Content supplied by Lucy, every&one ambassador with first-hand experience of the causes of eczema flare-ups and managing sensitive skin during summer.
I love our ever changing seasons. I know the UK isn't famous for its quality of weather, but I actually happen to love it here. Whenever a new season rolls around, I'm always excited, but none more so than summer.
I am, in my heart of hearts, a summer baby. I love the long evenings, spending as much time outside as possible, and it doesn't hurt that my birthday is in August either.
However, as I've said before, there's no bigger trigger for my eczema than a sudden change in weather, and warmer temperatures often bring a whole new set of challenges. Heat, sweat, sun exposure, pollen, and even changes in routine can leave skin feeling itchy, irritated, and uncomfortable.
My inability to resist scratching also tends to leave me with the worst tan lines, which can definitely make me feel self-conscious at times. And to be completely honest, I'm still learning how to manage my eczema in the heat. However, because I know a lot of people with sensitive and eczema-prone skin go through the same, and with summer around the corner, I've put together a guide on how I try to avoid irritation during warmer weather.
This is my personal experience of managing eczema and sensitive skin during warmer weather. every&one is a cosmetic skincare product designed to support the skin barrier and keep skin comfortable. If you're using prescribed or medically recommended products for eczema or other skin conditions, it's important to continue using them.
How I manage my skin and avoid an eczema flare-up during the summer
Understanding what triggers eczema flare-ups in the summer is the first step to managing them. For me, the biggest causes tend to be:
Sweat and heat
This is my biggest trigger. Sweating can sting irritated skin and trigger itching, especially in eczema-prone areas like behind my knees and inside my elbows. Heat also disrupts the skin barrier, making sensitive skin feel more reactive.
Sun exposure
Too much sun can leave sensitive skin feeling inflamed or dry. While some sun exposure does wonders for my mood and vitamin D levels, too much direct sun can actually worsen eczema flare-ups.
Pollen and environmental irritants
Summer allergens can sometimes worsen skin irritation, especially if you're spending more time outdoors.
Air conditioning and sudden temperature changes
Moving between hot outdoor temperatures and cold indoor air can leave skin feeling unsettled and trigger flare-ups.
Chlorine and swimming
Regular swimming, while fun, can strip moisture from sensitive skin if not managed carefully.
Changes in routine
Travel, different water, and disrupted sleep patterns during summer holidays can all trigger eczema flare-ups.
Because of these triggers, I usually make small seasonal changes to my routine once the weather warms up.
Five habits that help me to prevent an eczema flare-up in summer
Here are some simple things I do to help keep my skin calm during warmer weather and avoid eczema flare-ups.
Tip 1: Keep my skincare routine simple
When my skin feels reactive, I avoid overloading it with new products. Summer skincare trends can be tempting, but too many active ingredients or heavily fragranced products can sometimes make sensitive skin feel worse.
I prefer keeping things simple and sticking with products I know my skin already trusts. every&one works well for me because it helps simplify my routine without needing multiple products.
Tip 2: Moisturise even when it's hot
It sounds strange, but warmer weather doesn't always mean your skin is hydrated.
Sweat, sun exposure, swimming, and more frequent showers can leave my skin feeling surprisingly dry or tight. I still moisturise regularly throughout summer, especially after showering or spending time outside.
I find gentle, fragrance-free skincare particularly important when my skin feels irritated, helping support my skin barrier without overwhelming it. My favourite for this is every&one. I love how lightweight it feels. It hydrates my skin without leaving it feeling greasy or heavy, which is the last thing I want in hot weather.
Tip 3: Find an SPF that works for your skin
Sun protection for sensitive skin is something I've become much more mindful of, especially during summer when sun exposure is a known cause of eczema flare-ups for many people.
Because every&one doesn't contain SPF, I always make sure I apply sunscreen separately when I know I'll be outside. I've found that too much sun can sometimes leave my skin feeling hot, dry, or more irritated than usual, so protecting it feels really important.
The tricky part with sensitive skin is that not every SPF feels comfortable. Personally, I get on well with La Roche-Posay, but I know other people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin also like brands such as Eucerin, Avène or CeraVe. For me, it's all about finding something gentle that your skin tolerates and sticking with what works.
Tip 4: Shower after sweating
Heat and sweat are one of my biggest eczema triggers in summer. So where possible, I try not to overheat or stay sweaty for too long. But of course, this isn't always possible when I'm exercising or travelling, particularly in hot climates.
In particular, I find areas where skin rubs together, like behind my knees or inside my elbows, tend to be where I flare up the most, so rinsing off quickly can help minimise this.
In general I try not to leave sweat sitting on my skin for too long. A quick lukewarm or even cold shower helps me feel fresher and more comfortable.
I also always avoid harsh soaps because they can strip moisture from sensitive skin. Instead, I choose gentle cleansing products like every&one that leave my skin feeling calm rather than tight and add that extra layer of hydration.
Tip 5: Wear breathable clothing
In winter, I avoid itchy wool jumpers. In summer, tight clothing and synthetic fabrics can be just as irritating.
Loose, breathable cotton or linen tends to work best for me, especially on warmer days. I also try to avoid clothing that traps sweat against my skin for long periods, as friction and heat can sometimes trigger an eczema flare-up.
Small changes like choosing lightweight fabrics genuinely make a difference to how comfortable my skin feels.
Tip 6: Stay sun smart
Sun exposure can affect everyone differently, especially if you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin. I actually think that, in moderation, the sun does my skin wonders, and I often find my skin feels clearer during summer or on holiday.
We need vitamin D, which we get from sunlight, and I definitely notice the positive impact that sunny days can have on my mood.
But everything in moderation, and I am very careful not to spend too much time in direct sun. That means seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day, staying hydrated, and always applying and reapplying my suncream.
