Gentle, Natural Ways to Keep Eczema Skin Happy in the Heat

If you or your little ones deal with eczema, you know summer can also bring a different kind of heat—itchiness, flare-ups, and that uncomfortable tight feeling that makes you want to jump out of your own skin.

Eczema in the summertime can be especially frustrating. Between sweat, sun exposure, chlorine from pools, and even seasonal allergens floating in the air, sensitive skin has a lot to contend with.

Why Does Eczema Flare Up In the Summer?

• Sweat and Heat – Sweat is salty and acidic, which can irritate sensitive skin, especially when it dries and sits in the folds of your body (behind knees, elbows, neck).

• Chlorine and Salt Water – Pools and even ocean water can dry out your skin, disrupting the natural skin barrier that eczema-prone skin is already struggling to protect.

• Sunburn – While a little sun is healing, too much can cause inflammation, which triggers flare ups.

• Allergens – Grass, pollen, and even certain plants can cause contact dermatitis or trigger immune responses that make eczema worse.

5 Natural Tips for Managing Summer Eczema

1. Use a Natural, Nourishing Moisturizer—Daily

Hydration is key. In the summer, your skin might feel moist because of the humidity, but that doesn’t mean it’s getting the deep hydration it needs. A rich balm or body butter made with tallow and honey can help repair the skin barrier and lock in moisture.

These kinds of ingredients have been used for centuries to soothe wounds, calm inflammation, and protect skin from the elements. Tallow, in particular, is rich in skin-loving vitamins A, D, E, and K, and closely mimics the structure of our skin’s natural oils. It absorbs beautifully without clogging pores.

Pro tip: Apply your balm or butter after a shower, while your skin is still slightly damp, to seal in moisture.

2. Cool (but Not Too Cold) Showers

Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils. In the summer, opt for lukewarm to cool showers, especially after you’ve been sweating or swimming. And always follow up with your natural moisturizer right away.

If you’re using soap (which eczema-prone folks should use sparingly), go for something truly toxin free, artificial fragrance free, and packed with soothing ingredients like goat milk, colloidal oats, and tallow. Goat milk has been used historically for skin ailments and is naturally rich in lactic acid, which gently exfoliates while calming the skin. From our collection, we recommend our Milk + Honey Soap.

3. Wear Breathable, Natural Fabrics

Loose cotton and linen clothing allow your skin to breathe and reduce friction, which can trigger eczema in areas like the inner thighs, underarms, and waistline. If you’re sweating, change clothes more often and gently pat (not rub) your skin dry.

4. Watch the Sun—but Don’t Fear It

A little sunshine can actually help calm eczema because of the vitamin D boost and natural antibacterial properties of UV light. Just don’t overdo it, and always wear a nontoxic, mineral-based sunscreen (look for zinc oxide) if you're out for long periods. And avoid conventional sunscreens with synthetic chemicals—they’re known irritants for eczema-prone skin. 

5. Stay Hydrated Inside and Out

We talk a lot about moisturizing on your skin, but don’t forget to hydrate from the inside. Sip water regularly, and add things like cucumber, mint, and lemon to make it more enjoyable and cooling. Herbal teas like nettles, chamomile, and red raspberry leaf are also great for skin health and calming inflammation.

Managing eczema—especially in the heat—takes patience. Summer might look a little different when you’re navigating sensitive skin, but it can still be beautiful, refreshing, and fun!