Your Summer Survival Guide for Managing Eczema Flare Ups

Summer is supposed to be the season of pool days, backyard barbecues, and family fun. But when you’re dealing with an eczema flare up, it can quickly turn into a season of discomfort, frustration, and itchiness that doesn’t quit. Ugh.

We’ve been there, and we know how frustrating it is when it feels like your skin is working against you. Luckily, you can enjoy the summer sun without every day feeling like a battle with your body. All you need is a few smart swaps and skin-loving tips to beat the heat.

In this summer survival guide, we’re revealing everything you need to know about managing eczema flare ups in hot, humid weather. Ready to ditch the itch and keep your skin happy all season long? Here’s how.

Why Does Humidity Make Eczema Feel Worse?

For those of us with sensitive skin, it’s not uncommon to feel like your skin gets more angry than usual during the summertime. Heat and humidity ramp up everything: sweat, bacteria, friction, irritation. When you’re already dealing with eczema, that extra stress on your skin barrier can push it over the edge.

Here’s what’s really going on:

• Sweat contains salt, which can sting and dry out open or inflamed skin.
• Humidity can trap sweat and bacteria in skin folds or under clothing.
• Synthetic fabrics don’t allow your skin to breathe, creating a breeding ground for eczema flare ups.

And let’s not forget chlorine, sunscreen, and fragranced body washes, which can be total chaos for sensitive skin. The result? Itching, burning, redness, and a major flare up just in time for pool season. 

Summer Eczema Triggers to Watch Out For

If your skin seems to spiral the moment summer hits, you’re not imagining it. The heat, sweat, and constant friction from clothing… it all adds up. When you’ve got eczema, your skin is already working overtime to stay balanced. Add in a few sneaky irritants, and it’s a fast road to a full-blown eczema flare up.

Let’s break down the most common summer triggers so you know what to look out for (and how to outsmart them):

• Sweat buildup, especially in creases like elbows, knees, and behind the neck.
• Synthetic fabrics that trap heat and moisture.
• Fragranced skincare products like body wash, lotion, or sunscreen.
• Hot showers or over-scrubbing
• Skipping lotion because it’s “too hot” to moisturize (spoiler alert: it’s not)

Knowing your triggers is half the battle. Once you spot them, you can start swapping them for more skin-friendly options like unscented goat milk lotion and breathable, quality fabrics.

How to Soothe an Eczema Flare Up Fast

When you’re mid-flare and your skin feels like it’s on fire, the goal is simple: calm things down fast. It’s frustrating (and exhausting) when you feel like you’ve tried everything and nothing gives lasting relief. Soothing an eczema flare up doesn’t have to be complicated—you just need the right approach. 

Your best course of action? Finding an eczema-friendly skincare line-up, like Bend Soap’s Gentle Care Bundle. With a nourishing goat milk soap, calming milk bath, and deeply hydrating lotion, this trio was made for times like this.

Here’s our go-to summer skincare routine for eczema: 

1. Cleanse gently and skip the suds. Harsh soaps and body washes make things worse. Instead, reach for something calming, like Bend Soap’s Unscented Goat Milk Soap. It’s packed with skin-loving nutrients and none of the junk that strips your skin barrier.
2. Take a lukewarm bath with skin-soothing ingredients. Hot water can aggravate a flare up, but a lukewarm soak can work wonders. Add Bend Soap’s Oatmeal & Honey Milk Bath to calm inflammation and hydrate while you let your worries melt away.
3. Pat skin dry and moisturize immediately. Lock in all that moisture while your skin is still damp. Bend Soap’s Unscented Goat Milk Lotion is a summer staple for us. It’s lightweight but deeply nourishing, and won’t leave you feeling sticky.
4. Wear breathable fabrics. Think 100% cotton, bamboo, or linen—basically anything that lets your skin breathe and won’t cause irritation. 
5. Apply cool compresses if the itching is intense. A soft washcloth soaked in cold water can bring quick relief and take the heat out of angry skin.

Everyday Skincare Habits to Prevent Eczema Flare Ups

You know what they say—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Summer flare ups are sneaky, but building small, intentional habits into your routine can make a huge difference. Think of it as giving your skin a head start before the heat and humidity try to mess things up.

Here are the daily habits we swear by for keeping skin happy, calm, and clear all season:

• Shower right after sweating to prevent salt buildup and bacteria growth.
• Stay hydrated inside and out. Your skin loves water.
• Use unscented, gentle laundry detergent.
• Moisturize twice a day, even when it’s hot out.
• Wash towels and bedding often, especially during heat waves.
• Avoid long periods of direct sun, which can dry out or overheat your skin.

