Content supplied by Lucy, every&one ambassador with first-hand experience of understanding what causes eczema flare-ups and why they happen during periods of stress.
People often ask me what causes eczema flare-ups in my skin. I didn’t always have a clear understanding of my triggers, but learning to recognise these patterns has been key to keeping my skin as calm as possible and preventing flare-ups.
Stress is one of my biggest triggers and a common cause of eczema flare-ups, something many people with eczema or eczema-prone skin will relate to. The tricky part is that while we experience stress mentally, it often shows up physically on the skin. In my case, my skin tends to react before I’ve even fully realised how stressed I am.
That mind-skin connection is something I've become increasingly interested in, both through my own experience and in my role as a skincare ambassador for every&one. And I can tell you: it's very real. Once you start to recognise it, it becomes much easier to understand and manage.
This is my personal experience of managing stress-related eczema flare-ups. 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 stress triggers eczema flare-ups
Understanding the stress-skin connection was a game-changer for me. Here's what happens when stress hits your body and your skin.
The stress hormone: cortisol and your skin
When we're stressed, our bodies produce higher levels of cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone." While it's a natural and necessary response, too much of it can throw your skin off balance completely.
For my eczema-prone skin, that usually looks like:
• Increased inflammation
• A weaker skin barrier
• More dryness and irritation
• Intensified itching
I've also noticed that stress influences my habits too, like scratching more without realising and sleeping less well. It quickly becomes a cycle: stress triggers eczema flare-ups, and the flare-ups then add to my stress.
Why sensitive skin reacts so strongly to stress
Because my skin barrier is already weaker and more reactive, it doesn't take much for it to become unsettled. Stress just adds another layer of sensitivity.
What is the skin barrier?
Think of it like a protective shield. It keeps the good things in (like moisture) and the bad things out (bacteria, pollution, irritants). When you're stressed, that shield feels weaker, making it easier for irritants and environmental triggers to cause flare-ups.
Recognising what causes eczema flare-ups: stress signals
Over time, I've learnt to spot when stress is impacting my skin. For me, it usually shows up as:
• Unexpected eczema flare-ups
• Redness or heightened sensitivity
• Dry or tight patches
• Increased itching
• Occasional breakouts alongside irritation
Everyone's skin reacts differently. Because I have eczema, stress tends to make my skin dry and irritated, and this tends to happen during particularly busy or emotionally heavy periods in my life.
If you'd like more information about eczema triggers and management, the British Skin Foundation has excellent resources to support you in finding out what causes your eczema flare-ups and how to manage them.
How I prevent eczema flare-ups when stressed
Now that I understand what causes eczema flare-ups when stressed, I've found that preventing them isn't about doing one big thing. It's about small, consistent habits that support both my skin and my wellbeing.
1. Simplify your skincare routine
When my skin feels stressed, I strip things back. I have a couple of hero products, like every&one, that I trust won't worsen a flare-up.
My approach:
• Focus on gentle, fragrance-free products
• Support my skin barrier rather than overwhelm it
• Prioritise hydration over complexity
• Keep consistency over lots of different products
2. Prioritise moisture
Keeping my skin well-moisturised is one of the simplest but most effective things I do. I always apply moisturiser after showering to lock in hydration and help strengthen my skin barrier. I also carry cream everywhere and top up throughout the day, using hand cream whenever I wash my hands.
This habit alone has made a noticeable difference to my eczema flare-ups.
3. Avoid soap
I know this sounds unusual, but this is one of my top tips. My hands are a key area I suffer with eczema, and there are plenty of great soap substitutes out there that are much kinder to sensitive skin.
What I do instead:
• Use every&one as a gentle hand, face & body wash (it's an incredible alternative to shower gel)
• Use sensitive washing up liquid
• Wear marigolds when washing up
• Or convince my fiancé to do the washing up (a great excuse and one of the few benefits of having eczema!)
4. Protect your sleep
It's no secret that sleep is one of the best things we can do for our skin and general health. When my sleep suffers, I see it in my skin almost immediately.
I try to stick to a routine that helps me wind down properly:
• Reading before bed
• Limiting screen time
• Giving myself space and time to switch off
• Better sleep = calmer skin. It's that simple.
5. Pay attention to your triggers
I've found learning about my eczema triggers to be one of the biggest game-changers in my eczema journey. Noticing patterns (whether it's stress, weather changes, certain products, or lifestyle factors) helps me understand my skin better.
