Atopic dermatitis: the impact of the seasons and the right steps to take

13/11/2025

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Camille A.

Having atopic skin is no walk in the park... Also known as eczema , atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects both children and adults. It causes itching, tightness, and redness. Flare-ups are uncomfortable and can significantly impact quality of life.

However, the manifestations of atopic dermatitis often vary with the seasons. Cold, heat, humidity, or environmental allergens can play a significant role in the intensity of the symptoms.

In this article, we explore how atopic dermatitis impacts the skin and our well-being, but above all, why climate change affects its symptoms. We will also detail the best practices to adopt each season to soothe your atopic-prone skin and regain a sense of calm in your daily life.

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Atopic dermatitis: understanding it better to live better with it

What is atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition . It affects babies, children, adolescents, and adults alike, and is characterized by periods of flare-ups interspersed with periods of remission.

Although not contagious, this disease can significantly impact the daily lives of those who suffer from it¹.

What causes atopic dermatitis?

Eczema , also known as atopic dermatitis, is primarily genetic in origin : the skin of atopic individuals has a naturally more fragile skin barrier, which is less effective at protecting against external aggressors. Consequently, it allows allergens, microbes, and other irritants to penetrate more easily.

This is compounded by an unbalanced immune response , which is the cause of

such as cold, heat, stress, pollution, allergens…and which are well tolerated by non-atopic skin² ³.

Research on atopic dermatitis also suggests the role of other factors, such as the skin microbiota, alteration of cutaneous nerve fibers, or imbalances in lipid synthesis.

The manifestations of atopic dermatitis

The symptoms of atopic dermatitis are well identified⁴:

An intense drought ,
Redness ,
Itching that is sometimes difficult to bear (pruritus),
Sometimes with oozing or the formation of scabs .

Some areas are more affected than others:

The creases of the elbows and knees ,
The face ,
The neck ,
Or even the hands .

The impact of atopic dermatitis on quality of life

People who suffer from eczema report the many unpleasant side effects of this condition that they experience on a daily basis³:

Approximately 43% of those affected exhibit symptoms of anxiety or depression .
For half of them, the itching disrupts their sleep almost every night.
Leisure activities can even be affected for 44% of patients.
And 50% report a decline in their professional productivity.

It is also common for atopic dermatitis to affect social life.

In case of difficulties, it is strongly advised to seek the help of a professional who can help you improve your quality of life.

Learn more

To learn more about atopic dermatitis, see our full article: Atopic skin: how to take care of it and live better with it.

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The impact of the seasons on atopic skin

Why does atopic dermatitis vary according to the seasons?

Atopic dermatitis doesn't manifest itself in the same way throughout the year . Those affected know this well: a change in temperature or humidity, and their skin reacts immediately. The cause? The natural hyper-fragility and hyper-reactivity of atopic skin, which results³:

From an altered skin barrier , more permeable to external aggressions.
From an immune system that overreacts to environmental irritants and allergens, causing chronic inflammation.

In winter

Winter is particularly harsh for atopic skin.
- Outside , cold air promotes the contraction of blood vessels in the skin, which slows circulation and reduces the supply of nutrients.
- Indoors , heating can exacerbate skin dehydration and promote sweating (especially when wearing warm clothing), two factors that can trigger eczema flare-ups. As a result, the skin feels tight, becomes rough, and is more prone to itching and discomfort.
In addition, wearing certain materials such as wool or synthetic clothing , which are often irritating, as well as poorly adapted daily habits (long, hot showers that strip away the hydrolipidic film) further weaken the skin.

As you may have guessed, winter is therefore a season conducive to more severe and frequent eczema flare-ups.
In spring

Spring isn't necessarily a time of respite for atopic skin. The warmer weather brings with it the return of airborne allergens : pollen, grasses, dust… These invisible but dreaded particles easily penetrate the weakened skin barrier of eczema-prone skin and trigger inflammatory reactions . As a result, redness, itching, and the appearance of patches can intensify.

For people with dual respiratory and skin sensitivities , spring can become a particularly uncomfortable season.
In summer

In summer, the heat becomes a factor. And although natural, perspiration becomes problematic . By lingering in the folds of the skin (elbows, knees), perspiration irritates sensitive areas and promotes the appearance of pimples and eczema patches.

Swimming in pools rich in chlorine, or bathing in the sea, which is very salty, also weakens the skin.
This can increase itching and the urge to scratch, with the risk of lesions or even bacterial superinfections.
In autumn

Finally, autumn! A rather pleasant transitional period for atopic skin. The drop in temperatures and generally moderate humidity bring some comfort to those suffering from eczema. Flare-ups and other symptoms are usually less frequent and less intense.

