How to Care for Eczema & Sensitive Skin in Every Season

Our clothing, lifestyle, and the food we eat changes with the season, and so does our skin. The shift in seasons — and the effect it has on our skin — can be particularly challenging for people with sensitive skin and conditions like eczema. As we know from our experience with eczema, the symptoms of this chronic skin condition can look different for everyone.

In some cases, it can cause the skin to become dry, itchy, or rough and scaly. For others, bumps or tender rashes may develop. It can occur in a few small patches, or it may be widespread from head to toe across the entire body. Eczema most commonly affects children, but adults can continue to experience symptom flare-ups throughout their adult lives. 

The symptoms of eczema often come and go and can be greatly influenced by the time of year and season. Seasonal changes in our environment — including fluctuations in temperature, humidity, time spent outdoors, and even the types of clothing we wear — can all have a profound effect on the skin. Understanding the effects of the changing seasons and the impact they can have on your skin is an important piece of the puzzle. 

Our family found success by clearing our cabinets of toxin-filled skincare products and making our own handcrafted goat milk soaps and lotions (both of which we now share widely with other families and have available here on our website.) But over the years, we’ve also picked up a few “seasonal success tips” that work for us. Give them a try — they just might work for you and your family, too!

Sensitive Skin… Let’s Talk About It

Sensitive skin can feel wildly high-maintenance—it has a lot of opinions about the products you use, the weather, and your stress levels. But when you take the time to understand your skin and treat it right, it can go from reactive and irritable to calm and glowing. The key is knowing what makes sensitive skin tick and how to care for it. So, let’s talk about it. 

What Exactly Is Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive skin is a skin type with unique characteristics that make it more reactive to everything around it—environmental changes, harsh ingredients, and even your emotions. If this is your skin type, you’ve probably discovered that it doesn’t stay quiet when something’s wrong. The symptoms can range from mild to impossible-to-ignore.

Here are the telltale signs of sensitive skin:

• Redness – That constant flushed look that pops up whenever your skin isn’t happy.
• Dryness – Tight, flaky patches that feel rough to the touch and are thirsty for hydration.
• Burning or Stinging – Whether it’s a new moisturizer or frigid weather, sensitive skin is quick to let you know what it doesn’t like.
• Inflammation – Swollen or irritated areas that make your skin feel tender.

What makes sensitive skin so reactive? It all comes down to the skin barrier. Your skin’s barrier keeps moisture in and irritants out. When it’s compromised, every little thing can feel like an attack. That’s why choosing gentle, nourishing products is non-negotiable for sensitive skin.

What Causes Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive skin doesn’t wake up one day and decide to be a drama queen—it’s reacting to something. Knowing what causes your skin sensitivity is the first step to taking control.

Here are some of the main culprits:

• Genetics – If your family has a history of sensitive skin, there’s a good chance that you’re part of the club.
• Environmental Factors – Pollution, cold weather, and sudden temperature changes can wreak havoc on sensitive skin.
• Harsh Products – Fragrances, alcohol, and sulfates might smell great or foam up nicely, but they can be seriously irritating to sensitive skin. 

Sensitive Skin & Eczema: Two Peas in a Pod?

Sensitive skin and eczema might not be identical twins, but they’re definitely in the same family. Both involve a compromised skin barrier that reacts more intensely to outside factors. But if you know how to care for sensitive skin, you’re already halfway to managing eczema, too.

Here are a few ways to keep both under control:

1. Stick to gentle cleansers. These clean your skin without stripping it of its natural oils, which is crucial for keeping your barrier healthy.
2. Skip the steamy showers. We all love a hot, steamy shower, but they can dry out your skin and make it even more sensitive. Go for lukewarm water instead.
3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. A consistent skincare routine with deeply hydrating products like Bend Soap’s Goat Milk Lotion can work wonders for keeping your skin soft and irritation-free.

Sneaky Triggers of Sensitive Skin

Sorry, friend, but sensitive skin doesn’t play by the rules. It reacts differently for everyone, which is why figuring out what makes your skin flare up can feel tough. The first step is connecting the dots, so let’s break down the most common triggers and how to outsmart them.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

If you’ve ever had a skincare product or laundry detergent leave your skin feeling red, itchy, or dry, it’s most likely irritant contact dermatitis. Sensitive skin is extra prone to this because it doesn’t have the same protective shield as other skin types.

