Over the last couple of years, the growth in running has been undeniable. Running influencers are everywhere it seems and so many people are jumping on the trend… including me. Hi I'm Lucy, ambassador of every&one, and this year i've set myself a new goal — to run a half-marathon.
I started running in 2024 because I was fed up with only exercising in dark, underground gyms, and now I’ve just signed up for my first half marathon. But as incredible as the “runners high” can be, running can be a lot less kind to my eczema, particularly in the colder months. So this winter I’ve been learning about why running affects sensitive skin and making small changes that have really helped to reduce my flare ups.
Therefore, in this guide, I’ll share what works for me so you can stay on top of sensitive, eczema-prone skin while training outdoors too.
This is my personal experience of managing sensitive, eczema-prone skin alongside running. 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 and they’re working well for you, it’s important to continue using them.
Running with sensitive skin and how to keep going comfortably
When we run, our bodies go through a lot of changes very quickly, and sensitive skin tends to feel those changes more intensely.
Increased blood flow and heat
Exercise causes blood vessels to dilate to help regulate body temperature. For sensitive skin, this can show up as flushing, redness and that uncomfortable hot, tight feeling, especially on the face, chest and neck.
Sweat, salt and friction
Sweating is completely normal, but when sweat evaporates it leaves salt behind on the skin. This can sting, dry out the skin barrier and worsen conditions like eczema. Add friction from clothing, and it’s easy to see why skin can become irritated during longer or more frequent runs.
Barrier disruption (especially in winter)
Cold air, wind and low humidity weaken the skin’s protective barrier. When you combine that with heat, sweat and repeated washing, sensitive skin can struggle to recover, which is often when flare-ups happen.
Repeated exposure during training
When training for an event, there’s less recovery time between runs. Even if your skin tolerates the odd run well, frequent exposure can slowly chip away at its resilience.
Understanding this has made me much more intentional about how I look after my skin around running.
Keep your skin barrier strong while you increase your mileage. Try every&one today.
How I manage running with sensitive skin
These are the things that genuinely make the biggest difference for me, especially during winter.
Avoid jumping straight into a hot shower
Coming in from the cold and getting straight under hot water is one of the fastest ways to trigger redness and irritation for me. Instead, I let my skin warm up gradually before showering. I usually treat myself to a well-earned coffee first and by the time I’m finished, I’ve warmed up. It takes a bit more time, but my skin is noticeably calmer when I do this.
Don’t stay in sweaty layers for too long
That being said, I'm quick to remove damp clothes. Sweat and moisture trapped against the skin can increase irritation and make eczema-prone areas more uncomfortable. Changing into dry clothes sooner rather than later helps my skin calm down more quickly.
Cleanse gently (and not excessively)
After a run, I naturally want to remove sweat and salt without stripping my skin further. I use every&one in the shower, especially when my skin is feeling reactive, because it cleanses effectively while still being gentle. When I’m running a lot, I’m careful not to over-cleanse or use anything harsh; consistency really matters here.
If you already have a cleanser or routine that works well for your skin, especially one recommended by a healthcare professional, there’s no need to change it.
Don’t shave on running days
Shaving already slightly disrupts the skin barrier, so pairing it with sweat, friction and heat is a recipe for irritation. I learnt this the hard way! If I know I’m running, I’ll shave on a rest day instead. It’s a small change that’s really helped reduce flare-ups.
Manage friction with anti-chafe balm and careful fabric choices
Friction plays a big role in irritation for me, especially during longer runs. Areas like my armpits, inner thighs or anywhere prone to eczema can get irritated very quickly, so I use a sensitive, fragrance-free anti-chafe balm to protect those spots and prevent rubbing from making patches worse.
I also pair this with soft, breathable, non-irritating clothing and pay close attention to seam placement, waistbands and anything that might rub. I’m definitely much pickier about what I wear when my skin feels vulnerable, and it makes a noticeable difference.
