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.
Mel’s Top 6 Skin Care Tips – Eczema Treatment and Care (Accessed November 2023)
Water, drinks and hydration – NHS (www.nhs.uk)(Accessed November 2023)
Ointment – Epimax (Accessed November 2023)
Why eczema flares at night and how to deal with it (allergycliniclondon.co.uk) (Accessed November 2023)
Laundry Detergent Sensitivity and Eczema | MyEczemaTeam (Accessed November 2023)
Stress and eczema | National Eczema Society (Accessed November 2023)
How to exercise safely with eczema | National Eczema Association (Accessed November 2023)
Fragrance and Perfume Allergy | Products and Contact Dermatitis (nationaleczema.org) (Accessed November 2023)
Avoid a Christmas Eczema Flare – Tips from the experts! (irishskin.ie) (Accessed November 2023)
The Truth About What Your Skin Really Does at Night (byrdie.com) (Accessed November 2023)
Does a lack of sleep affect eczema? (avogel.co.uk) (Accessed November 2023)
EPI1010451QQ1_NOV2023