Eczema 101: What Triggers It & How to Calm Your Skin Naturally (Especially in Winter)
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Eczema isn’t “bad skin.”
It’s your skin barrier calling for help.
Dryness, flaking, itchiness, redness, burning—
every flare-up is a sign that your skin is overwhelmed by stressors + dryness + barrier damage.
During winter, this becomes even more obvious.
Cold air + indoor heating + low humidity = the perfect storm for eczema-prone skin.
Here’s what really triggers eczema,
and how to calm your skin naturally—without harsh products or complicated routines.
1. Hot Showers (Especially in Winter)
It feels amazing in the moment but destroys your skin barrier.
Hot water strips essential lipids and leaves your skin tighter, drier, and itchier.
Try this instead:
● lukewarm water
● showers under 10 minutes
● moisturize before fully drying off
Your skin will thank you.
2. Fragrance, Essential Oils, and “Cooling” Ingredients
If you have eczema or sensitive skin, your rule is simple:
No fragrance.
No essential oils.
No menthol.
No eucalyptus.
Winter skin is already inflamed—these ingredients make it worse.
Choose fragrance-free, oil-free, alcohol-free formulas.
Your skin needs calm, not stimulation.
3. Relying on Lotion Without Locking In Moisture
This is the #1 mistake people make.
Lotion = mostly water
Eczema skin = needs oils + occlusives
Result = lotion evaporates → moisture leaves → skin gets drier
Eczema needs three things:
● Humectants → attract water
● Emollients → soften
● Occlusives → lock everything in
Tallow, shea, ceramides, and nutrient-dense balms work far better than water-based lotions—especially in winter.
4. Scratching Instead of Soothing
Eczema itching hits hardest in cold weather.
Scratching feels good—but causes micro-tears that turn tiny patches into big flare-ups.
Try this:
● cold compress for 1–2 minutes
● gentle pressing instead of scratching
● apply balm to send your skin an “I’m safe” signal
Your nervous system responds instantly.
5. Switching Products Too Often
Winter already destabilizes the skin barrier.
Adding new products every week confuses your skin even more.
Stick to the basics:
● one gentle cleanser
● one barrier-repairing balm
● zero fragrance
Let your skin rest and rebuild for at least 7–14 days.
How to Manage Eczema Naturally in Winter
(Simple routine that actually works)
AM:
● rinse with water only
● apply a thin layer of balm
● use fragrance-free sunscreen
PM:
● lukewarm shower
● gentle pat dry (not fully dry!)
● apply a thicker layer of balm to lock in moisture
As needed:
● cold compress
● balm for itchy spots
● avoid wool directly on skin
● use a humidifier indoors
Winter eczema improves dramatically when moisture is locked in and triggers are minimized.
Why Tallow Works So Well for Eczema
Tallow is rich in the same fatty acids your skin barrier is made of—
which is why it sinks in instead of sitting on top.
It’s naturally high in:
● palmitic acid (barrier repair)
● stearic acid (moisture retention)
● oleic acid (softening + absorption)
And best of all:
no fragrance, no wax, no essential oils, no fillers.
Just barrier support your skin can actually understand.
This is why so many people find their eczema stabilizes within days when switching to tallow-based products.
The Bottom Line
Eczema doesn’t need a complicated routine.
It needs a consistent one.
Winter flare-ups calm down when you:
● avoid heat
● avoid fragrance
● moisturize + lock in moisture
● stop switching products
● protect your skin barrier daily
Give your skin simplicity, and it will reward you with calm, predictable healing.
If you’re looking for a moisturizer that’s safe for eczema, sensitive skin, babies, and anyone who reacts to fragrance or essential oils,
our Whipped Tallow Balm is crafted exactly for that.
Handmade in small batches.
Wax-free. Fragrance-free. Essential oil–free.
Just pure, soothing moisture your skin can actually understand.