Does washing make eczema worse? Should you shower every day with eczema?
Eczema-prone skin is highly sensitive, but that doesn’t mean you should miss out on the best shower experience.
Build a skin-kind shower routine with us as we share tips for showering with eczema and our favourite eczema-friendly body wash.
Key points:
- Some shower essentials contain drying ingredients and harsh foaming agents which can irritate eczema-prone skin
- If you are prone to eczema, choose gentle, unscented shower essentials which are kind to sensitive skin
- We suggest Green People’s Scent Free Shower Essentials Set, which includes a dermatologically tested Scent Free Shower Gel
If eczema affects your scalp, neck and back, you may want to consider switching your shampoo and conditioner to gentler, scent-free alternatives
Should you shower every day with eczema?
Does your eczema flare up after a shower? Shower water has a slightly higher pH than human skin, meaning that even a simple wash could dry your skin out and trigger an eczema flare-up.
So, does that mean that you should shower less with eczema? No, for most people with eczema it is fine to shower every day.
It simply means that you should carefully consider how you shower and the products you use in your shower routine, choosing gentle options when possible.
Here are some of the ingredients in shower gel that may irritate eczema-prone skin:
- Fragrance (natural and synthetic)
- Drying alcohols (ethanol)
- Harsh foaming agents (SLS)
- Rough exfoliants
That’s where we can help. As experts in sensitive skin, our scent free shower essentials are dermatologically tested and clinically proven to be kind to sensitive skin.
Discover our Scent-Free Shower Routine, or keep scrolling for more tips on caring for eczema-prone skin in the shower.
Scent Free Shower Routine
Your sensitive shower routine for gently cleansing skin, hair and scalp
Regular price
£52.50
£42.00
Are hot or cold showers good for eczema?
Hot showers risk scalding the skin and damaging the skin barrier, leaving it vulnerable to dry and itchy sensations.
Going from room temperature to a hot, steamy environment also exposes your skin to a sudden temperature change, increasing your chances of an eczema flare-up.
To avoid irritating eczema-prone skin in the shower, switch to a tepid water temperature or try a contrast shower; more about them in the next section.
Is a contrast shower good for eczema?
A refreshing way to cleanse and nourish eczema-prone skin, contrast showers boost skin circulation, encouraging a healthy flow of skin-repairing nutrients.
They’re quick and easy too! Start by showering in warm (not hot) water for around three minutes, then switch to a cooler water temperature for the final minute.
Choosing a body wash for eczema
When choosing a body wash for eczema-prone skin, avoid drying ingredients like soap and ethanol alcohol, and be mindful that even natural fragrances can be problematic.
That’s why shoppers with eczema-prone skin love our Scent Free Shower Gel. Its mild foaming agents create eczema-friendly bubbles, so it won’t strip away skin comfort.
Instead, soothing organic Aloe Vera washes a wave of calm over your skin while the Saccharide Isosteate (derived from corn) binds to the skin like a magnet, leaving it feeling oh-so-soft and hydrated.
Thanks to our Yucca and coconut-derived foaming, you’ll still get plenty of cleansing bubbles, and your skin barrier will also benefit from a much more comfortable shower experience.
Scent Free Shower Gel 200ml
Your go-to shower gel for gently cleansing sensitive skin
£17.50
But don’t just take our word for it! Take a look at our reviews!
“I started using this when I had a bit of eczema many years ago, and I haven’t had it since! I use all Green People’s scent-free products and will never change.” Angela F, verified buyer.
“I've been using scent-free shower gel for a number of years now after a bad flare-up of eczema, and it's working great for me].” Margaret, verified buyer
“I recommend this shower gel because I am prone to both rosacea and eczema, and as it’s really gentle, it doesn’t cause them either. I have used it on my face and my body, and it’s great for both. Thank you for this lovely product.” Giselle, verified buyer
Here are a few reasons why we consider Scent Free Shower Gel to be the best body wash for eczema-prone skin
- Scent-free, no essential oils
- pH-balanced
- Dermatologically tested
- Clinically proven to be kind to skin
- No drying alcohol
- No soap or SLS
Find out more about Scent Free Shower Gel.
