Your skin has finally calmed down: You sleep through the night uninterrupted, and there's no more redness, inflammation, or the distracting urge to scratch. Now that it's over, you want to forget it ever happened.
While the end of a flare is definitely worth celebrating, you're not completely in the clear. Because the skin barrier was compromised and likely underwent trauma, it's still vulnerable and needs targeted support for longer than you may think.
Your skin can fully repair itself after experiencing Active Flare, but it will be extra sensitive for some time. Here's what to know about caring for it so that it can get back to a strong and healthy state.
Not sure where your skin is in the rebuilding process? Take the Flare Quiz to check your stage in 60 seconds.
Why Skin Is Sensitive During Post-Flare
During Active Flare, the skin barrier breaks down from triggers that push it beyond what it can handle. This is what leads to symptoms like intense itch, redness, and inflammation. Because the skin is susceptible to irritation and scratching during this stage of the Flare Cycle, it becomes damaged.
Even after visible symptoms disappear, the skin is left vulnerable, fragile, and sensitive. The barrier is compromised under the surface and can flare more easily until it stabilizes, which is why you should still give it extra care and protection.
How to Support Sensitive Skin After Active Flare
Because of this heightened sensitivity, you may find your skin reacts to products it had no issues tolerating before. Now is the time to strip back and avoid anything new in your skincare, along with fragrance, alcohol, and exfoliating ingredients. Do your best to minimize friction and protect your skin from harsh conditions by wearing loose, comfortable clothing. Getting enough sleep and taking care of your mental wellbeing is also crucial during this stage.
Be sure to continue applying moisturizer consistently to keep the area hydrated and strengthen the barrier. Using Reset provides even more direct targeted support and protection that the spot needs, delivering ingredients like Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Tranexamic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C), and Centella Asiatica. This also helps even skin tone and provide relief.
It takes your skin about 4 to 6 weeks to rebuild and repair itself after Active Flare, so it's important to continue to support your skin to help it along in this process.
To allow the barrier to fully recover after a flare, Reset uses microtip technology to deliver anti-oxidants right where you need them.
FAQs
Why does skin stay sensitive after an eczema flare?
After a flare, the barrier is weakened from the inflammation and scratching it experienced. It takes time and targeted support for the barrier to rebuild itself and get back to a baseline.
Why does skin react to products you've always used after a flare?
The barrier's load is overwhelmed after a flare, meaning it has a lower tolerance for products. Simplifying your routine after a flare gives it a chance to repair.
What should you avoid while skin is still sensitive after a flare?
Stay away from products that could further overwhelm the barrier, containing irritating ingredients like alcohol, fragrance, and harsh actives. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and protect your flare site with a patch to avoid any friction. Practice mindfulness to minimize stress.
Why does skin look discolored after an eczema flare?
Flares can cause discoloration due to scarring from irritation and scratching and the barrier breaking down. As time passes and skin receives support and hydration, the marks will fade.