Atopic dermatitis and the seasons: adapting your skincare routine

When you have atopic skin, regularity and gentle skincare make all the difference. Adapting your routine to the seasons will not only help prevent flare-ups , but also significantly improve your daily comfort.

Year-round care for atopic skin

Eczema management can involve several levels of care and treatment throughout the year , from simply avoiding irritants to taking immunosuppressive treatments.

In terms of care, a few steps prove essential throughout the year:

Ultra-gentle cleansing : opt for soap-free, perfume-free products with a neutral pH to avoid damaging the skin barrier.
Good hydration : use a high-tolerance lipid-replenishing treatment every day, specifically formulated for atopic skin.
Avoid irritating products that further weaken the skin.

In addition to these daily measures throughout the year, it may be necessary to adapt your skincare routine according to the seasons.

Topicrem's answer:
Discover our range of skincare products dedicated to atopic skin and atopic dermatitis, DA PROTECT .

Caring for atopic skin in winter

In winter, swap your moisturizing treatment for a richer texture , such as balms or more nourishing emollient creams , which leave a protective film.
In the shower, be sure to use lukewarm water , definitely not too hot, so as not to further strip the skin's hydrolipidic film.
After washing, gently pat your skin dry, and apply an emollient to skin that is still slightly damp to optimize hydration.

Caring for atopic skin in the spring

In spring, it's advisable to lighten your skincare routine while maintaining good hydration . Lighter textures are better suited to this season.
It is recommended to wash your face and hair regularly to remove pollen and other allergens from the ambient air.
Note: the use of certain topical antihistamines can dry out the skin.

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Skincare for atopic skin in summer

In summer, the heat and perspiration call for continued application of light, non-greasy, but still soothing skincare products .
After periods of heavy sweating, it is recommended to take lukewarm showers and dry the skin gently.
Finally, don't forget to apply sun protection: opt for a high-tolerance sunscreen , without perfume or alcohol, to protect without irritating.

Caring for atopic skin in autumn

In autumn, it's important to prepare for the return of the cold. To do this, gradually return, as temperatures drop, to richer and more restorative textures.

Other daily practices that will benefit your atopic skin

Living with atopic dermatitis means learning to care for your skin, but also taking care of yourself holistically . Emotional balance and lifestyle habits are important in managing eczema flare-ups.

Reducing stress and its impact : Stress is an aggravating factor in atopic dermatitis. Incorporating relaxation practices such as sophrology, meditation, and yoga can help soothe the mind and skin.
The right clothes : loose-fitting, made of cotton or natural materials to limit friction and perspiration.
An anti-inflammatory diet : with oily fish rich in omega-3, colorful fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, oilseeds, legumes… To avoid: alcohol, spicy or ultra-processed foods.
Psychological support : if you feel the need, seek help from a specialist who will listen to you. Explaining the illness to your loved ones is also important to help you feel better understood.

There are associations dedicated to atopic dermatitis, such as the French Eczema Association . Through them, you can find advice and support. Our DA PROTECT face and body care range has been tested and approved by this association.

Atopic dermatitis changes with the seasons. And each time of year brings its own set of challenges for atopic skin : the cold of winter, the allergens of spring, the heat of summer... Yet, by adapting your routine to these variations, it is possible to soothe your skin and find more comfort day after day.

Therefore, a well-thought-out seasonal routine will help you anticipate breakouts, manage them better, and maintain your skin's balance. This will also improve your overall well-being.

All TOPICREM formulas have been designed to provide protective hydration and preserve the skin barrier of sensitive skin for the whole family.

To achieve this, our laboratory relies on its expertise derived from pharmaceutical excellence:

Selection of highly tolerable ingredients with proven efficacy,
Development of clinically tested formulas for sensitive skin,
Effectiveness proven by science and approved by consumers.

Through the comfort and emotional well-being they provide, our treatments help you feel confident with your skin and with yourself, to reveal yourself more fully to others, and thus to fully enjoy every moment of life.

Bibliographical references:

¹Weidinger, S., & Novak, N. (2016). Atopic dermatitis. Lancet (London, England), 387(10023), 1109‐1122. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)00149-X)

²Misery L, Ständer S, Szepietowski JC, Reich A, Wallengren J, Evers AW, et al. Definition of sensitive skin: an expert position paper from the special interest group on sensitive skin of the IFSI (International Forum for the Study of Itch) Acta Derm Venereol. 2017;97:4-6.

³Dermato-Info.fr (information website of the French Society of Dermatology). Urticaria.

⁴Dharmage, SC, Lowe, AJ, Matheson, MC, Burgess, JA, Allen, KJ, & Abramson, MJ (2014). Atopic dermatitis and the atopic market revisited. Allergy, 69(1), 17‐27. https://doi.org/10.1111/all.12268