What to avoid:

• Soaps with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a common foaming agent.
• Fragranced detergents and body washes.
• Harsh cleaning products with alcohol or ammonia.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Sensitive skin can go full-on “no, thank you” mode when allergens are involved. This is called allergic contact dermatitis, and it’s what happens when your skin reacts to allergens like nickel, latex, or certain skincare ingredients. A little caution goes a long way, so always patch-test a new product before slathering it on your skin. 

Common culprits to avoid:

• Nickel in jewelry or zippers.
• Latex in gloves or clothing.
• Artificial fragrances and preservatives in skincare products.

Environmental Triggers

Sometimes, it’s not what you’re putting on your skin—it’s what your skin is exposed to. Environmental triggers can be super hard on your skin, so it’s important to do what you can to protect it. 

How to be proactive: 

• Bundle up with scarves and gloves to shield your skin from chilly weather.
• Invest in a humidifier during colder months to keep moisture in the air (and in your skin).
• Use antioxidant-rich products to protect your skin from environmental damage.
• Look for sunscreens with soothing ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even when it’s cloudy.

Relief from Springtime Eczema Symptoms

Many people welcome spring, with its longer days and warmer temps. But spring can wreak havoc on sensitive skin conditions like eczema. For some people, eczema symptoms can flare up with an increase in rainfall, humid weather, temperatures that shift rapidly between winter cold and summer heat, and seasonal pollen that lingers from blossoming trees and flowers. 

Here are a few springtime skincare tips & tricks:

• Manage spring’s variable temperatures by dressing in layers to protect your skin from extreme heat or cold.
• Consider taking an antihistamine if you find that seasonal allergens are triggering your eczema. 
• Since you’re likely spending more time outside, be sure to use sunscreen to protect your skin from the effects of the sun, which can worsen eczema. As ingredients in some sunscreens can irritate sensitive skin, be sure to test any new product on a small area before applying it all over your body.
• Hydrate, nourish, and moisturize your skin regularly. We recommend a daily application of our Unscented Goat Milk Lotion, and for a spot treatment, a swipe of our Soothing Salve. 

Solutions for Summertime Eczema

While many eczema sufferers find relief from their symptoms in summer, others experience frustrating flare-ups brought on by heat and humidity, which causes sweating that can lead to itchy skin. This can be made worse by the skin-drying effects of air conditioning in your home or car. Other summertime triggers include swimming in chlorinated pools or sitting on grass.  

Here are a few of our tips for dealing with summertime eczema:

• Keep your skin cool and dry by dressing in loose-fitting, cotton clothing, and planning outdoor activities for earlier or later in the day, when temperatures are cooler. 
• Stay hydrated. Drinking water keeps your skin moisturized and your body temperature down, preventing sweat rashes.
• Rinse off after swimming or being active outdoors, and then be sure to apply moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Start with our pure and gentle Unscented or Oatmeal & Honey soaps (also available in travel size for use on the go!) and follow up with a lotion to seal in moisture and reduce any irritation. 

Avoiding Fall Eczema Flare-Ups

We don’t want to jump the gun here and skip over arguably the best season of the year, but it’s always good to be prepared. Fall is another season where folks with eczema can experience an increase in their eczema symptoms. These can be instigated by temperature changes, the move from light, airy clothing to heavier, more irritating fabrics, and more time spent in dry, artificially heated indoor air. 

Here are a few tips and tricks to help keep your eczema symptoms down during the fall: 

• Identify your fall-time eczema triggers and avoid or minimize exposure as much as possible.
• Reduce your stress, which can increase production of a hormone called cortisol that increases inflammation and can make eczema worse.
• Stay consistent with an all-natural, three-step routine that can include soaking regularly in milk baths or showering with a bar of goat milk soap.
• Help keep your skin well defended against the crisp fall air by staying hydrated with an all-natural lotion. We prefer using our moisture-packed goat milk lotion. 

Keeping Your Skin Healthy and Happy

We know sensitive skin can be high-maintenance, but with the right care, you can reduce flare-ups and keep it looking and feeling its best. You just have to find what works for you and stick to it! Here are some simple ways to give your skin the TLC it needs to thrive. 

Product Recommendations Your Skin Will Love

When it comes to sensitive skin, less is more. Mild, fragrance-free skincare products are your best friend—they’re gentle, effective, and way less likely to irritate. Bend Soap’s Unscented Goat Milk Lotion has become a fan-favorite among people searching for a safe, soothing option. 

