Everyday triggers

If you’re experiencing problematic skin, there are a wide range of everyday factors that can act as triggers and cause a flare-up. Identifying and avoiding these triggers, where possible, can help you manage your skin, allow it to recover and avoid it from flaring.

Keep a simple diary or make notes in your calendar when dryness or itching occurs. Record environmental changes, soaps, or foods to spot patterns. Once you know your triggers, you can plan around them more easily.

Environmental triggers

• Cold air and central heating: both lower humidity and strip moisture from skin
• Wind exposure: damages the outer layer, especially on the face and hands
• Sun exposure: can dry and sensitise already delicate skin
• Cigarette smoke: contains chemicals that can penetrate the skin's barrier and act as irritants worsening symptoms
• Pet dander (skin flakes shed from pets) and house dust mites: can cause inflammation and increase the risk of developing a skin condition

Chemical triggers

• Products that contain SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate)
• Other soaps, shampoos, laundry detergents, household cleaners and washing up liquids
• Hair dyes
• Fragrances
• Alcohol-based hand sanitisers
• Changes in your hormone levels

Contact triggers

• Certain fabrics such as wool and polyester
• Metals, such as nickel

Lifestyle triggers

• Over washing: hot baths or long showers remove protective oils
• Rough clothing: wool and synthetic fabrics cause friction and itch
• Stress and tiredness: linked to flare-ups of eczema or psoriasis
• Sweating during exercise
• Food allergies, often dairy products, eggs, peanuts, soya or wheat

Seasonal triggers

• Winter often brings dry, cracked skin due to low humidity
• In summer, sweat and heat can trigger irritation or rashes
• Skin often feels best in mild, balanced climates - aim to protect it year-round
• Pollen from trees, grasses and flowers

Preventing Dry Skin - practical ways to stay comfortable every day.