued throughout my mom life. I never could get a handle on it before, so I'm at least patting myself on the back for that.

Supplements can be overwhelming. How would you recommend getting started? 

I'd recommend that everybody get their blood work done to see what they're working with. I have low platelets, and when I was pregnant, I took a blood builder and iron supplement. Don't just jump into taking supplements because it's a very personal thing.

Tips

Always speak with your physician before starting a new supplement to ensure you're taking one that is right for you.

Can you share any supplements that you like?

I'm a big fan of Perelel's supplements. I took all of their Prenatal Packs ($58) throughout pregnancy and postpartum, and now I take their Mom Multi Support Pack ($58). I'm really interested in cycle syncing, so I'm excited to try their new Cycle Support Pack ($41).

What's some beauty advice you would give your younger self?

Trying to navigate being young and being in the public eye was hard. I wish I'd had a little more fun and hadn't been so self-conscious. I feel like this generation is way better at that. It would have been so fun to have pink hair or crazy makeup [laughs]. Social media has allowed young people to see themselves and the world around them and feel like their voice matters. They're permitting themselves to have more fun, and I wish I had done that as a young person.

Do you have any advice for aspiring actors or singers?

The times are so different now. Young people and aspiring artists have many more mediums to present themselves to the world. In one way, I think it makes it oddly more competitive. But also, they have access to so much more than I did when I was young. So I would say don't pass up any good opportunities and trust your gut, always. My parents always told us if there's any doubt, check in with yourself and see where that feeling is coming from. That's still something that I try to employ. And surround yourself with good people who love and support you unequivocally. You're always going to need those cheerleaders.

Up Next: John Legend Fills Us In on His Daytime and Nighttime Skincare Routine

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