Pro tip: Keep a travel-size lotion in your bag, along with a cooling towel and an emergency snack. Because hangry + overheated = eczema's dream scenario.

Ingredient Watchlist: What to Skip in Summer Skincare

How many times have you stood in the skincare aisle for way too long, reading the backs of bottles like you were taking a science test? And then, even after taking your time and choosing products labeled “gentle” or “for sensitive skin,” you still wind up with red, itchy skin. 

Good marketing doesn’t equal safety. As frustrating as it is, it’s up to us to know which skincare ingredients to avoid—no matter how “eczema-friendly” the bottle claims to be. Let’s talk about the ingredients that don’t belong in your summer skincare lineup:

• Fragrance (even “natural” ones can irritate sensitive skin).
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)—a common foaming agent that’s way too harsh.
• Drying alcohols in sprays, toners, and sunscreens.
• Parabens, phthalates, and dyes.
• Harsh preservatives like methylisothiazolinone (MI) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), which are known to trigger eczema flare-ups and damage the skin barrier.

When in doubt, go back to the basics. The fewer ingredients, the better. If you can’t pronounce it, you don’t need it. Your skin doesn’t need a million ingredients you can’t pronounce, it needs simple nourishment and protection.

The Ultimate Sensitive Skin Superhero in Hot, Humid Weather

When an eczema flare up hits during a heatwave, your skin can feel like it’s under attack. Between sweat, friction, and humidity, it’s easy to feel like nothing helps. But there’s one ingredient that consistently comes to our rescue: goat milk.

Goat milk was transformative for our son’s battle with eczema, and has been a life-saver for so many others with sensitive skin, too. If you have sensitive, eczema-prone skin, this simple ingredient is a fantastic tool for your summer skincare arsenal. 

Here’s why this creamy, nutrient-rich ingredient works so well:

• Gently exfoliates without scrubbing. Goat milk contains natural lactic acid, which helps remove dead skin cells without causing irritation.
• Hydrates without heaviness. Unlike thick creams that feel like they’re suffocating your skin, goat milk delivers deep moisture that sinks in fast, so your skin stays cool and comfortable.
• Loaded with vitamins A, D, and selenium. These are skin-supporting powerhouses that promote healing and help restore a healthy barrier.
• Has a pH similar to human skin. This makes it naturally soothing and less likely to trigger reactions.
• Free of the junk your skin doesn’t need. No parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, or sulfates.

Bend Soap’s goat milk products, especially the Gentle Care Bundle, were made for days like this. The Unscented Goat Milk Soap, Oatmeal & Honey Milk Bath, and Unscented Goat Milk Lotion are each designed to support your skin and give it the nutrients it’s been craving.

Your Summer Eczema Flare Up FAQs, Answered

Is It an Eczema Flare Up or Heat Rash?

Heat rash usually shows up as tiny red bumps that itch or sting, often in areas like your neck or chest. Eczema tends to be patchier, drier, and can stick around longer. If your usual eczema spots are inflamed, it’s likely a flare up.

Should I Moisturize More in the Summer?

Yes, don’t skip the lotion just because it’s hot out. Sweating can actually dry out your skin and worsen flare ups. A lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer like Bend Soap’s Unscented Goat Milk Lotion helps keep your barrier strong and your skin calm.

Can I Still Swim if I Have Eczema?

Absolutely! Swimming is still on the table, you just need a little prep and post-care. Rinse off right after to remove chlorine or salt, wash gently with a mild soap, and moisturize ASAP to help your skin bounce back.

What’s the Best Soap for Summer Eczema Flare Ups?

Look for a soap that’s unscented, non-toxic, and free of harsh ingredients. Bend Soap’s goat milk soap bars are a fan favorite because they cleanse without stripping, soothe irritation, and support sensitive summer skin.

Ready to Ditch the Itch? Here’s to a Summer of Calm, Cool Skin

Eczema flare ups might be part of your story, but they don’t have to control your summer. With the right tools, a few intentional habits, and a skincare routine that works with your body, it is totally possible to enjoy the sunshine without sacrificing your skin.

Remember: you know your body better than anyone else. You’ve done the work to read the labels, learn your triggers, and care for your skin. That makes you the best person to lead your own healing journey.

Tried one of these tips or have an eczema hack we should know about? Drop a comment below—we love hearing from you! For more tips on ditching toxins and loving your skin naturally, head to The Sudsy Scoop for more crunchy goodness.