Tips To Prevent Summer Eczema Flare-Ups
If you are someone who suffers from eczema, you know that summer can wreak havoc on your skin exactly as winter does. This skin condition can flare up and be really annoying on hot days because of the extreme heat and humidity, the frequent sweating, and the jarring temperature changes from ice-cold air conditioning to the sweltering outdoors. To keep eczema under control and enjoy your time under the sun this summer, here are some tips right from the top dermatologists out there.
1 || Be Mindful About Sun Exposure
Spending a little time under the sun can be helpful to many skin conditions; especially psoriasis and eczema. But as you may already know, too much of a good thing is bad. Too much sun can increase the risk of skin cancer. So yes, you do need to sit in the sun, but next time keep it brief and sit in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is less intense.
2 || Pick The Right Sunscreen For You
Some sunscreens may make some skin conditions even worse. Of course, you can’t skip sunscreens so our advice to you is to avoid chemical sunscreens, as they may cause flares due to certain ingredients, and instead go for mineral-based sunscreens that are broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to ensure that you’re adequately protected against both UVA and UVB rays. You’ll also want to avoid formulas with alcohol in them, as it causes stinging and burning. Here are some of the best options for eczema-prone skin.
3 || Consider Phototherapy
This treatment uses ultraviolet light to improve eczema and prevent flares due to the anti-inflammatory properties of ultraviolet B wavelengths.
4 || Use Mineral Water Spray
When you can’t shower frequently, mineral water can come in handy in cooling and soothing your skin and diluting the irritating nature of sweat.
5 || Shower More Often In Cold Water
Brief cold showers using a gentle cleanser and a moisturizer right after can be a great way to keep your skin calm and cool. It also helps wash off allergens and irritants (including sweat) that can make the skin worse.
6 || Use Lightweight Products
We hear you, if you have eczema you may tend to want to skip moisturizer during hot weather. But you actually need it to avoid flare-ups. Instead of skipping moisturizers altogether, swap them for lighter ones.
7 || Avoid Triggers
Some fabrics can make eczema worse than ever such as wool clothing. Also, rubbing/scratching of the skin and significant sweating can trigger eczema. So try to monitor how your skin reacts to these triggers so you know which ones to avoid.
8 || Avoid Exfoliation
Exfoliation can be beneficial for some skin types, but not for eczema-prone skin. So to avoid eczema flare-ups during summer, stay away from ingredients that are exfoliants like beta hydroxy acids, alpha hydroxy acids, and retinoids.
