Summer should feel easier on your skin.

Yet for many people living with eczema, warmer weather brings a different kind of discomfort. Skin that felt settled in spring may suddenly itch after a walk, feel irritated after a swim or become uncomfortable long after the day has cooled down.

Summer flare-ups are rarely caused by one thing alone. More often, they're the result of several small changes happening at once.

The reassuring news is that understanding those changes can make caring for eczema-prone skin feel much less overwhelming.

In this guide, we'll explore why eczema often behaves differently during summer and share simple, evidence-informed ways to help your skin feel calmer, more comfortable and better supported throughout the season.

Can summer make eczema worse?

Yes. Although eczema is often associated with winter, many people find their symptoms become more noticeable during summer. Heat, sweat, pollen, chlorine and changes to everyday routines can all contribute to flare-ups, particularly when they happen together.

In this guide

• What causes eczema flare-ups in summer?
• Can heat and sweat make eczema worse?
• What does eczema-prone skin need during summer?
• Does gut health play a role in eczema?
• Can nutrition help support eczema-prone skin?
• Should you wear SPF if you have eczema?
• Small habits that can make summer more comfortable
• Quick Summary
• FAQs

What causes eczema flare-ups in summer?

Eczema affects everyone differently, which is why there isn't one universal trigger.

For some people, symptoms become more noticeable during periods of stress. Others find that hot weather, sweat, pollen, harsh detergents, fragranced skincare or changes to their usual routine leave skin feeling more reactive. Eczema can appear as small patches on the body or affect larger areas, including the face, neck and around the eyes.

What's interesting is that one person's trigger can be another person's comfort. Some people find their skin settles by the sea, while others notice salt water leaves it feeling dry or tight. The same is true of sunshine, swimming pools and even summer holidays.

Rather than trying to avoid every possible trigger, start by understanding your own. Keeping a simple diary of your skin, the weather, activities and any changes to your routine can often reveal patterns you might otherwise miss.

Can heat and sweat make eczema worse?

For many people, they can.

Heat itself isn't always the problem. More often, it's what happens afterwards.

As sweat evaporates, it leaves salt on the skin's surface. Research suggests this may increase itching and irritation where the skin barrier is already compromised.

Interestingly, higher humidity may help some people by reducing dryness, while others find sweating itself leaves their skin feeling uncomfortable. It's often this combination of factors, rather than one single cause, that makes summer eczema feel unpredictable.

After exercise or time outdoors, rinse your skin with cool or lukewarm water when you can, then gently pat it dry instead of rubbing with a towel. Breathable natural fibres such as cotton or linen may also help reduce heat and friction against sensitive skin.

These are small habits, but over the course of a summer they can make a meaningful difference.

What does eczema-prone skin need during summer?

Eczema-prone skin rarely needs a completely different routine when summer arrives. More often, it benefits from a gentler one.

Choose fragrance-free skincare that replenishes moisture without overwhelming sensitive skin. Prebiotic inulin and nourishing plant oils can help care for the skin’s natural barrier, while applying moisturiser to slightly damp skin helps hold on to moisture. Dermatologists also recommend fragrance-free moisturisers after bathing for eczema-prone skin.

When a flare appears, resist the urge to introduce several new products at once. A familiar, pared-back routine is usually easier for reactive skin to tolerate.

Warm skin may also need cooling before it needs another layer. A cool compress or chilled facial mist can provide a welcome moment of relief after time outdoors.

Every By Sarah skincare formula is Dermatologically Approved for sensitive skin and made without fragrance or essential oils.

Does gut health play a role in eczema?

The gut and skin are connected through complex immune and microbial pathways, and research increasingly shows that eczema is linked to gut imbalance.

A varied, fibre-rich diet can help care for digestive health as part of everyday wellbeing. Flora Daily Biotic provides additional support by helping to replenish healthy flora in the gut microbiome, in turn positively impacting the skin microbiome.

Can nutrition help support eczema-prone skin?

There isn't one food that treats eczema, and there's no single diet that's right for everyone.

