Eczema flare-ups can feel like they come out of nowhere. Your skin feels fine one day, then red, itchy and irritated the next. But usually, it’s not just one thing that’s tipped things over. It can be a combination of different triggers building up until your skin says enough is enough. Figuring out what might be setting your skin off is a good place to start.
What's actually happening with eczema
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a condition where the skin barrier doesn't hold moisture the way it should. Gaps form between skin cells, letting water escape and irritants in. The immune system responds with inflammation, which shows up as redness, itching, and sometimes weeping or cracked skin. Because the skin barrier is already compromised, everyday things can be more likely to cause irritation and trigger a flare.
Common triggers behind a flare-up
As we touched on earlier, it’s often not one big trigger that sets things off, but a build-up of smaller things that eventually becomes too much for your skin.
- Dry air and temperature changes – heating, cold wind, and low humidity all pull moisture from the skin
- Harsh soaps and fragranced products – these strip natural oils and disrupt the barrier further
- Stress – the skin and nervous system are closely linked, and stress hormones can worsen inflammation
- Food sensitivities – dairy, gluten, and processed foods trigger flares in some people, though this varies widely
- Sweat and friction – tight clothing or exercise without a quick rinse afterward can irritate sensitive skin
- Allergens – dust, pet dander, and pollen are common culprits, especially for those with a history of allergies Keeping a simple log of when flare-ups happen, what you ate, wore, or were exposed to, can help you spot your own patterns over time.
Soothing eczema naturally
Simplify your skincare. Fewer products mean fewer opportunities for irritation. When skin is flaring, a gentle, fragrance-free body wash or soap and a nourishing, fragrance-free moisturiser may be all you need.
Reach for calming botanicals. Calendula and chamomile have traditionally been used to soothe redness and irritation. Our Soothe & Repair Cream brings several skin-loving botanicals together, with Calendula, Comfrey and Echinacea extracts to help soothe irritated skin and support the skin’s natural recovery.
Support the skin barrier with the right oils. Look for oils that are well suited to the skin, such as jojoba and evening primrose. Flaxseed oil is another lovely option, providing plant-based omega-3s and other essential fatty acids to help support the skin barrier. Blackcurrant oil is also rich in essential fatty acids and can help nourish dry, easily irritated skin. Our Soothe & Repair Cream combines organic flaxseed, blackcurrant and evening primrose oils, with a small amount of low-allergen lavender essential oil. It’s gentle enough for the whole family, including babies.
Keep bathing brief and lukewarm. Long, hot showers might feel good at the time, but they can leave already-dry skin feeling even more irritated. Keep baths and showers short and lukewarm, then moisturise straight afterwards while the skin is still slightly damp to help lock in moisture.
Be mindful of fabrics and laundry products. Natural, breathable fibres such as cotton tend to be kinder to sensitive skin than rough or less breathable fabrics. It’s also worth taking a look at what you’re washing them in. Fragranced detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets can leave residues on clothing and bedding that may irritate sensitive skin. A simple, fragrance-free laundry detergent and an extra rinse can be worth trying, particularly if your skin is prone to flaring.
Support from within. Eczema is often as much about what's happening inside the body as what's happening on the skin. Many people with eczema also have some degree of leaky gut, where the lining of the digestive tract becomes more permeable than it should be. This can allow substances that would normally remain within the digestive tract to interact more readily with the immune system leading to inflammatory responses that can show up as skin flare-ups. Healing the gut lining is often a key part of getting eczema under control long term. This can include:
- Reducing inflammatory foods and identifying personal food sensitivities
- Supporting the gut lining with nutrients like L-glutamine, zinc, and bone broth
- Adding in probiotic-rich foods or a quality probiotic to support healthy gut flora
- Reducing stress, which has a direct impact on gut permeability
- Omega-3s, which support both gut and skin health
It's not an overnight fix, but for a lot of people, addressing gut health alongside topical care is what makes the real difference with stubborn or recurring eczema.
When to bring in extra support
Herbal and lifestyle approaches can go a long way, but persistent or severe eczema is worth discussing with a naturopath, dermatologist, or GP. Sometimes flares point to an underlying sensitivity or imbalance that benefits from a bit more investigation.
The takeaway
Eczema flare-ups can be frustrating, particularly when they’re persistent and you’re not quite sure what’s setting them off. But once you start looking at the bigger picture, it can become easier to work out what might be contributing. Simplifying your skincare, paying attention to potential triggers and choosing gentle, barrier-supporting ingredients can all help give irritated skin the support it needs.
This blog post was written and submitted by Melanie Webster, a leading expert in all things natural. Mel has a Bachelor of Naturopathy, a Diploma in Clinical Nutrition & a Diploma in Herbal Medicine.