Did you know? Alcohols are often used as body wash preservatives. Some, such as ethanol, are known to strip away protective oils on the surface, leaving the skin barrier compromised and unable to regulate moisture levels.
As experts in sensitive skin, we refuse to use drying alcohol in any of our products. Instead, we pack our products to the brim with barrier-boosting plant extracts.
Choosing a shampoo for eczema
Is your eczema worse around your neck, back or shoulders? This could indicate your skin is being affected by your hair care products when you are showering.
Consider switching to an unscented, SLS-free shampoo. Why? Harsh foaming agents and scents are known to trigger eczema and may transfer onto your skin as you wash your hair.
Our Scent Free Shampoo uses the hydrating power of Seaweed to gently cleanse and soothe hair and scalp. With no SLS, fragrance, or essential oils, the entire family can look after their hair without worrying about aggravating eczema.
Save on your next shower shop and check out our Scent Free Shower Routine, which pairs our Scent Free Shower Gel with its perfect Scent Free Shampoo and Conditioner Partners. Offering a 20% saving on eczema-friendly shower products, this skin-kind set is a win-win!
“The option to combine products for a scent-free shower routine is ideal. My hair and skin feel nourished after using these. It's worth the investment, as a little goes a long way!” Lucy verified buyer.
How to apply emollient after a shower
If you have eczema, it is important to always apply an emollient (moisturiser) after your shower.
Gently pat your skin dry with your softest towel, and then apply an emollient body lotion to help calm redness, soothe itching and replenish dry patches with much-needed moisture.
Apply your body lotion when the skin is slightly damp for best results. The moisture-binding actives in your body lotion will use the extra water to sandwich even more moisture into your skin.
You should moisturise your entire body after each shower, not just patches of eczema. This will help to avoid future flare ups.
Need help choosing a body lotion for eczema? Our Scent Free Body Lotion is perfect for gentle but effective skin hydration.
Dermatologically tested and clinically proven to be kind to skin, its plant-based ingredients know just what to do to calm skin after a flare-up.
- Prebiotic Inulin balances the skin’s microbiome and helps to hydrate the skin
- Youth-boosting Squalane softens, moisturises and restores suppleness
- Vitamin-rich Shea butter is deeply nourishing and an excellent moisturiser
- Perilla Oil contains over 50% of Omega-3 fatty acids – ideal for repairing compromised skin
Scent Free Body Lotion 150ml
Discover deep skin hydration with our soothing, fragrance-free body lotion
£29.00
“This was the only thing that helped a painful eczema breakout. No sting when applied. Felt soothing and nourishing when applied and dulled the urge to scratch which helped my skin to fully heal. If you’re an eczema sufferer, I’d recommend trying this.” Verified buyer.
“What more can I say than Amazing! I have always suffered with quite severe eczema (64 years) and this lotion is truly amazing. Very smooth to apply and very soothing. Thank you” Janine, verified buyer.
Prefer to use a body oil? Sensitive skin care shoppers also love our Alexandra Kay Time to Soothe Scent Free Body Oil.
Naturally scent-free, this locks in skin softness with reparative Rosehip and Hemp while a patented Patchouli active called CB2-Skin™ Biofunctional activates CB2 receptors to gently soothe irritation and give your skin barrier a welcome boost!
Alexandra Kay Time to Soothe Scent Free Body Oil 100ml
Soothe and nourish with this scent-free body and massage oil
£30.00
“This oil sinks into skin really well. No irritation, doesn’t make me itch as it’s scent free and the ingredients are neutral and natural” Laura G, verified buyer.
We hope that you have found this guide to showering with eczema helpful. For more help building your best eczema-friendly shower routine, contact our friendly UK customer care team on 01403 740350 or @GreenPeopleUK.
This blog post has been reviewed by Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, who has over 30 years of experience in the natural and organic beauty industry. A recognised leader in organic beauty, Charlotte helped inform the UK's first organic beauty standards and was voted the People’s Choice in the 2023 and 2024 list of Who’s Who in Natural Beauty. A published author, she wrote the organic beauty bible ‘Naturally Gorgeous’. Previously, she qualified as a nurse and spent over 10 years working in pharmaceuticals.
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