It’s not easy to find a skincare routine that works for eczema. Because the condition makes your outer layer of skin weak and sensitive, it’s important to give your skin some extra care. Also, you need to make sure you’re taking care of it the right way instead of just using skin care products on it. We asked two dermatologists to tell us about the worst things that can make eczema worse So listen to what they say, and your skin will be grateful.
- Papri Sarkar, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who works in Brookline, Massachusetts.
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and an Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
01 out of 08
Showering Extra Hot
We understand. It sounds very tempting to have a hot shower especially in the winter. But if you have eczema, this is a big no-no 1Hot water is bad for our skin and can hurt and damage the barrier that protects it. “Patients with eczema already have a damaged skin barrier layer, and over time, hot showers just make it worse,” says Papri Sarkar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Brookline, Mass.
She also says that her eczema patients sometimes really want to take a hot shower because it can help their itchy skin feel better for a short time. But that short-term relief only makes things worse, so turn the dial down to a lukewarm setting. Dr. Sarkar says that if you have to take a hot shower, you should protect your skin by putting oil on it first and only keeping it hot for a short time.
02 of 08
Staying in the shower too long
Also, while we’re on the subject of showers, it’s important not to stay under the soothing stream of water for too long. “Too much exposure to water, especially when it’s hot, can tighten the skin’s essential oils, which are needed to keep the skin barrier healthy,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Don’t take more than 10 minutes in the shower.”
03 of 08
Exfoliating Your Skin Too Hard
If you have eczema, you should stay away from harsh exfoliating products because they could make the condition worse for some people.2 This includes both chemical exfoliants like AHAs, BHAs, and enzymes and physical scrubs Use gentle face products made for eczema instead. Dr. Zeichner says, “If you see dry, flaky skin, listen to what your skin needs and give it water.” “Exfoliating skin that is already dry can do more harm than good.” Instead, use a gentle cleanser that adds moisture.
04 of 08
Not using your moisturiser
Use a moisturiser after washing your face with a gentle cleanser to give your skin more moisture. Dr. Zeichner says, “You can’t control your genes, but you can control your skin care routine.” “We know that the whole surface of your skin is dry, not just the areas where you have active eczema outbreaks, so you need to use a moisturiser every day.”
Use a moisturiser made for sensitive skin in the morning and at night. This usually means a basic moisturiser that doesn’t have any active ingredients or known irritants, like alcohol fragrances dyes, or essential oils. In a product directory, the National Eczema Association gives their seal of approval to products that meet their recommendations.
05 of 08
Letting the air get too dry
If you have eczema, adding a humidifier to your home or office can make a big difference. “Wind and dry heat can be hard on the skin, especially in the winter,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Using a humidifier can help keep the other layer of skin hydrated, which is good for your skin even while you sleep.”
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06 of 08
Getting too stressed
It’s easier said than done to keep stress to a minimum, isn’t it? Dr. Sarkar says that stress can still hurt your body and even cause an eczema flare-up. Stress makes most diseases, including skin diseases worse. She says that this is especially true for inflammatory diseases like acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
“These days, it’s almost impossible to avoid stress completely without going off the grid. But if that isn’t an option (or desired), adding a de-stressing ritual to your day can help.”
This looks different for each person. Some people like to do yoga or meditate, while others like to go for a walk in the woods or do a lot of cardio. Dr. Sarkar says to find out what lowers your cortisol levels and do it for a little while every day.
07 of 08
Not Using Sunscreen
Like everyone else, people with eczema need to protect themselves from the sun, but they often skip this step because they are afraid of a flare-up. The National Eczema Association says to use a mineral-based (physical) sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that protects against a wide range of UV rays. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are two common key ingredients in physical sunscreens.
08 of 08
Not paying attention to allergens
It seems obvious, but staying away from things you know you are allergic to can help keep eczema from getting worse.4 Dr. Sarkar says, “Allergens make eczema much worse.” People with eczema are more likely to be allergic to pets pollen dust, and foods, among other things.
Contact with those things, especially in long or high doses, tends to make eczema worse, so I suggest staying away from them as much as possible. For example, when picking out dish soap, look for formulas that are plant-based and don’t cause allergies.
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