What Can I Do About My Eczema This Winter?

Your skin feels tight the moment you step outside. The itching gets worse at night.

Your usual moisturizer doesn't seem to be doing enough, and those dry, irritated patches keep coming back. Sound familiar? For millions of Canadians, eczema is more than just dry skin.

This Eczema Awareness Month, we're talking about what eczema really is, why winter can make it worse, and what you can do to keep your skin healthier, calmer and more comfortable.

What Is Eczema and What Does It Look Like?

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the skin's protective barrier, making it harder to retain moisture and defend against environmental irritants.

It can present as:

• Dry, rough, scaly or flaky patches

• Redness, inflammation or darker areas of discolouration

• Persistent itching, sometimes intense enough to disrupt sleep

• Cracked, thickened or irritated skin

• Small bumps, oozing or crusting during more severe flare-ups

Eczema can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, neck, hands and behind the knees or elbows. It can also look different depending on your skin tone.

Who Experiences Eczema?

You're certainly not alone.

According to the Eczema Society of Canada, atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, affects approximately 15% of Canadian children and 4% of Canadian adults.

While it often begins in childhood, eczema can persist into adulthood or develop later in life.

And its impact goes well beyond what we see on the skin. Persistent itching, disrupted sleep, discomfort and visible inflammation can affect confidence, emotional well-being and overall quality of life.

Why Does Eczema Get Worse in Winter?

Canadian winters can be particularly challenging for eczema-prone skin.

Cold outdoor temperatures, low humidity, indoor heating and hot showers can all contribute to moisture loss and skin barrier disruption. For many, this means more frequent flare-ups, increased sensitivity and skin that feels persistently dry, itchy or uncomfortable. Stress, fragrances, harsh cleansers and certain fabrics can also contribute to flare-ups throughout the year.

What Can I Do About My Eczema This Winter?

The goal isn't simply to add more moisture. It's to support and protect your skin barrier.

Start with a few simple changes:

• Choose gentle skincare: Avoid harsh exfoliants, fragranced products and cleansers that leave skin feeling tight.

• Moisturize consistently: Apply a rich, barrier-supporting moisturizer immediately after bathing and throughout the day as needed.

• Turn down the temperature: Choose lukewarm showers over hot ones.

• Consider a humidifier: Help counteract the effects of dry indoor heating.

• Treat inflammation: If you're experiencing persistent flare-ups, speak with a healthcare professional about appropriate prescription treatments.

Skincare That Supports Your Skin Barrier

At Skin Worthy, we believe healthy skin starts with understanding what your skin actually needs.

One of our favourite options for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin is ZO Skin Health Hydrating Crème. Awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, this soothing moisturizer is formulated to help replenish moisture, support the skin barrier and calm visible irritation.

With ingredients including colloidal oatmeal and barrier-supporting hydrators, it's an excellent option to consider when winter dryness becomes difficult to manage.

Can In-Clinic Treatments Help?

While active eczema requires appropriate medical management, professional hydration treatments may complement your skincare routine when your skin is calm and your barrier is healthy.

At Skin Worthy, we offer:

Dermal Infusion: Available for the face and body, this treatment combines exfoliation, extraction and serum infusion to improve hydration and skin texture. It can be particularly beneficial for seasonal dryness in suitable candidates, but should be avoided on areas affected by active eczema.

Beauty Booster: An injectable skin-quality treatment designed to improve hydration and support smoother, more supple-looking skin. While it isn't a treatment for eczema, it may be considered for suitable patients once inflammation is controlled.

The key is understanding the difference between dry skin, dehydration and an active inflammatory skin condition. Not every treatment is appropriate for every skin type or every stage of a flare-up.

Healthy Skin Is Possible, Even in Winter

Living with eczema can be frustrating, unpredictable and sometimes emotionally exhausting. But it doesn't have to mean constantly experimenting with products or accepting ongoing discomfort.

Although eczema doesn't currently have a cure, the right combination of medical care, consistent skincare and trigger management can make a meaningful difference. Your skin deserves more than temporary relief. It deserves a plan. At Skin Worthy, we're here to help you understand your skin, support its health and build a skincare routine that works with it, not against it. Call or text 647-350-7546 to book your consultation.