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

13/11/2025

Enfant appliquant une crème hydratante sur le bras pour apaiser une peau atopique

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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.

Mère et enfant illustrant le quotidien avec une peau à tendance atopique

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 manifests as periods of flare-ups interspersed with phases of remission.

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

Where does atopic dermatitis come from?

Eczema, another name for atopic dermatitis, is essentially genetic: the skin of atopic individuals has a naturally more fragile skin barrier, which is less effective at protecting against external aggressions. As a result, it more easily lets through allergens, microbes, and other irritating agents.

Added to this is an unbalanced immune response, which causes

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.

What are the manifestations of atopic dermatitis?

The symptoms of atopic dermatitis are well identified⁴:

Intense dryness,
Redness,
Sometimes unbearable itching (pruritus),
Sometimes with oozing or crust formation.

Certain areas are more affected than others:

Elbow and knee creases,
The face,
The neck,
Or the hands.

What is the impact of atopic dermatitis on quality of life?

People with eczema report numerous daily inconveniences of this condition³:

Approximately 43% of affected individuals experience symptoms of anxiety or depression.
For half, itching disturbs their sleep almost every night.
Leisure activities can even be affected for 44% of patients.
And 50% observe a decrease in their professional productivity.

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

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

Learn more about atopic dermatitis

To deepen your knowledge of atopic dermatitis, discover our dedicated article which explains how to better understand this skin reaction, adapt your skincare routine, and improve your daily comfort.

Atopic dermatitis and seasons: understanding the impact and adapting your skincare routine

Atopic dermatitis does not manifest in the same way throughout the year. Variations in temperature, humidity, and exposure to certain environmental factors directly influence the condition of atopic skin, which is naturally more fragile and reactive.

This is due to an impaired skin barrier, which is more permeable to external aggressions, and an exacerbated immune response, which promotes inflammation in the face of cold, heat, perspiration, and seasonal allergens. These changes can lead to an increase in eczema flare-ups or an intensification of symptoms depending on the time of year.

Adapting your skincare routine throughout the seasons is therefore essential. The regularity and gentleness of care not only prevent flare-ups but also sustainably improve the daily comfort of atopic skin. By adjusting textures, gestures, and products used according to climatic conditions, it is possible to better protect the skin and limit skin imbalances.

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.
Adapting your skincare routine in winter

In winter, swap your moisturiser for a richer texture, such as more nourishing balms or emollient creams, which leave a protective film on the skin. When showering, be sure to use lukewarm water, especially 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 while the skin is still slightly damp to optimise hydration.
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.
Adapt your skincare routine for spring

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

In summer, heat and perspiration call for the continued use of light, non-greasy, but still soothing skincare products. After periods of heavy perspiration, it is recommended to take lukewarm showers and gently dry the skin. Finally, don't forget to apply sunscreen: choose a high-tolerance sunscreen that is fragrance- and alcohol-free to protect your skin without irritating it.
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.
Adapt your skincare routine for autumn

In autumn, you need to prepare for the return of cold weather. To do this, as temperatures drop, gradually switch back to richer, more restorative textures.

Other daily practices that will benefit your atopic skin

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

Reduce stress and its impact : stress is an aggravating factor for atopic dermatitis. Incorporating relaxation practices such as sophrology, meditation, yoga can help soothe the mind and skin.
The right clothes: loose, 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 dishes.
Psychological support: if you feel the need, call on a specialist who will listen to you. Explaining the disease 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. With 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 evolves with the seasons. And each period of the year brings its share of challenges for atopic skin: the cold of winter, spring allergens, the heat of summer... However, by adapting your routine to these variations, it is possible to soothe your skin and find more comfort day after day.

Thus, a well-thought-out seasonal routine will help you anticipate flare-ups, manage them better, and preserve your skin's balance. This will also improve your overall well-being.

Topicrem dermatological expertise for sensitive skin

TOPICREM formulas are all designed to provide protective hydration and preserve the skin barrier of sensitive skin for the entire family.

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

Selection of high-tolerance ingredients with proven efficacy,
Development of formulas clinically tested on sensitive skin,
Efficacy demonstrated by science and approved by consumers.

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

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Why does atopic dermatitis vary with the seasons?

Atopic dermatitis is sensitive to climatic variations. Cold, heat, humidity, or allergens weaken the skin barrier and promote inflammation. Adapting your routine with appropriate emollient care, such as those offered by TOPICREM, helps limit seasonal flare-ups.

What skincare should you prioritize in winter for atopic skin?

In winter, it is advisable to use richer emollient care products to compensate for dry skin. Gentle cleansing products and lipid-replenishing creams, such as those from the TOPICREM range, applied daily, help protect the skin and reduce itching.

How to adapt your skincare routine in spring and summer?

In spring and summer, the routine can be lightened with more fluid textures while maintaining regular hydration. The use of high-tolerance TOPICREM skincare products, combined with appropriate sun protection, helps preserve the comfort of atopic skin.

What daily habits help prevent eczema flare-ups?

Soap-free cleansing, daily moisturization with appropriate skincare products like those from TOPICREM, wearing natural fiber clothing, and avoiding irritating products all help strengthen the skin barrier and space out flare-ups.

When should you see a professional for atopic dermatitis?

Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended when symptoms persist or affect quality of life. In addition to medical follow-up, the regular use of adapted dermo-cosmetic care, such as Topicrem products, contributes to better daily management.

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