How Top Skin Pros Combat Eczema and Dry Skin in the Winter

Education

My parents have told me that I’ve struggled with eczema since I was a baby, but my first memory of the uncomfortable dryness and itchiness was on my arm, irritated by chalk from gymnastics practice or maybe a perfumed detergent. More recently, it’s made its way to my hands. I’m sure that my obsession with hand sanitizer hasn’t helped, and my eczema – which shows up as rough, dry, red, itchy and flaky patches – makes hand shaking or taking photos awkward during a flare up.

Eczema is incredibly common. I’m learning that anxiety and stress can definitely trigger it, too. I’ve been noticing this more in recent years as my skin seems to thrive throughout the summer when I’m feeling more carefree. But as soon as the cold weather hits and the winter blues kick in, I’m always reminded that I’ll still need that prescription I thought I could throw out in July. I especially noticed the connection between stress and eczema after being involved in an accident in 2016.

Eczema is the immune system’s response to irritants and allergens such as extreme temperatures, stress, sweat, detergents, coarse fabrics and more. I’ve been on a quest to reduce the inflammation in my body for years by doing yoga consistently and even trying other forms of movement such as salsa and pole dancing. Going back to the skin basics has been super important, too (which can be hard as a beauty editor and lover who tries many products frequently): using non-irritating, hydrating creams, body washes and cleansers.

Additionally, in 2017 I tested out a gluten-free diet (didn’t last too long, I love bread too much!) and have since gone vegan. Although these lifestyle changes — be it diet, stress reduction or meticulous skincare — have significantly helped my eczema overall, with winter around the corner, I know there’s always more I can be doing to protect my skin against environmental aggressors. I also know there are many others like me who face similar struggles, whether it’s with chronic dry skin or eczema, so I turned to skincare experts Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton and esthetician-writer Shani Hillian to share their top tips to combat eczema and dry skin all winter and beyond.

“As soon as the cold weather hits and the winter blues kick in, I’m always reminded that I’ll still need that prescription I thought I could throw out in July.”

What is Eczema?

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes a rash which appears as dry, itchy and reddish-brown patches on the skin. “Typically it affects the face, neck, backs of the legs and inside the elbows,” Dr. Ingleton says. “It results from a disruption of the skin barrier function and the exposure of the skin to an irritant or allergen that triggers an autoimmune response,” she adds. This leads to the inflammation and rash that we see and results in loss of hydration in the outermost layer of the skin, notes Hilliam, who adds that this could be a result of an immune system imbalance.

Differentiating Eczema from Dry Skin

Eczema is usually a genetic issue, but as Dr. Ingleton points out, “dry skin is a symptom of eczema, but not everyone with dry skin has eczema.” When it comes to dry skin, it’s usually a result of a change in climate. “Both can result in dry, irritated flaky skin, but the source is different,” she says.

HOW TO TREAT ECZEMA

Stay Hydrated & Moisturized

“Hydration and moisturization are vital,” Hillian says. “The care for both dry skin and eczema are quite similar, as the goal is to repair the skin barrier and protect it at all costs.” She suggests using a gentle, hydrating cleanser in addition to drinking a lot of water. For the body, Dr. Ingleton says to use a hydrating, fragrance-free body wash followed by a “soothing, fragrance-free body lotion."

Use a Humidifier

A humidifier is also a great addition to the home. “Especially while you sleep as we experience water loss while we snooze and generally the dry air from the heat sucks out even more moisture from our skin,” says Hillian, who suggests keeping one by your bedside.

Use Calming Natural Remedies

Hillian suggests raw or manuka honey masks, aloe vera, neem balm and shea butter when it comes to natural remedies for treating eczema. As for Dr. Ingleton? She says that coconut oil can “help to hydrate the dry patches of eczema and can soothe the associated itch.” Colloidal oatmeal powder in warm baths, she notes, is also very soothing.