A balanced diet with vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds and sources of healthy fats supports general health. Avoid removing foods simply because they are sometimes described as eczema triggers online.

A food-and-symptom diary may help reveal a consistent pattern. Significant exclusions, particularly for children, should always be discussed with a GP, dermatologist or registered nutritionist, as unnecessary elimination diets can create nutritional risks without improving eczema.

Should you wear SPF if you have eczema?

Absolutely. Protecting your skin from UV damage remains important all year round, even if you have eczema.

Although some people notice their eczema temporarily improves with gentle sunlight, too much UV exposure can weaken the skin barrier and increase inflammation over time.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection, patch test when practical and reapply after swimming, sweating or towel drying. The best formula is the one you can wear consistently without discomfort.

Serene Daily SPF 50+  is Dermatologically Approved for sensitive skin, including eczema, and provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection in a fast-absorbing formula.

Small habits that can make summer more comfortable

Loose, breathable clothing, such as soft cotton, can help reduce heat and friction. Rinse away sweat, chlorine or salt water with cool or lukewarm water, then gently pat the skin dry and apply moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp.

Keep bedrooms cool where possible and travel with products your skin already knows. During a flare, returning to a simple, familiar routine is often kinder than introducing something new.

When extra comfort is needed, Tender Skin Balm provides clinically proven hydration for up to eight hours and is Dermatologically Approved for sensitive skin. Formulated with prebiotic inulin, nourishing plant oils and madecassoside, it helps replenish the skin barrier while comforting areas that feel particularly dry or irritated.

"My eczema around my eyes had become increasingly sore and nothing seemed to sink into my skin. I'm so glad I tried Tender Skin Balm. My eczema has cleared and I'm so relieved and thankful to Sarah for creating this product."
— Jennifer

Summer won't always be predictable, and neither will eczema. But gentle, consistent habits often give your skin the best chance to feel calm, comfortable and resilient throughout the season.

Quick Summary

• Heat, sweat, pollen, swimming and changes in routine can all affect eczema-prone skin during summer.
• Personal triggers vary, so noticing patterns is often more useful than following broad rules.
• Fragrance-free skincare, regular moisturising and gentle cooling can help skin feel more settled.
• A balanced diet supports general wellbeing.
• Broad-spectrum SPF and a few familiar habits can make warmer days easier on sensitive skin.

FAQs

Is summer or winter worse for eczema?

It depends on the individual. Winter often brings dry air and central heating, while summer can introduce heat, sweat, pollen and increased outdoor activity. Many people find different seasons trigger different symptoms.

Can sweating make eczema itch?

Yes. As sweat evaporates, the salt left behind on the skin may increase itching and irritation where the skin barrier is already compromised. Rinsing the skin afterwards can help reduce discomfort.

Are there foods that can help eczema?

There isn't one food that treats eczema. A varied, balanced diet rich in fibre, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats supports overall wellbeing, while keeping a food diary may help identify individual triggers if you suspect them.

Should I moisturise more often in summer?

Many people still benefit from regular moisturising during warmer weather, although lighter or layered textures may feel more comfortable. The goal is to keep the skin barrier supported without overwhelming the skin.

Is sunscreen safe for eczema-prone skin?

Yes. Choosing a sunscreen formulated for sensitive skin can help protect against UV damage while reducing the likelihood of irritation.

Continue reading

• How to Prevent Summer Breakouts
• What Causes Facial Redness? Common Triggers and How to Soothe Skin
• Why Does Your Skin Feel Different in Summer?

Here when your skin needs a little support

Every experience of eczema is different, and learning what your skin responds to is often the best place to start.

If your symptoms become painful, weepy, show signs of infection or suddenly worsen, it's important to seek advice from your GP or dermatologist alongside your skincare routine.

Take our 3-minute Skin Quiz for personalised skincare recommendations, email care@bysarahlondon.com, or join us on @bysarahlondon, where Sarah shares seasonal skincare advice, nourishing recipes and simple ways to support healthy skin every day.

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