It’s peak summer, aka cocktails alfresco, picnics in the park, weekends at the beach—and alllll the heat, sweat, and allergens that send your eczema into a full-blown meltdown. If you're already scratching just thinking about it, yeah…we've been there.
Living with eczema can feel like your skin is gaslighting you. One day it's taking a full face of makeup and a pool day like a champ. The next it's throwing a red, flaky tantrum, interrupting your sleep, and steamrolling your mental health.
Before you spiral into a 3 a.m. panic-scroll looking for the one true cream to rule them all, consider some at-home hacks: We conferred with triple-board-certified dermatologist Mamina Turegano, MD, for a grassroots guide to calming eczema flares, supporting your skin barrier, and still chasing that summer glow—without triggering a five-alarm skin emergency in the process.
Still scratching? You've come to the right place.
In Case You're Not Sure What Eczema Is
Eczema (officially known as atopic dermatitis) is a chronic immune condition that compromises your skin barrier, aka the layer that's supposed to keep moisture in and irritants out. Dr. Turegano describes this barrier like a brick wall—the skin cells are the bricks, and the lipids and proteins that bind them together are the mortar. When either bricks or mortar are weak, your skin becomes more sensitive, reactive, and prone to inflammation.
If you're still reading, chances are you already know the basics: Eczema usually starts in childhood (affecting about 10 to 20 percent of kids worldwide), and about half the time it sticks around into adulthood, often in the form of sporadic flare-ups. When the condition flares up, it appears pretty much anywhere, but the usual suspects are the backs of the knees, elbows, hands, and face. (And for the record, it's not contagious.)
Here's What Causes a Flare and What You Can Do RN
There's no one-size-fits-all eczema trigger. Some flares are set off by environmental factors like dry weather, heat, air pollution, or allergens (might be time to get rid of that area rug). For others, it's more about irritating fabrics, fragrances, soaps, stress, or even certain foods—although there's less of a consensus on this. Long story short: It could be basically anything.
If you're in the middle of a flare, it's all about fortifying your skin and locking in as much moisture as possible. Look for products with protective ingredients like petrolatum and dimethicone. One method Dr. Turegano recommends is called a "wet wrap." Here's how to do it: Moisturize the irritated areas thoroughly, throw on damp cotton pajamas, and layer dry ones on top. "It sounds crazy and uncomfortable, but it's super-helpful," she says. "That whole phenomenon of the wet and the dry really allows the moisture to soak in."
Another good option is an oatmeal bath. You can either grind plain oats in a blender and toss them into the tub, or use colloidal-oatmeal bath powder. Or for extra-inflamed skin, try a black-tea compress: Brew a batch (make sure it's non-flavored, though), chill it like iced tea, soak a clean cloth in it, wring it out, and place it on your skin. Black tea is packed with flavonoids and tannins—compounds with anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that can calm things down fast.
If You Need Something Stronger
"The fastest prescription that can help calm flares is a topical steroid," says Dr. Turegano. But she prefers trying gentler options first. One of her go-to treatments is a compounded vitamin B12 product that she calls the “magic pink cream” (because yes, B12 is naturally pink).
She is also a strong believer in consuming probiotics, which can help balance the gut microbiome and reduce the internal inflammation that contributes to flares. "[Probiotics] have been very helpful for my son, and I definitely recommend it to a lot of my patients," she says, but this is more long term as are prescription medications called biologics, which tame inflammation.
Worried About Ditching Your 75-Step Skincare Routine?
No need…but it'll need some strategic editing. Dr. Turegano is a huge fan of peptides and recommends a peptide-rich moisturizer for hydration and anti-aging benefits all in one. Anything fragranced, however, is a hard no. Same goes for high concentrations of niacinamide—anything over 5 percent can suppress sebum, and if you have eczema, you want that natural oil doing its protective thing.
She's wary of harsh exfoliants. Glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids can be too stripping for sensitive skin. Instead, opt for polyhydroxy acids, which are milder and even hydrating.
Hyaluronic acid is another favorite, as it helps retain moisture and promotes increased healing. And for the skincare-ingredient nerds, ectoin is one to watch—it's anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and gentle enough for easily irritated skin.
Still not sure if your favorite serum is flare-safe? Check the National Eczema Association's website—anything with their seal of approval has been vetted for sensitive skin.
One more thing—and this deserves its own line: Apply SPF 30 or higher. Every. Single. Day.
Prevent the Next Flare
First, know your triggers. Keep a flare journal detailing exactly when episodes occur and what possible triggers precede them. Prioritize sleep and stress management.
Next, change the way you shower. Hot water might feel amazing, but it's terrible for eczema-prone skin. "It draws out moisture and can damage the skin proteins that hold the barrier together," says Dr. Turegano. Instead, stick to lukewarm, keep showers under 10 minutes, and moisturize immediately afterward, while your skin is still damp. She also suggests looking into a shower filter; hot water can leach heavy metals and minerals from your pipes, which along with the chlorine in tap water can further irritate sensitive skin.
If your flare feels unusual or more extreme than you're used to, visit a dermatologist. There are treatments, such as biologics, available that can help manage your eczema symptoms long term.
And in general, treat your skin like it's in recovery mode 24/7. Protect it, hydrate it, and don't underestimate the power of being a little extra with your moisturization routine. Your skin will seriously thank you.
Talia Barrington is a freelance writer who covers a wide range of topics including family, gender, culture, science, and sports. Her work can be seen in the Washington Post, The Atlantic, New York Magazine, New York Times, Slate, and many more.
