By Emily Trampetti, Licensed Esthetician and Skincare Expert
Most of us with eczema, otherwise medically termed atopic dermatitis, suffer most when our skin barrier function is compromised. Afterall, this is actually the primary cause of Eczema. This is different from psoriasis, which is more of an auto-immune skin condition where the rate at which the skin cells turnover is aggressively fast, oftentimes leaving scaly, itchy and plaque-like skin symptoms. Eczema can look similar, but is much easier to manage fortunately. If we can stay consistent in an ultra hydrating, barrier strengthening skincare routine, most of us can drastically minimize eczema flare-ups.
And while most of us have the hardest time with our eczema in the winter months, when the weather is cooler and less humid, therefore stripping our skin barrier more, summertime can also pose some hurdles for those living with eczema. Here are five summer culprits that may potentially induce your eczema and ways to prevent flare ups.
- Sweating
When we get too warm, our body releases sweat in an attempt to cool us down. This can also dehydrate the skin since essential moisture leaves the skin and any remaining salt or minerals can also exacerbate irritation.
Prevent it: After a sweat workout or day, always cleanse and rehydrate the skin which will replenish the barrier and remove potential irritants. You can find more sweat-induced eczema tips in this article.
- Heat
Heat is dehydrating for the skin, and can also weaken our skin barrier, leaving a potential perfect environment for an eczema flare.
Prevent It: Avoid using hot water for bathing, cleansing or swimming. Warm water is much less irritating and dehydrating so opt for warm to lukewarm water over hot water to keep eczema at bay. Having prolonged exposure to hot environments like saunas, hot yoga classes and hot climates can also cause damage.
- Chlorine
Chlorine and other pool chemicals do a great job of keeping our swimming pools safe and clean, but they can really strip and dehydrate the skin. In fact, many of us that are prone to eczema find that strong pool chemicals really irritate our skin.
Prevent it: This doesn’t mean you have to avoid pools! I love swimming and couldn’t imagine a world where I couldn’t use them. But with a few strategies you can prevent issues from arising. To do this, apply extra moisturizer or Aquaphor to especially prone areas prior to swimming, which creates an extra barrier to protect the skin. In addition, immediately rinse the skin after swimming and apply a hydrating moisturizer to seal in essential hydration. And of course, if you’re able to opt for a salt water pool vs. chlorine that is a tad easier on the skin, too.
- Exposure to pollution
This, unfortunately, is a factor that is affecting us more and more each year due to more wildfires and other environmental pollutants. And while sometimes we can see the pollution, many times we really can’t. These microparticles can get into our skin, create damage and dehydration and even a surge of free radicals.
Prevent it: Check the air quality in your area daily before deciding on a long hike or keeping those windows open. Also consider keeping an air purifier in your home along with lots of indoor plants that can also improve your air quality. Finally, including an antioxidant product into your skincare routine can also help combat damage, along with regular use of sunscreen.
- Forgetting your daily sunscreen
The sun is extremely damaging and dehydrating to the skin. If you are skipping your sunscreen or continuing to be a bit of a sun worshiper, you’re setting yourself up for disaster. Sunscreen is mandatory, 24/7/365 for healthy, eczema free skin.
Prevent it: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 SPF everyday, and reapply every couple hours. In addition, seek shade when outside and use UPF clothing, sunglasses, and hats to protect yourself.
