My EPIMAX® Evening Routine

A 7-step evening routine to help manage your symptoms of eczema and get a good night’s sleep. Our curated routine is filled with tips to help keep dry skin and flare-ups at bay.

When applying any emollient, always read the label and avoid contact with eyes.

Step 1 – Hydrating the skin inside out1,2

Hydrating the body from the inside is important for your skin’s overall health.

Make sure to drink plenty of water with your evening meal (and at least 6-8 glasses throughout the day!).

People with eczema have dry skin and are susceptible to weaker skin barrier function. Therefore, drinking water to keep the body and skin hydrated is recommended.

Step 2 – A relaxing EPIMAX® bath3

Adding an EPIMAX® Ointment to your evening bath can be very comforting on dry skin conditions. The ointments can prevent skin from drying by creating a thin film over the skin, inhibiting moisture loss.

If you’re more of a shower person, try substituting your shower gel for an EPIMAX® cream or gel.

Don’t forget-hot water can dry out your skin so turn that water temperature down a bit!

Step 3 – Materials matter!4,5  

The materials of your pyjamas and bedding play an important role in helping to keep your skin comfortable. Materials such as wool and polyester could trigger your eczema symptoms. Opting for a fabric like cotton will keep you cool and comfortable.

Just as important, bear in mind that the products you use to wash these items can be irritating on your skin. It may help to use natural, fragrance-free washing detergents.

Step 4 – Your evening skincare routine

Finding a good skincare routine can be very helpful for keeping symptoms at bay.

Applying your preferred emollient at night allows the product to work undisturbed for hours.

Try using the EPIMAX® Eyelid Ointment just before bed to allow it hours of uninterrupted time to soothe, hydrate and comfort your eyelids.

Step 5 – Be prepared6,7

Planning for the next day the evening before could avoid unnecessary flare ups.

When you’re rushing, stressed and flustered your eczema symptoms could be provoked due to a spike in your stress hormones which can inflame the skin.

Sweating as a result of rushing can also irritate eczema-prone skin. Plan in advance for a calmer and flare-free morning.

Step 6 – No scents allowed8,9

While you’re relaxing and winding down in the evening, avoid any scented products such as candles, air fresheners and room sprays. The synthetic chemicals in these products could irritate your skin.

Step 7 – Sleep, sleep and more sleep10,11

Sleep is important for your overall skin health. While you sleep, your skin regenerates and mends. Disturbed sleep will interfere with the skin’s ability to mend broken skin and scratches.

Although it can be hard, try and get 7-9 hours a night to feel all the benefits of a good night’s sleep.

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Dry skin in Winter

In this article, we will be taking a look at what it is like to have dry skin, or a dry skin condition in the winter months. For people with eczema and psoriasis, winter can be a challenging time to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups1,2.

Skin can become dry, red and irritated by things like a drop in temperature, central heating, wind, and low humidity3. Cold air tightens the skin’s pores4, this reduces the naturally occurring oil known as sebum, which acts as a protective layer and traps moisture next to the skin5. These seasonal changes can be enough to cause increased flare-ups for those with dry skin conditions6. Problematic areas of the body may be the hands and face that are exposed to the elements.

Here we share our tips for the things you can do during this time to minimize flare-ups and keep your skin as comfortable as possible. 

As with any emollient, always read the label. 

Listen to your skin and adapt your routine
Depending on your skin’s needs you may need to:

  • Apply your emollient more regularly to keep your skin moisturised and your symptoms in check
  • We’d recommend using a body wash, like EPIMAX® ExCetra Cream (all year round) so you don’t strip your skin’s natural, protective barrier
  • Consider adding a new product into your usual routine that may deliver a bigger hydration boost, like a gel or ointment if you usually use a cream formulation

Tips to help manage your symptoms

  • Wear gloves when you are outside to help protect your hands from the cold
  • Turn the heating down when you are indoors and put on extra layers of clothing
  • Limit your exposure to hot and dry environments like air-conditioned rooms or cars, or rooms containing open fires or wood burning stoves as they can further dry out the skin
  • Drink plenty of water during the day to help keep your skin hydrated
  • Think about the fabric you wear; some people find fabrics like silk to be less irritating on the skin7
  • Avoid taking hot baths and showers, hot water strips the natural oils from the skin

Everyone’s skin is different, which means that the product that works for you is unique to you. It’s important that you find a product that works for you, your symptoms and that fits around your lifestyle. Visit our product page to find a winter skincare moisturiser.

Our product range

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