Even a simple mental note of when flare-ups happen helps me better prepare for them or treat them.
6. Be kind to yourself and your skin
This one isn't always easy, but it's key to managing stress. Accepting that I have eczema has been a big part of my journey.
During my school and university years, exam season always triggered my eczema. I'd skip my routine, sleep less, and scratch more without realising. If you're going through exam stress, remember your skin needs extra care when stress levels spike.
Getting worked up and upset only makes it worse. Instead, I try to slow down and remind myself that it will pass. I've found that gentle movement and exercise are huge helps for stress levels - whether that's walks in nature, running, yoga for my nervous system, or just finding movement that feels good for both my mental health and my skin.
Using every&one to manage eczema flare-ups
every&one is a 5-in-1 skincare cream suitable for all skin types, including sensitive or eczema-prone skin. It works perfectly for managing stress-related flare-ups without needing multiple products.
Moisturise – Keeps dry or sensitive skin hydrated, especially after showering
Wash – Gentle enough for daily use, even when stress is affecting your skin
Cleanse – Removes impurities while supporting the skin barrier
Soothe – Calms reactive or irritated skin during stressful periods
Prime – Prepares skin without causing irritation
Using one product for all of these keeps my routine simple, which really helps when stress makes everything feel overwhelming.
Why every&one works for stress-related eczema flare-ups
Choosing skincare to manage eczema flare-ups when stressed can feel overwhelming. My skin reacts quickly to emotional stress and environmental triggers, so I need products that support it rather than strip it.
every&one contains squalane and vitamin F, which help:
• Strengthen the skin barrier
• Lock in moisture
• Soothe irritation
• Support skin recovery
Its fragrance-free formula makes it suitable for everyday use, even when my skin feels particularly reactive during stressful periods.
Learn more about the ingredients in every&one and why it works for sensitive skin.
Ethical skincare that matters
It's important to me that the products I use are kind to my skin, to animals and to the planet, especially when preventing eczema flare-ups. every&one is a natural, sustainable product that is Leaping Bunny certified, cruelty-free and vegan.
Being able to align my skincare with my values while supporting my skin through stressful periods matters. From ethical testing to considered ingredient choices, I know my skincare is doing good all round.
Remember that your skin is doing its best - meet it with kindness.
Small steps for long-term comfort
- Apply every&one after showering, ideally while skin is still slightly damp
- Keep a travel-sized moisturiser with you for top-ups throughout the day
- Wear soft, breathable cotton clothing that doesn't irritate stressed skin
- Stay hydrated, especially during busy or stressful periods
A gentle routine, small daily habits, and a bit of patience really do go a long way. And most importantly, I remind myself that my skin is always doing its best, and I can meet it with the same kindness in return.
Thank you to Lucy, ambassador of every&one, for sharing how she manages stress-related eczema flare-ups. 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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Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does stress affect eczema?
Stress can trigger a flare-up within hours for some people, though it varies person to person. The key is recognising the signs early so you can support your skin.
Can you get eczema from stress alone?
Stress is typically a trigger rather than a cause for people with eczema-prone skin. But it can definitely make existing flare-ups worse.
What's the best skincare routine for stress-related eczema flare-ups?
Simple is better. A gentle cleanser and a good moisturiser, plus consistent skincare habits, make the biggest difference. Over-complicated routines can add to stress during busy periods.
Is fragrance-free skincare really necessary?
Yes. Stressed skin is more reactive, so fragrance-free products help prevent irritation and flare-ups.
Can one product really replace multiple skincare products?
Yes. A multi-tasking product like every&one can hydrate, calm, and protect your skin in one simple step - which is especially helpful when stress makes complicated routines feel impossible.
Is every&one suitable for sensitive or eczema-prone skin?
Absolutely. every&one is gentle enough for daily use, even during stressful periods. That said, everyone's skin is different. If your skin is particularly reactive, we always recommend patch testing. If you're managing eczema with prescribed treatments, keep using them as your doctor advises.
Simplify your skincare routine with every&one today.
Managing stress related eczema flare-ups sorted? What about managing your skin while staying active?
If you're ready to add exercise to your stress-relief routine, discover how to keep your eczema calm while staying active in our blog Running with sensitive skin: tips for keeping skin calm and comfortable with every&one. Whether you're running outdoors, heading to the gym, or just need gentle movement for your wellbeing, every&one keeps your skin protected and your routine simple.