Summer is filled with sunshine, swimming pools, and beach vacations—but for people living with eczema, it can also mean dry, itchy, and irritated skin. While ocean water and chlorinated pools aren't harmful for everyone, they can disrupt an already weakened skin barrier, making eczema symptoms worse.

The good news? With a few preventative steps and a consistent skincare routine, you can enjoy the season while keeping flare-ups to a minimum.

How Summer Affects Eczema

Saltwater: Helpful for Some, Irritating for Others

Saltwater has natural antimicrobial properties and may help reduce bacteria on the skin. However, if your skin barrier is already compromised, salt can sting, increase moisture loss, and leave skin feeling tight and irritated. Environmental factors—including water exposure—are among the most commonly reported eczema triggers (Hussain et al., 2024).

Chlorine: Cleans Pools, But Can Dry Skin

Chlorine keeps pools safe by eliminating bacteria, but it also strips away the skin's natural oils. For people with eczema, this can weaken the skin barrier, leading to dryness, itching, and inflammation. Maintaining hydration and protecting the skin barrier are essential parts of eczema management (Langley, 2005).

Four Ways to Protect Eczema-Prone Skin This Summer

1. Create a Protective Barrier Before Swimming

Applying a rich moisturizer before entering the pool or ocean helps reduce direct contact between the skin and drying irritants.

Rejûvaskin Skin Recovery Cream is formulated with:

• Squalane and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate

• Calendula and aloe vera to soothe dry, irritated skin

• A gentle, steroid-free formula suitable for sensitive skin

Studies show that consistent use of emollients helps reduce eczema flare-ups by strengthening the skin barrier (Weber et al., 2015).

2. Rinse Off Immediately After Swimming

After swimming, rinse with fresh water to remove chlorine or salt, gently pat skin dry, and apply moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp. This helps lock in moisture and restore the skin barrier.

3. Protect Skin with Mineral Sunscreen

Sun exposure can trigger eczema flare-ups, and some chemical sunscreens may further irritate sensitive skin.

A mineral sunscreen formulated with zinc oxide, like Rejûvaskin Mineral Facial Sunscreen SPF 32, provides broad-spectrum UV protection while being gentle on compromised skin.

4. Stay Cool and Hydrated

Heat and sweating are common eczema triggers. Wear lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, stay well hydrated, and avoid prolonged heat exposure whenever possible.

Consistency Is the Best Defense

Managing eczema isn't just about treating flare-ups—it's about protecting the skin barrier every day. Research shows that proactive skincare, including daily moisturization and barrier repair, can reduce the frequency and severity of eczema flares (Wollenberg & Ehmann, 2012).

Using Rejûvaskin Skin Recovery Cream daily and applying Mineral Facial Sunscreen SPF 32 before spending time outdoors can help keep sensitive skin hydrated, protected, and comfortable throughout the summer.

Enjoy Summer Without Compromising Your Skin

Living with eczema doesn't mean you have to avoid the beach or the pool. By protecting your skin before swimming, restoring moisture afterward, and shielding it from the sun, you can help minimize irritation and enjoy everything summer has to offer.

With a consistent skincare routine and dermatologist-inspired products from Rejûvaskin, healthy summer skin is within reach.

Works Cited

Hussain, N., Bhatti, A. N., Khan, B. N., Siddiqa, A., Azhar, S., & Zahra, T. (2024). Survey on Eczema: Its Perceptions and Characterization. Link

Langley, R. (2005). New therapeutic targets in atopic eczema. Acta Dermato-Venereologica Supplementum, 215, 25–27. Link

Weber, T., Samarin, F. M., Babcock, M., Filbry, A., & Rippke, F. (2015). Steroid-free over-the-counter eczema skin care formulations reduce risk of flare. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 14(5), 478–485. Link

Wollenberg, A., & Ehmann, L. (2012). Long-term treatment concepts and proactive therapy for atopic eczema. Annals of Dermatology, 24(3), 253–260. Link