i personally know from first-hand experience how heartbreaking and stressful eczema flare-ups can be. after years and years of researching and with a lot of trial and error thrown in, i’ve finally got a routine to share for when i can feel a flare-up on the horizon. hopefully this helps you too!

identifying common eczema triggers

first things first, let’s talk about your triggers. everyone’s skin is unique, so it’s essential to figure out what sets off your eczema. here are the most common triggers:

• stress: those annoying stress hormones can cause havoc on your skin. practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation can help keep stress at bay.
• weather changes: my skin can’t take when the temp gets too low! hot, cold, dry, or humid—extreme weather can be tough on your skin. keep your skin protected with a good moisturiser like our secret obsessions body whip.
• allergens: pollen, dust, house mites, pet dander, and certain foods can be eczema instigators. identifying and avoiding these can make a big difference. there are plenty of affordable allergy tests available online and i recommend doing one as this helped me cut out the majority of avoidable triggers.
• harsh products: fragranced soaps, detergents, and even some skincare products can irritate your skin. opt for gentle, fragrance-free options.

the importance of a consistent skincare routine

consistency is key! sticking to a gentle, daily skincare routine can make sooo much difference. here’s a simple routine to get you started:

1. cleanse gently: use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. avoid hot water as it can strip your skin of its natural oils.
2. moisturise like crazy: keep your skin hydrated with a thick, emollient moisturiser, especially right after you shower when your skin is still damp.
3. protect your skin: during the day, use a broad-spectrum spf to shield your skin from uv rays. sun exposure can aggravate eczema and strip the skin of oils and water.

do you really need to patch test?

always, always patch test new products! by doing this you can see if you have any allergies or irritation by any of the ingredients. apply a small amount on a discreet area and wait 24 hours to see if there’s a reaction.

tips for soothing flare-ups quickly and effectively

when a flare-up hits, act fast:

• cool compresses: apply a cool, damp cloth to the affected area to reduce inflammation. i now have a stash of eye masks and ice packs in the freezer to calm down any incoming irritation.
• oatmeal, bleach and dead sea salt baths: these baths help manage eczema by soothing inflammation, moisturizing, cleansing, protecting the skin, and reducing infection risks.
• try to avoid itching (i know it’s hard!): scratching an eczema flare-up worsens the condition by damaging the skin, increasing inflammation, and raising the risk of infection.

hopefully this advice will help you on your eczema journey, and prevent future flare-ups!

be sure to share any lived experience or stories with us – your journey will help inspire others who are facing the same struggles as us.

Rashida x