For me, prevention is always easier than trying to calm irritated skin afterwards.
Bonus tip: Keep skin hydrated when on holiday
every&one is my absolute favourite travel companion. It's 100ml, so travel-friendly and fits in all of my bags, meaning I can literally take it everywhere I go.
How to keep sensitive skin calm in hot weather and minimalise eczema flare-ups
A few simple habits can go a long way in helping skin feel more comfortable during summer and prevent eczema flare-ups:
- Keep showers lukewarm rather than very hot
- Moisturise regularly, especially after washing or swimming
- Wear soft, breathable fabrics like cotton
- Shower or rinse off after sweating
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
- Avoid introducing too many new skincare products at once
When my skin feels sensitive, keeping my routine simple really matters.
every&one works for me because it helps moisturise, cleanse, soothe, and support my skin barrier without needing lots of separate products. During summer, I especially like having something gentle that I can use after showering, cleansing, or whenever my skin feels uncomfortable.
Its fragrance-free formula is particularly reassuring when my skin feels reactive and I'm worried about triggering a flare-up.
Small changes, calmer skin and less chance of an eczema flare-up
Summer should be about enjoying the long evenings, holidays, time outdoors and everything else that comes with warmer weather. Having sensitive or eczema-prone skin shouldn't stop you from enjoying it.
Small habits like staying cool, keeping my routine simple, moisturising consistently, and avoiding known triggers can make the world of difference.
Everyone's skin is different, but understanding what your skin responds to can help make summer feel much more manageable.
Thank you to Lucy, ambassador of every&one, for sharing her experience of managing eczema and sensitive skin during summer and the causes of eczema flare-ups she experiences in warmer weather. every&one is a cosmetic skincare product designed to support the skin barrier and everyday comfort, not to treat or replace medical skincare advice.
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How every&one helps to minimise eczema flare-ups during the summer season
Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula
every&one is a lightweight, fast-absorbing fluid cream that doesn't leave skin feeling greasy or heavy. This makes it ideal for summer when heat and humidity can make thicker moisturisers feel uncomfortable on sensitive, eczema-prone skin.
Squalane & Vitamin F for barrier support
The formula is built around two key ingredients that work hard for eczema-prone skin:
Squalane is a natural, skin-identical lipid that prevents moisture loss and supports the skin barrier
Vitamin F (essential fatty acids) calm inflammation and support structural repair of compromised skin
Together, these ingredients help manage the causes of eczema flare-ups like heat damage and barrier disruption.
Versatile, multi-tasking formula
every&one is a 5-in-1 product designed to serve multiple functions in one formula. It can be used as:
- Daily moisturiser - Leave it on your skin as your main hydration step
- Facial cleanser - Wash it off in the shower like a cream cleanser to gently remove makeup and impurities
- Body wash - Use it on your body for hydration without needing separate products
- Shaving cream - Its emulsifying formula works perfectly for a smooth shave
- Makeup primer - Use it as a base to prep skin and help makeup last longer
This versatility means one product can manage multiple needs throughout your summer routine, which is especially helpful for sensitive, eczema-prone skin that benefits from keeping routines simple. Read more on: How to use every&one here.
Velvety finish without greasiness
The formula leaves a soft, velvety, primer-like finish on the skin without that heavy, greasy feeling that can trigger irritation or discomfort in hot weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main causes of eczema flare-ups in summer?
The main causes of eczema flare-ups during summer include heat, sweat, sun exposure, pollen, chlorine from swimming, air conditioning, sudden temperature changes, and disrupted routines during holidays. Everyone's triggers are different, so it's worth noting what affects your skin specifically. Using gentle, fragrance-free products like every&one can help support your skin barrier throughout the season.
Can heat cause eczema to flare-up?
Yes, heat is one of the most common triggers for eczema flare-ups. Heat disrupts the skin barrier, increases sweating, and can make sensitive skin feel more reactive. Staying cool and managing sweat is key to preventing flare-ups during summer. Rinsing off after sweating and immediately applying every&one to damp skin helps lock in hydration and calm irritated skin.
How do I prevent eczema flare-ups when swimming?
Chlorine and salt water can strip moisture from sensitive skin. Rinse off immediately after swimming with lukewarm water and apply every&one while skin is still damp to lock in hydration and support your skin barrier. Avoid staying in wet clothes for long periods, as this can trap irritants against your skin.
Should I stop using moisturiser in summer if I have eczema?
No. Even in hot weather, people with eczema and sensitive skin need to moisturise regularly. Summer heat, sweat, and sun exposure can actually leave skin feeling dry. every&one is a lightweight moisturiser that hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy in the heat. Apply it while skin is still damp after cleansing to lock in moisture.
What's the best way to manage eczema flare-ups triggered by sun exposure?
Use a gentle SPF suitable for sensitive skin, seek shade during the hottest parts of the day (usually 11am-3pm), stay hydrated, and reapply sunscreen regularly. Support your skin barrier with every&one to help calm any irritation caused by sun exposure. Its fragrance-free formula is designed to be gentle when your skin feels particularly sensitive.
Is it normal for eczema to flare-up in the summer?
Yes, many people with eczema experience more flare-ups during summer due to heat, sweat, sun exposure, and changes in routine. If your eczema is significantly worse in summer, tracking your triggers and making seasonal adjustments to your skincare routine can help. Keeping things simple with every&one, which supports your skin barrier, can make a significant difference.
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Managing your eczema and sensitive skin year-round?
Ready to tackle the stress that's triggering your flare-ups? Discover how to manage stress-related eczema flare-ups in our blog Is stress what causes your eczema flare-ups? 6 tips to calm your skin with every&one. Whether you're planning a wedding, navigating summer heat, or just managing everyday stress, these techniques will help keep your skin calm and comfortable.