Here’s why it’s our go-to pick: 

• It’s formulated with sensitive skin in mind, and designed to nourish and hydrate.
• This lotion is packed with natural, nutrient-rich ingredients like goat milk, shea butter, and aloe vera. 
• It’s free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes that can aggravate skin irritation.

Time to Educate Yourself

Sometimes, it can feel like you’ve tried everything under the sun and still can’t get your skin to cooperate. Maybe your friends, coworkers, or even your doctors have made recommendations but none of them have helped. The truth is: You are the only one who knows the ins and outs of your lifestyle and every product your body comes in contact with.

That’s why it’s so important to educate yourself! When you take the time to learn about different triggers, you’ll be better equipped to make good decisions for your skin and your overall health. Take outside recommendations with a grain of salt, and remember that the best person to help you with your skin is you. 

Why Natural Skincare is the Best Skincare

Sensitive skin and synthetic ingredients are not a good match. Many mainstream products are loaded with chemicals that can strip your skin of its natural oils and leave it feeling even worse than before. That’s why we’re huge believers in the power of natural skincare.

Natural products are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that work with your skin instead of against it. They’re less likely to cause irritation, so they’re a perfect choice for sensitive skin. Here’s why we’ll choose natural skincare every time:

• It’s gentle enough for even the most reactive skin types.
• Natural products are ultra-nourishing without synthetic additives.
• It supports your skin’s natural barrier, helping it stay healthy and strong.

Which Sensitive Skin Type Are You?

Your skincare routine should be as unique as you are. Is your skin too dry? Too oily? A little bit of both? No matter how your sensitive skin manifests, the struggle is real. Understanding your skin type is the first step to figuring out what it needs to thrive. Let’s break down the different types of sensitive skin and how to care for each one.

Dry Sensitive Skin

If your skin feels tight, looks flaky, or has patches of redness, you’re probably dealing with dry sensitive skin. This skin type struggles to hold onto moisture, leaving it prone to irritation and discomfort. Cold weather and hot showers tend to make things worse by stripping the skin of its natural oils and exacerbating dryness. If this sounds like you, hydration is your best friend:

• Look for products with nourishing ingredients like goat milk, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid.
• Moisturize right after cleansing to lock in hydration. Gentle products like Bend Soap’s Unscented Goat Milk Lotion are great for giving dry, sensitive skin the love it craves. 

Oily Sensitive Skin

This skin type produces excess oil to make up for irritation, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. This is especially common when you use harsh products that disrupt your skin’s balance. Here are a few tips for managing oily sensitive skin:

• Stick to a gentle, natural cleanser that removes dirt and oil without stripping your skin.
• Don’t skip the moisturizer! Lightweight options like goat milk lotion can hydrate without clogging your pores.

Combination Sensitive Skin

If your skin feels oily in some areas (like your T-zone) and dry in others, welcome to the combination skin club. This skin type needs a little extra attention to make sure every area gets the right care. Here’s how to care for combination sensitive skin: 

• Use a balanced skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing and targeted hydration.
• Apply lightweight moisturizers to oily areas and richer creams to dry spots.
• Avoid harsh, drying products that can throw off your skin’s natural balance.

Creating a Sensitive Skin Care Routine

Consistency is key when you have sensitive skin. If you want to keep your skin balanced and avoid flare-ups, you need a simple skincare routine you can stick to. Fewer products mean fewer chances for irritation, so keep it minimal. The first step? Finding the right cleanser. 

We love cleansing with Bend Soap’s Goat Milk Soap because it’s made with hydrating ingredients like raw goat’s milk, coconut oil, and olive oil for a clean, soft finish. And that ultra-creamy lather? Yes, please! 

Round out your routine with a lightweight moisturizer to lock in hydration and a mineral-based sunscreen to protect against UV damage. Limit exfoliation to once a week, and always patch-test new products to avoid bad reactions. Over time, your skin will feel healthier, calmer, and more resilient.

Caring for Sensitive Skin Starts with You

Taking care of sensitive skin can feel like a challenge, but it’s totally manageable with the right approach. Remember, small changes can make a big difference—whether it’s switching to natural products or avoiding hot showers. If you’re looking for the ultimate solution, check out Bend Soap’s Best for Sensitive Skin collection. 

These goat milk products have all the gentle, nourishing ingredients your skin craves, without any of the harsh stuff it doesn’t. Want more skincare advice? Head to the Sudsy Scoop for everything from skin-saving ingredient guides to unbiased product reviews.