Dry, itchy, irritated skin is something many people experience from time to time. But when redness, sensitivity and persistent dryness become a recurring problem, eczema may be involved.
Eczema is a broad term used to describe a group of inflammatory skin conditions that can leave the skin dry, itchy, sensitive and uncomfortable. It can affect people of all ages and often comes and goes in periods of flare-ups and calmer skin.
While eczema can look different from one person to another, understanding your skin and recognising your personal triggers can make managing it much easier.
Here are some of the basics you need to know.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition associated with a weakened or disrupted skin barrier.
A healthy skin barrier helps keep moisture inside the skin while protecting it from irritants and environmental factors. When this barrier is compromised, the skin can lose moisture more easily and become more vulnerable to irritation.
This is why eczema-prone skin often feels extremely dry, sensitive or itchy.
Some people experience only occasional mild patches, while others may deal with more frequent or widespread flare-ups.
What Does Eczema Look Like?
Eczema can present differently depending on the person and the severity of the flare-up.
Common signs may include:
- Dry or rough skin
- Itching
- Redness or inflammation
- Flaky or scaly patches
- Increased skin sensitivity
- Cracked or irritated skin
- Small raised bumps in some cases
Because several different skin conditions can look similar, persistent or severe symptoms should always be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.
What Causes Eczema?
There is not usually one single cause of eczema.
A combination of genetics, immune-system responses, skin-barrier function and environmental factors can all play a role.
Some people naturally have a skin barrier that struggles to retain moisture effectively, making their skin more prone to dryness and irritation.
Environmental factors can then trigger or worsen symptoms.
Common Eczema Triggers
One of the most useful things you can do for eczema-prone skin is begin recognising what tends to trigger your own flare-ups.
Common triggers can include:
Weather Changes
Cold, dry winter air can strip moisture from the skin, while heat and excessive sweating during warmer months can also cause irritation.
Seasonal transitions can therefore sometimes be difficult for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Fragrances and Harsh Products
Strongly fragranced skincare, soaps and detergents may irritate sensitive skin.
Products that strip the skin of its natural oils can also weaken an already vulnerable skin barrier.
Hot Water
A long, steaming shower may feel relaxing, but very hot water can remove natural oils from the surface of the skin and make dryness worse.
Lukewarm water is generally a kinder option for eczema-prone skin.
Stress
Stress does not necessarily cause eczema, but some people notice that periods of emotional or physical stress coincide with flare-ups.
Sweat and Heat
As spring and summer approach, increased heat and perspiration can sometimes irritate eczema-prone skin.
Showering or gently cleansing the skin after excessive sweating and changing out of damp clothing may help reduce irritation.
Moisture Is Essential
Because eczema-prone skin struggles to retain moisture effectively, keeping the skin properly moisturised is one of the most important parts of caring for it.
Choose moisturising products that help replenish hydration and support the skin barrier without unnecessary irritation.
It can also help to apply moisturiser shortly after bathing, while the skin is still slightly damp, to help lock in moisture.
Consistency matters more than waiting until the skin already feels extremely dry.
The Skin Relief Cream is a soothing, rejuvenating treatment designed to calm irritation, itchiness and uncomfortable skin. Suitable for all skin types, it helps fight inflammation, support healthy circulation and strengthen capillary walls to minimise the appearance of broken capillaries. Its antioxidant properties also support healthier collagen and a more even complexion, while providing relief from burning, irritation, insect bites, stings, eczema and allergy-related skin discomfort.
Keep Your Routine Simple
When your skin is irritated, more products are not always better.
This is not the time to experiment with multiple acids, strong exfoliants or an elaborate ten-step skincare routine.
Instead, focus on a simple routine centred around gentle cleansing, hydration, moisturising and sun protection.
If your skin begins reacting to something new, a simpler routine can also make it much easier to identify the potential trigger.
Be Careful With Exfoliation
Exfoliation can be beneficial for many skin types, but active eczema or irritated skin requires extra care.
Scrubbing skin that is already inflamed, cracked or itchy may worsen irritation and damage the skin barrier further.
If you are eczema-prone, avoid exfoliating directly over active flare-ups and introduce exfoliating products carefully when your skin is calm.
When in doubt, ask a skincare professional or healthcare provider whether exfoliation is suitable for your skin.
Don’t Forget Sun Protection
Sensitive and eczema-prone skin still needs protection from the sun.
Daily sun protection helps protect the skin against ultraviolet damage and should remain part of your routine throughout the year.
However, because eczema-prone skin can be particularly reactive, finding a sunscreen formulation that your individual skin tolerates comfortably is important.
Introduce new products carefully and pay attention to how your skin responds.
The Matt Sunscreen Lotion is a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen designed especially for combination, oily and acne-prone skin. Formulated with Octocrylene, Niacinamide, Aloe and Green Tea, it helps protect the skin against UV damage and premature ageing while softening, soothing and sealing in moisture. Its mattifying finish makes it ideal for everyday wear, offering effective sun protection without leaving the skin feeling heavy or oily.
Learn to Recognise Your Skin’s Patterns
There is no universal skincare routine that works perfectly for every person with eczema.
For some people, cold weather is the biggest trigger. For others, it may be heat, stress, fragrance, certain products or a combination of several factors.
Keeping track of when flare-ups occur can help you begin noticing patterns.
Ask yourself:
Did you recently introduce a new skincare product? Has the weather changed? Have you been swimming frequently? Are you sweating more? Have you changed your washing detergent?
The more you understand your triggers, the easier it becomes to build a routine that supports your skin.
Know When to Seek Professional Help
Skincare can help support dry and sensitive skin, but persistent eczema sometimes requires medical treatment.
If your skin is severely inflamed, painful, weeping, infected, disrupting your sleep or simply not improving, consult a doctor or dermatologist rather than trying to treat it with cosmetic skincare alone.
Professional guidance is particularly important when dealing with eczema in babies and young children.
Gentle Care Makes a Difference
Living with eczema often means learning to treat your skin a little more gently.
Prioritise hydration, protect the skin barrier, avoid known triggers and resist the temptation to overload irritated skin with unnecessary products.
Most importantly, remember that your skincare routine should respond to the condition your skin is in today. What works while your skin is calm may not be appropriate during an active flare-up.
For personalised guidance on caring for sensitive or eczema-prone skin and choosing products suited to your individual needs, visit your nearest Willa Krause Skin Care salon or speak to a Willa Krause consultant.