Moisturise properly, every single time
Moisturising after every shower is non-negotiable for me, but it’s especially important during training blocks and winter. Applying moisturiser while my skin is still slightly damp helps lock in hydration and supports barrier repair. This is where every&one really comes into its own; it helps rebuild my skin barrier rather than just masking dryness, which makes my skin more resilient over time.
Listening to your skin (in all seasons)
Even with all of this, sensitive skin isn’t always predictable. Redness, itching or tightness are usually signs for me to simplify my routine rather than push through. Running doesn’t have to mean constant flare-ups, but it does mean being a bit more mindful of what your skin is going through.
If you’re increasing mileage or training for a race, looking after your skin is just as important as stretching or fuelling well. Small changes really do add up.
Ready to support your skin during every run? Discover every&one today.
How to use every&one: one product, five uses
every&one is a 5 in 1 skincare cream suitable for all skin types, including sensitive or eczema-prone skin. It fits easily around running and training, without needing multiple products.
Moisturise – helps keep dry or sensitive skin hydrated, especially after showering
Wash – gentle enough for daily use when showering more often due to exercise
Cleanse – removes sweat and impurities while supporting the skin barrier
Shave – helps protect skin during shaving, particularly on non-running days
Prime – prepares skin for makeup or other routines without causing irritation
Using one product for all of these keeps my routine simple, which really helps during training and recovery.
Why every&one works for people running with sensitive skin, or eczema-prone skin like mine
Choosing skincare when you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin can feel overwhelming, especially when exercise is involved. My skin reacts quickly to heat, sweat and friction, 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 and soothe irritation. Its fragrance-free formula makes it suitable for everyday use, even when my skin feels particularly reactive during heavier training 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. every&one is a natural, sustainable product that is Leaping Bunny certified, cruelty-free and vegan, and is thoughtfully formulated to be gentle on sensitive, eczema-prone skin.
I like knowing that my skincare aligns with my values too, from ethical testing to considered ingredient choices, while still supporting my skin through running and regular exercise.
Tips for supporting sensitive skin when running
- Apply every&one after showering, ideally while skin is still slightly damp
- Change out of sweaty clothing as soon as possible after a run
- Wear soft, breathable fabrics that reduce friction
- Stay hydrated, especially during training blocks
Staying consistent when running with sensitive skin
Gentle, regular care makes a bigger difference than complicated routines. Sticking to one trusted product and keeping things simple can help reduce flare-ups and support sensitive skin over time. If you already have a product or routine that has been prescribed for you and keeps your skin well controlled, check with your medical professional about switching any products, consistency matters to the health of your skin.
Small steps for long-term comfort
Running doesn’t have to mean constant flare-ups. A few small adjustments, alongside using every&one as a 5 in 1 solution, can help keep skin calm, hydrated and more resilient while training.
Thank you to Lucy, ambassador of every&one, for sharing how she protects her skin during her half-marathon training. every&one is a cosmetic skincare product designed to support the skin barrier and everyday comfort, not to treat or replace medical skincare advice.
Frequently asked questions
What skincare do I need after running?
You only need a gentle cleanser and a multi-tasking moisturiser like every&one.
Is fragrance-free skincare better for sensitive skin?
Yes. Skin can be more reactive after sweating, so fragrance-free products help prevent irritation.
Can one product really replace multiple skincare products?
Yes. every&one hydrates, calms, and protects your skin in one simple step.
Is every&one suitable for sensitive or eczema-prone skin?
Absolutely. Dermatologists have tested it and it's gentle enough for daily use, even after training.
Is every&one suitable for everyone?
Everyone's skin is different, especially when it comes to sensitive or eczema-prone skin. every&one is designed to be gentle, fragrance-free and suitable for daily use, but it isn't a medical treatment. If your skin is particularly reactive, we always recommend patch testing. If you're managing eczema or dry skin with prescribed treatments, keep using them as your doctor advises.
Simplify your skincare routine with every&one today.
For further advice on caring for sensitive or eczema-prone skin, see the British Skin Foundation.
Prefer training in the gym?
Read our blog Gym bag skincare made easy with every&one, and find out why every&one is the perfect post-workout gym bag skincare routine to keep your skin calm and protected here.