Natural Ways to Soothe Dry, Eczema-Prone Skin During Harsh Winters
Winter can be especially challenging for those with eczema. Cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating pull moisture from the skin, leaving it tight, flaky, and irritated. The good news? Nature offers powerful tools to keep skin calm, hydrated, and resilient during harsh winter months. Here are some of the best natural strategies to protect and nourish eczema-prone skin.
1. Switch to Protective, Oil-Rich Moisturizers
Winter eczema needs heavier, occlusive moisture. Look for natural balms and butters that create a breathable barrier on the skin.
Great options include:
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Shea Butter: deeply nourishing and rich in natural anti-inflammatory compounds.
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Calendula-infused Oils: soothes irritation and supports skin recovery.
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Evening Primrose Oil: rich in GLA, which helps calm redness and flares.
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Castor Oil: thick oil, that is incredibly hydrating and helps seal in moisture.
Tip: Apply right after bathing when the skin is still damp to lock in hydration.
2. Use Gentle, pH-Balanced Cleansers
Harsh soaps strip the skin barrier, something that those with eczema should avoid.
Instead, opt for:
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Cream cleansers
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Cold-processed or African black soap (used sparingly) - should
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Oat-based washes
Look for fragrance-free, without sodium laurel sulfate, parabens, or dyes based cleansers
3. Add Colloidal Oatmeal to Baths or Skincare
For some, colloidal oatmeal is a winter eczema essential. It helps reduce itching and forms a protective film over the skin.
Ways to use it:
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Add ½–1 cup to warm (not hot) bath water
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Mix into a DIY cream or mask
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Sprinkle into a child’s bath for gentle relief
Its beta-glucans and antioxidants help calm inflammation naturally.
4. Sea Moss Gel for Deep Moisture + Minerals
Sea moss contains polysaccharides that help the skin retain water and stay supple in cold weather. It also contains prebiotics and minerals that help to rebuild the skins microbiome
It’s great as:
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A hydrating skin mask
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A soothing ingredient in body gels, creams, or soaps
- In an herbal formula to rebuild the gut microbiome, this supports the skin from the inside out
The best types of sea moss gels are Chondrus Crispus and Gracilaria
5. Aloe Vera Gel for Instant Soothing
Aloe relieves itching, irritation, and dryness, which is perfect for winter flare-ups.
Use fresh aloe or an organic gel without unnecessary additives, fragrances, or preservatives.
Pairing aloe with oils like jojoba or olive oil helps prevent evaporative dryness.
6. Use Humidifiers Indoors
Indoor heat is a major trigger for winter eczema. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, helping:
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Reduce overnight itching
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Prevent dryness
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Keep skin hydrated from the environment up
Aim for 40–50% humidity in your home. Add essential oils for allergy and immune support. My favorites are tea tree and eucalyptus.
7. Herbal Infusions for Skin Support
Some herbs support the skin from the inside out during the colder months.
Good winter herbs include:
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Nettle Leaf : supports healthy inflammatory response, natural antihistamine
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Calendula: skin-soothing internally and externally
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Chamomile: calming to both skin and nervous system, reduces stress-based flareups.
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Burdock Root: supports detox and healthy skin balance, removes excess toxins from the body for better skin and gut health
Drink as teas or use infusions in your skincare routine.
8. Avoid Hot Showers and Over-Bathing
Hot water strips the skin barrier faster during winter.
Switch to:
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Lukewarm showers
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Shorter bathing times
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Moisturizing immediately after drying off
If you still love your hot showers, use a sea moss mask beforehand, and a thicker moisturizing balm to protect your skin barrier.
9. Seal in Moisture with Natural Oils
After moisturizing or showering, sealing the skin with oils helps reduce water loss.
Some of the best oils for eczema-prone skin:
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Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive oil (infused with calendula or chamomile)
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Jojoba oil
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Safflower oil
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Grapeseed oil
These help soften rough patches while strengthening the lipid barrier. Some people find relief from coconut oil, but since many people with eczema have allergies to coconut oil, I did not list it here.
10. Wear Skin-Friendly Winter Fabrics
Winter clothing can irritate eczema if the fabric is too rough.
Stick to:
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100% Cotton layers under sweaters
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Bamboo fabrics
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Soft cashmere or merino wool (if tolerated)
Avoid direct contact with scratchy wool. Many clothing items are made with synthetic.
The key to navigating the winter time with eczema, is preparation. Have your favorite skincare routine on standby, so that you control your skin, instead of the weather controlling your skin and flareups.
Here's what I would personally recommend for anyone dealing with eczema prone skin:
- Daily Gut Health Drops: This formula is the exact item that I used to rebuild my sons gut microbiome. Although we view eczema as a skin issue, studies have shown that there are specific bacterial strains that can cause severe and consistent flare ups. It's also been shown that those with eczema have different skin bacteria. To combat this imbalance, you can add prebiotics and probiotics to your body, rebuild your gut, and then rebuild your skin. This is a slow and steady step, but provides long term relief from flare ups. My son hasn't had a flare up in almost 4 years.
- Eczema Relief Bundle: The Eczema Support Bundle contains a nontoxic soap that is infused with sea moss gel, aloe vera, shea butter, and African black soap. This provides a nourishing, soothing, and rebuilding soap that reduces the irritation associated with eczema.
- Bacteria Cheatsheet eBook: This eBook contains specific strains that have been studied to combat various issues including eczema, psoriasis, reoccurring ear infections, UTI's, RSV, GERD, and more! Before you buy another probiotic or digestive supplement, check the scientific studies within this eBook to confirm that they will be beneficial for your needs.
