• Roughness
• Feeling of tightness
• Itching
• Ashy or reddened skin
• Peeling, flaking
• Cracks, fissures
• Bleeding

• Not moisturizing enough
(all skin types need to moisturize daily)

• Using lotions or creams that have water as the main ingredient which evaporate more quickly

• Using moisturizers that contain drying ingredients such as alcohol, sulfates, fragrance, preservatives, parabens, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, propylene glycol, or salicylic acid

• Dry air due to certain climates or winter months

• Harsh detergents or soaps that strip the skin of oils

• Excessively hot showers or baths

• Skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis

• Use a fragrance-free, preservative-free bar soap. Avoid liquid body washes that contain sulfates, harsh preservatives and fragrances. 

• Apply a fragrance-free, preservative-free moisturizer daily

• Apply moisturizer to damp skin after bathing or handwashing to lock in moisture  

• Choose heavier emollient-type moisturizers that include oils, butters or beeswax that seal in moisture

• Look for moisturizers that contain sunflower oil. It is high in ceramides which assist the skin barrier function and protect the skin. 

• Cover skin to protect it from the elements

• Avoid hot showers/baths, limit time to 10 minutes 

• Use a humidifier

• Stinging, burning
• Rashes, tiny red bumps
• Redness 
• Itching
• Flushing
• Breakouts
• Peeling, flaking

• Overly dry skin

• Conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, acne

• Topical products (cleansers, moisturizers, perfumes, make-up) containing skin irritating ingredients, such as preservatives and fragrances

• Laundry detergent and dryer sheets with fragrance

• Environmental (sun, wind, cold, and dry air)

• Medications

• Age

• Perform a patch test on the wrist and wait 24 hrs before applying a topical product to ensure no skin sensitivities

• Look for products with the National Eczema Association Seal of Approval

• Prevent dry skin by choosing heavier emollient-type moisturizers that include oils, butters or beeswax a

• Moisturize daily

• Protect the skin barrier by using moisturizers that include sunflower oil, an ingredient rich in ceramides. 

• Use a mild, conditioning soap without fragrance, alcohol, sulfates, preservatives or dyes.

• Choose a fragrance-free laundry detergent and switch to organic wool dryer balls 

• Cover skin to protect it from the elements

• Dry skin
• Rough patches
• Thickened, raised areas 
• Rash-like appearance
• Itching
• Redness
• Open, oozing sores
• Cracks, bleeding

• Dry Skin – not moisturizing enough

• Irritants – Preservatives, fragrances in skin care and laundry detergent, some fabrics

• Environmental – dust mites, mold, pet dander, tobacco smoke, pollen, weather

• Food allergies and sensitivities – eggs, dairy, wheat, soy, nuts, peanuts

• Lack of sleep

• Stress

• If possible, avoid known triggers

• Moisturize frequently with a heavier, emollient that contains oils, butters and/or beeswax

• Use fragrance-free, preservative-free skin care products

• Use a moisturizer that includes natural anti-inflammatory ingredients

• Moisturize immediately after bathing and washing hands to lock in moisture

• If moisturizing and avoiding known triggers is not enough, consult a dermatologist. Preferably one that uses an integrative approach to treating eczema, such as board certified dermatologist, Dr. Peter Lio of Chicago Integrative Eczema Center and Medical Dermatology Associates of Chicago