For those living with eczema, managing flare-ups often feels like walking a tightrope. You moisturize. You avoid allergens. You follow your dermatologist’s plan—but your skin still rebels. What if the real culprits are hiding in plain sight?

Science shows that everyday choices—like how you shower, what laundry detergent you use, and even how often you wash your hands—can quietly sabotage your skin barrier. Here’s what to look out for, and how gentle, restorative care can help.

1. Long, Hot Showers May Strip the Skin Barrier

Although hot showers feel relaxing, they can disrupt your skin’s natural lipid layer. Frequent washing, especially with harsh soaps, leads to increased transepidermal water loss and flare-ups of chronic eczematous dermatitis. In a recent study, patients who adjusted their bathing habits while applying emollient creams saw significantly reduced eczema symptoms (Spigariolo & Ferrucci, 2023).

What to do: Use lukewarm water, limit showers to 10 minutes, and immediately apply a barrier-repairing moisturizer—like Rejûvaskin Skin Recovery Cream—to seal in hydration.

2. Fragranced Detergents & Soaps Can Be Major Irritants

Common household detergents, fabric softeners, and soaps often contain synthetic fragrances and preservatives that act as irritants or allergens. These can compromise your skin barrier and trigger immune responses, especially in people with atopic dermatitis (Zug & McKay, 1996).

What to do: Switch to fragrance-free, dye-free products labeled “for sensitive skin.” Always rinse laundry thoroughly, and avoid dryer sheets altogether.

3. Overuse of Hand Sanitizers and Frequent Hand Washing

Frequent hand washing—especially with alcohol-based sanitizers—can be damaging. A review of eczema management emphasized the importance of avoiding irritants, such as repeated exposure to drying agents (van Onselen, 2021).

What to do: Wash hands with mild, fragrance-free soap, pat them dry, and follow up with a hydrating cream to restore the lipid barrier.

4. Stress & Environmental Factors Are Invisible Yet Powerful Triggers

Eczema is not just skin-deep. Stress, sleep deprivation, and environmental factors like dust mites or air pollution can intensify inflammation. One review highlighted that both allergens and non-allergens—like dry air or emotional stress—play a role in flares (Bettley, 1957). Another study confirmed that house dust mites can directly aggravate eczema in sensitized individuals (Norris et al., 1987).

What to do: Use HEPA filters, vacuum regularly, and develop stress-reduction techniques like breathing exercises or meditation.

5. Lack of Moisture Barrier Support Can Delay Healing

Many people skip moisturizers or choose the wrong one. In a 4-week clinical study, an emollient cream containing barrier-repairing ingredients significantly improved eczema severity without the need for steroids (Spigariolo & Ferrucci, 2023).

Why Rejûvaskin Helps:
Rejûvaskin Skin Recovery Cream is steroid-free, fragrance-free, and infused with ceramides, calendula, and aloe—ingredients clinically shown to soothe irritation, support the skin barrier, and calm sensitive skin.

Daily Trigger Checklist: What to Watch For

Empower Your Skin with Knowledge and Gentle Support

Sometimes, healing starts by removing what’s quietly harming you. Eczema management isn't just about prescriptions—it's about prevention, awareness, and nurturing your skin daily. By identifying these hidden triggers and supporting your skin with gentle, effective care like Rejûvaskin Skin Recovery Cream, you give your skin the best chance to thrive.

Works Cited

• Bettley, F. (1957). Eczema in children. Excerpta Medica. Section 13, Dermatology and Venereology, 11(3), 99–100. Link

• Norris, P., Schofield, O., & Camp, R. (1987). Does house dust mite aggravate atopic eczema? British Journal of Dermatology, 117. Link

• Spigariolo, C., & Ferrucci, S. (2023). Efficacy and tolerability of a repairing moisturizing cream in adults with chronic eczematous dermatitis. Italian Journal of Dermatology and Venereology. Link

• van Onselen, J. (2021). Enabling self-management of eczema in primary care. Practice Nursing. Link

• Zug, K., & McKay, M. (1996). Eczematous dermatitis: A practical review. American Family Physician, 54(4), 1243–1254. Link