Dry, flaky skin typically goes hand in hand with cold winter temps. So when my eczema flared up this past summer, I was taken by surprise.

The condition is usually most prominent on my hands, and heat seemed only to exacerbate the issue.

According to Dr. Elizabeth K. Hale, Chief Medical Advisor at Vacation, sweating under the summer sun is a common trigger for eczema.

“People with eczema already have a compromised skin barrier, which makes the skin more vulnerable to irritation,” she explained. “The salt in our sweat can sting already sensitive skin and trigger more itching. Scratching then further disrupts the skin barrier, which can make a flare harder to calm down.”

Additionally, as the body works to cool itself, blood vessels dilate, triggering the movement of inflammatory cells, per Dr. Sapna Palep, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Journelle Skin.

Chlorine, salt water, outdoor allergens and increased sun exposure can all contribute to inflammation as well.

When it comes to reducing eczema symptoms during the summer, less is more. Hale suggests looking for a rich, fragrance-free cream or ointment that helps restore moisture and support the skin barrier. You don’t need to pile multiple products on top of each other — a little goes a long way.

“During an active flare, what you leave out can be just as important as what you put on. I would avoid fragrance, essential oils, harsh exfoliating acids and other ingredients that tend to make already irritated skin feel worse,” she noted.

Below, find the top products to treat an eczema flare-up over the summer (and during dry, cooler temps throughout the rest of 2026), per dermatologists.

Eczema can cause uneven texture or flakiness, and this moisturizer tackles the problem straight from the source.

“Eczema-prone facial skin tends to have a weaker skin barrier. This daily treatment moisturizer is enhanced with malassezin, squalane and hyaluronic acid to strengthen the skin barrier and deliver deep, lasting hydration to facial skin,” explained Palep.

Hydration is key in combating dryness and restoring your skin to balance.

“This body serum is a fragrance-free, unscented formula containing four molecular weights of hyaluronic acid and five essential ceramides to deliver face-grade actives to the body and deeply hydrate,” said Palep.

The product penetrates deep into the skin and is even safe for sensitive skin types.

Sunscreen is essential to prevent any further redness on eczema-prone areas. Hale suggests finding a fragrance-free mineral formula with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.

However, some mineral sunscreens can feel drying. If that’s the case, apply a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or a moisturizer with niacinamide underneath your sunscreen.

“Sun protection is still important for people with eczema, so the goal is to find a broad-spectrum sunscreen that does not irritate your skin. You should feel comfortable wearing it consistently,” said Hale.

This formula offers a lightweight, barely-there feel while delivering moisture and SPF 40 protection. It also contains hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient in soothing dry eczema.

“A humectant like hyaluronic acid helps attract and retain water in the skin. I generally like to see those paired with ingredients that also help seal that moisture in,” Hale explained.

Keeping your skin safe and protected starts with your cleansing routine in the shower.

“This gentle, moisturizing cleanser works for both face and body. It gently cleanses without stripping and helps protect skin from the drying effects of water,” said Palep.

This fragrance-free formula is made with a triple oat complex — oat flour, oat oil and oat extract — to calm even the most sensitive skin.

“Colloidal oatmeal can be very soothing for dry, itchy skin, which is why you often see it in products formulated specifically for eczema-prone skin,” confirmed Hale.

Vaseline is a tried-and-true tactic used for locking in intense mositure.

“Petrolatum is an ingredient I recommend frequently for very dry or irritated skin. It forms a protective layer over the skin and helps prevent water from escaping,” said Hale.

This set of three 100% pure petroleum jelly jars is guaranteed to heal and protect cracked skin.

“Ceramides are a great ingredient because they are lipids that are naturally found in the skin barrier,” Hale noted. “When that barrier is compromised, as it is with eczema, ceramide-containing moisturizers can help replenish some of those lipids and reduce moisture loss.”

This product contains ceramides — as well as colloidal oatmeal and a patented B-L3 complex with barrier lipids — to conquer any irritation or itching.

How does eczema start?

Eczema is a common skin condition that affects more than 31 million Americans, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Those with a family history of dermatitis, allergies, hay fever or asthma may be more at risk.

The dry, rough patches may arise if you come in contact with specific irritants or allergens in the environment you inhabit. According to Mayo Clinic, these may include:

• Rough wool fabric
• Dry skin
• Skin infection
• Heat and sweat
• Stress
• Cleaning products
• Dust mites and pet dander
• Mold
• Pollen
• Smoke from tobacco
• Cold and dry air
• Fragrances

What are the signs of eczema?

Although eczema can look different on everyone, according to the Cleveland Clinic, the most common symptoms are dry, itchy, thick or flaky bumps on the skin that often become swollen or transform into a full-blown rash.

What does eczema look like?

Those with darker skin tones may see a purple, brown or gray rash, while lighter skin tones may see a pink, red or purple rash, per Cleveland Clinic.

Eczema can emerge just about anywhere on the body, including hands, feet, elbows, ankles and knees.

What causes eczema to flare up?

Your environment plays an important role in the intensity of your eczema. Those exposed to dry weather, harsh fabrics, fragrance-filled makeup or skincare products, smoke and pollutants should take extra care of their skin.

While colder temperatures can dry out your skin and worsen eczema symptoms, hot weather and sun exposure can also exacerbate the problem.

How do I treat eczema in hot weather?

“One of the most helpful things you can do in the summer is prevent sweat from sitting on the skin for long periods of time,” Hale suggests. “If you have been exercising or outside in the heat, rinse off with a quick cool or lukewarm shower rather than letting sweat dry on the skin. Keep showers short and avoid very hot water, which can further dry and irritate the skin. After bathing, gently pat the skin dry and apply moisturizer while it is still slightly damp.”

Palep emphasized that using fragrance-free body washes and moisturizers during and post-shower is key to prevent further irritation.

Once you’re clean, wearing loose, breathable clothing can also help reduce heat and friction against the skin.

Can diet worsen eczema?

Although diet does not directly cause eczema, removing certain foods from your daily meal plan can help you manage symptoms.

“Diet may play a factor in eczema flare-ups,” Palep confirmed. “I recommend limiting processed and sugary foods as they cause inflammation in the body.”

In a 2022 study, 16% of people with eczema found that eating sugar made their eczema worse. 

Additionally, having eczema increases the risk of developing food allergies, particularly in children.

Per data published in 2019, “nearly 40% of children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis have IgE-mediated food allergy.”

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