You've built a routine that keeps your skin hydrated, calm, and happy—and then the weather takes a turn. As summer turns to autumn, you may find that your eczema acts up more frequently.
Fall and flare-ups can go hand in hand, as the drop in temperature, harsh wind, and dry air all contribute to the barrier load. If your skin is more reactive when the leaves start to change, you're not alone.
As the season shifts and it cools down outside, it's important to pay attention to your skin's needs and give it extra support.
If you think the colder weather is already affecting your skin, take the Flare Quiz to check your stage in 60 seconds.
Why Flare-Prone Skin Gets More Sensitive in the Fall
When you think of fall, you likely picture colorful foliage, pumpkin spice, and cozy nights in—along with more extreme weather and dry skin. In a poll asking our TYB community about how the season affects their skin, over 40% cited harsh winds as most irritating, followed by the cold (32%) and running the furnace (28%). The latter contributes to dry air, which is problematic because eczema already makes it difficult for skin to stay hydrated.
According to Chattanooga Skin and Cancer Clinic, the "dry air pulls water directly from your skin, weakening the barrier and setting the stage for flares."
Other factors like a rise in allergens and dust; heavier, itchier fabrics like wool; hot showers; and stress from going back to school or a busier workload can trigger eczema.
How to Support Flare-Prone Skin During the Fall
Sixty-one percent of our TYB community says they moisturize more in the fall and are applying their lotions and creams constantly. While being consistent with this is helpful, there are a few other ways to support your flare-prone skin.
The type of moisturizer you use matters: You may want to switch to a heavier, oil-based cream when temperatures drop to better lock in moisture and prevent TEWL. Adding a humidifier to your space can also help keep your skin more hydrated, as it combats dry air. On that note, a purifier reduces dust and other allergens during a season when you're likely not opening your windows as often.
Prevention is also key if you know your skin flares in the fall. Don't wait until your skin gets red and inflamed before taking action: Signal patch keeps the barrier strong and hydrated with its cooling hydrogel technology and ingredients like multi-ceramide complex, hyaluronic acid complex, and panthenol.
Signal is formulated to protect flare-prone skin from dryness and irritation before visible symptoms take over.
FAQs
Why does eczema get worse in the fall?
Flare-prone skin can more easily be triggered in the fall due to the cold, harsh winds, dry air, indoor heating, rise in allergens, irritating fabrics, and hot showers.
Does a humidifier help with eczema?
Humidifiers can help with eczema by adding moisture to the air, reducing TEWL. This is especially beneficial during the colder months when you're running the furnace and humidity levels are lower.
Do fall allergies make eczema worse?
If your eczema is triggered by allergens and dust, fall can be especially tough on the skin. Piles of leaves harbor mold spores, ragweed pollen peaks, and closed windows trap dust in the home. Using an air purifier can help combat this and reduce allergic reactions.
Is wool bad for eczema?
Fabrics are often cited as a common eczema trigger, as the friction can cause irritation. Wool is a coarse, heavy material, which means it effectively traps heat and may make you more prone to scratching.