Christmas and winter can bring joy but also unique challenges for those managing eczema. The colder temperatures, indoor heating, and festive traditions can easily aggravate sensitive skin, creating the perfect storm for flare-ups. From cosy Christmas knits to drying indoor heating, here’s why eczema can worsen in winter and how to protect your skin during the festive season: 

Temperature Changes and Indoor Heating

Frequent trips from the cold outdoors to warm, dry indoor environments, often intensified by central heating, can dry out the skin and lead to itching and irritation. Central heating, a staple in UK homes during winter, strips the air of humidity, making it harder for the skin to retain moisture.

Try keeping your heating at a steady, moderate level (around 18-19°C) and use a humidifier or place bowls of water near radiators to add moisture back into the air. Layering up with 100% cotton clothing lets you adjust easily to temperature changes, helping to prevent overheating and discomfort. 

Festive Knitwear, Synthetic Fabrics, and Seasonal Allergens

Christmas wardrobes often bring out cosy woolly jumpers, scarves, and other knitwear, but some of these can be a nightmare for sensitive skin. Wool and synthetic fabrics can irritate the skin, so it’s best to opt for soft, organic cotton hats & scarves and under layers. Our base layers are perfect for this, soft, soothing and breathable. Creating a protective layer between your skin and those irritating wool and polyester fibres.  

If you want to keep the festive feel without the irritation, choose hypoallergenic or softer alternatives such as 100% organic cotton vs traditional knitwear.

Plus, Christmas trees and other decorations can introduce allergens like dust, mould, or pollen into the home, which can trigger reactions in some people. Keep decorations clean by wiping them down and vacuuming often to reduce allergens and make your festive space skin-friendly. 

Christmas Gatherings, Festive Stress, and Indulgent Foods

The Christmas season can be wonderfully social but also demanding, with family gatherings, packed schedules, and indulgent Christmas treats. All these factors can contribute to eczema flare-ups. Create a "cool space" at home where you can unwind from the Christmas buzz and bring your own eczema-friendly essentials if staying with family or friends.

Items like hypoallergenic bedding and gentle skincare products can help protect your skin from irritating wool, manmade fibres, unfamiliar detergents or allergens. Remember, staying calm and managing stress are key to keeping eczema in check through the season’s excitement. 

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Skincare, Moisturising, and Staying Hydrated

With colder air outside and dry indoor heat, winter skin needs extra moisture, especially on frequently exposed areas like your hands, face, and scalp. Choose gentle, fragrance-free skincare products, and moisturise regularly to keep skin soft and protected.

If you’re venturing out to enjoy Christmas markets or festive walks, layer with thin cotton garments to prevent direct contact with irritants. Our Organic Cotton Snoods and Gloves are perfect under your usual gloves or scarves to protect the skin.

Avoid long hot showers or baths, which may feel lovely but can actually dry out the skin. Balancing Christmas tipples with water and non-alcoholic options will help keep you hydrated from within, supporting skin health. 

By planning ahead and opting for skin-friendly options, you can enjoy the festive season without worrying about eczema flare-ups. For more guidance on managing eczema during winter, check out our additional resources linked below. 

For more in-depth advice and information to reduce Eczema flare ups and stress during the festive period check out our other blogs on this topic: 

does-christmas-trigger-your-eczema 

how-to-help-your-skin-in-winter 

allergies-at-christmas 

xmas-with-itchy-skin