3 Things to Stop Doing NOW to Get Control of Your Eczema Flare-ups

If you’re tired of itching, flaking, and feeling like your skin’s constantly betraying you, then listen up. I’ve been there, and I’m here to tell you the truth most dermatologists won’t.

Here are 3 things you need to STOP doing immediately if you want to calm your eczema and reduce your flare-ups without relying on steroids:

❌ 1. Stop Using Fragrance. Immediately.

Yes, even the “natural” ones. Even the “unscented” that still list “fragrance” on the label.

Fragrance is a topical irritant and an endocrine disruptor; it messes with your hormones and your skin barrier. When your skin is already compromised (and let’s be honest, if you’re flaring, it is), fragrance can set off a full-body firestorm.

That pretty-smelling body wash? The scented lotion? Your laundry detergent? They’re silently causing chaos. Your skin is absorbing those compounds, and your immune system is screaming in response.

❌ 2. Stop Eating Wheat-Based Products.

Before you roll your eyes, no, this isn’t a trendy “gluten-free” pitch. This is about inflammation.

You don’t need a formal wheat allergy or celiac disease to react to wheat. Many people have a non-celiac gluten sensitivity that causes systemic inflammation. And where does that inflammation often show up? The skin.

Pasta, bread, crackers, even “whole wheat” options could be fueling your flare-ups. If you’re serious about healing from the inside out, wheat has to go, at least for now.

❌ 3. Stop Taking Daily Showers. Seriously.

This one gets people heated—but stay with me.

Daily showers strip your skin of its natural protective oils and disturb the skin microbiome, which is already struggling if you have eczema or are going through TSW. Hot water? Harsh soaps? Constant cleansing? That’s a recipe for chronic irritation.

When you’re dealing with flare-ups, more scrubbing = more damage. You’re not dirty, you’re inflamed. Bathing in sections at the sick and spacing out full-body showers gives your skin a chance to recover and restore its barrier.

✅ So What Should You Do Instead?

I won’t leave you hanging. Here are 3 swaps you can make TODAY:

✅ Use Fragrance-Free Everything.

And not just the label—read the ingredient list. Truly unscented, non-toxic, hypoallergenic products only. Your skin will thank you.

✅ Replace Wheat with Anti-Inflammatory Options.

Try sweet potatoes, quinoa, or gluten-free oats. Support your gut while you calm your skin. Luckily, there are many gluten free options out there, and some of them even taste good 🥹

✅ Clean and Rehydrate.

Bathe in sections at the sink. Use lukewarm water. Use a fragrance free skin cleanser designed for sensitive skin. Skip harsh soaps. Seal in moisture immediately after with a barrier balm or body oil. (Yes, I carry mine in my bag. Always.)

The truth is, flare-ups don’t just “happen.” They’re triggered, often by things you’ve been told are harmless or “normal.” But if you want to get better, you’ve got to let go of what’s hurting you.

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Want step-by-step guidance and support? Message me. Let’s heal together.