1. Use fragrance-free products.

    Scented products and fragrances are common skin irritants. Try switching to fragrance-free for products that may come into contact with your skin. This includes shampoo, soaps, lotions, detergents, fabric softeners, perfumes, makeup, and more.

   • “I don’t use anything with fragrance or dye. I’m very careful about what products I buy and use.” —Inspire member

2. Moisturize regularly.

    Many Inspire members recommend using unscented moisturizer every day. Don’t be afraid to try new products until you find one that works.

   • “Many skin products offer eczema “relief” but response to each varies from person to person. If you try one and it doesn’t work for you, consider trying another.” —Inspire member
   • “Currently I’ve found Gold Bond for eczema the most helpful. Eventually this will run its course like the others and I will have to change again – that has generally been the pattern.” —Inspire member

3. Hydrate.

    Hydrated skin starts from the inside out. Drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. You may need more depending on your body and activity level.

4. Cover up.

    The sun is a common skin irritant for many members living with dry skin. If sunscreens bother your skin, wear hats and sun-protective clothing while outside.

   • “My daughter suffers with seasonal eczema and is allergic to almost all sunscreens also…We have had success with Unika (found on Amazon) and Amavara. Both companies she can wear without reactions.” —Inspire member

5. Understand food triggers.

    Some Inspire members find that foods can cause skin irritation. Seeing an allergist or a dietitian can help you learn about and avoid food triggers. Members report that sugar, gluten, dairy, caffeine, and alcohol among their triggers.

   • “Take a food sensitivity test. By reducing or eliminating certain foods, I was able to reduce the amount of inflammation in my gut….Armed with the knowledge of which foods affect my gut and taking supplements [my doctor] recommended, my eczema is almost entirely controlled. This is amazing considering I’ve gone 40+ years with eczema. It was very severe when I was young…Now with frequent hand washing and hand sanitizers, I still experience eczema on my hands but it’s manageable.” —Inspire member
   • “I’ve been controlling [psoriasis] with diet for the last two years. It’s healing all my other problems, too. So much processed food has crept into our lives, calories with no nourishment. It’s not easy to change what we consume, but the results are so worth it.” —Inspire member

6. Avoid certain materials and fabrics.

    Metals, jewelry, and wool can trigger or irritate dry, itchy skin. Inspire members identified cotton as a safe fabric for their skin.

   • “I wear all cotton clothing, including underwear. I use cotton sheets on my bed.” —Inspire member

7. Manage stress.

    Stress can impact many aspects of health, including skin health. Try exercise, meditation, yoga, and spending time with loved ones. These activities have helped Inspire members deal with stress.

   • “The biggest thing that helped me was to find my food triggers and to try to avoid stress.”—Inspire member
   • “The first time I had a [psoriasis] breakout (I was 29), it was during a very stressful time in my life…When I get stressed, I have severe breakouts.” —Inspire member

8. Be mindful about water temperatures.

    Hot showers or baths can dry out skin. Inspire members recommend using warm water when showering.

Do you have a tip that might help Inspire members manage their health? Start a conversation in your Inspire community today.