There’s something lovely about the shift into autumn. Cooler mornings, softer light, jumpers coming back out of the wardrobe. But for eczema-prone skin, the change of season can be a little less welcome.

As temperatures start to drop, many people notice their skin becoming drier, tighter, itchier or more reactive. Areas that felt relatively calm through summer can suddenly begin to feel uncomfortable again. So why does autumn seem to make eczema-prone skin more difficult to manage?

The air becomes drier

As we move away from summer, both the temperature and humidity begin to fall. Cooler, drier air can draw moisture from the surface of the skin, making it harder for the skin barrier to hold onto the hydration it needs.

For skin that is already dry, sensitive or eczema-prone, that loss of moisture can become particularly noticeable. The result can be skin that feels rougher, tighter and more easily irritated.

Central heating comes back on

Then there’s the other side of autumn: we start spending more time indoors. Central heating may make the house feel cosy, but heated indoor air can be very drying for the skin. Moving repeatedly between cold outdoor air and warm, dry indoor environments can make things even more challenging.

This is often the point in the year when it becomes worth changing your skincare routine too, swapping lighter summer products for richer formulas that help soften the skin and support its natural barrier.

Hotter showers can make dry skin feel worse

When it’s cold outside, a long hot shower can feel incredibly tempting. Unfortunately, very hot water can strip away some of the natural oils that help protect the skin.

If your skin is already prone to dryness or eczema, try keeping showers warm rather than hot and applying your moisturiser or balm shortly afterwards, while the skin still feels slightly damp. This can help lock in moisture rather than allowing it to evaporate.

Autumn clothing can create friction

Jumpers, scarves, woollen fabrics and extra layers can all rub against sensitive skin. For some people, this additional friction can contribute to irritation, particularly around the neck, arms, wrists and areas where clothing fits more tightly. Soft, breathable fabrics may feel more comfortable, while keeping the skin well moisturised can help reduce that dry, tight feeling underneath clothing.

Your skin may simply need a little more support

One of the most important things you can do for dry, eczema-prone skin during autumn is keep your routine simple. When skin is already feeling compromised, piling on multiple products and active ingredients isn’t always what it needs.

Often, the focus should be on comfort, nourishment and supporting the skin barrier.

Louisa’s Autumn Skin Tip

“When the weather turns colder, I always recommend simplifying your routine rather than adding more and more products. Keep cleansing gentle, avoid very hot water and apply a nourishing balm while the skin is still slightly damp. It’s often the small, consistent things that make the biggest difference to dry, sensitive skin.”

Louisa, Floragy Founder & Holistic Facialist

That was one of the reasons we created Calmer Balm.

Meet Calmer Balm

Calmer Balm was developed specifically with very dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin in mind. It’s an unscented, rich but comforting balm designed for both the face and body, using a carefully considered blend of nourishing plant oils, butters and soothing ingredients.

Inside you’ll find ingredients including:

• Shea Butter to deeply nourish and help protect dry skin.
• Oat Lipid Oil to support the skin barrier and help comfort dry, sensitive skin.
• Squalane to soften and moisturise without leaving the skin feeling excessively heavy.
• Calendula and Bisabolol to help calm and comfort delicate, reactive-feeling skin.

There are no essential oils or added fragrance, making Calmer Balm particularly suited to skin that prefers a simpler approach.

How to use Calmer Balm during autumn

Calmer Balm can be used anywhere that needs a little extra care, from dry patches on the face to hands, elbows, arms and legs. Massage a small amount gently into clean skin and reapply whenever your skin feels dry or uncomfortable.

One of our favourite times to use it is after bathing or showering, when the skin is still slightly damp. This helps create a comforting layer over the skin and lock in moisture.

You can also keep a pot nearby during the day for areas that need a little extra attention.

Keep autumn skincare simple

There isn’t always a way to completely avoid the seasonal changes that affect our skin. But adjusting your routine as the weather changes can make a real difference. Be gentle with your skin, avoid excessively hot water, moisturise regularly and pay attention to what makes your skin feel comfortable.

And when your skin starts asking for a little more nourishment, Calmer Balm is there to help soothe, soften and support very dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin throughout autumn and beyond.

Because sometimes, calmer skin starts with doing a little less and giving it a little more of what it needs.