How Simple Changes to Your Routine Can Help Your Skin

Where to Start

Your skin is what you live in every single day. And if you have eczema or psoriasis, you know that even small changes to your environment or routine can shift how your skin feels — for better or worse.

The good news is that the same is true in reverse. Small, consistent habits can add up to real relief. You don’t need a complicated regimen. You just need a few gentle adjustments that your skin can count on.

Your Bathing Routine

The way you bathe has a bigger impact on your skin than you might think. A few simple shifts can help protect your skin barrier instead of wearing it down.

• Keep it short and lukewarm — Aim for 5 to 10 minutes. Hot water strips away your skin’s natural oils and can leave skin feeling dry, tight, and itchy.
• Choose gentle, fragrance-free cleansers — Look for products free of added dyes, harsh detergents, and fragrances, all of which can irritate sensitive skin.
• Pat, don’t rub — When drying off, gently pat your skin with a soft towel. Rubbing can aggravate your skin barrier and make itching worse.

Moisturizing: Making It Work for You

Moisturizing is one of the most powerful things you can do for your skin — but the timing and consistency matter just as much as the product you choose.

• Apply within 3 minutes of showering — While your skin is still slightly damp, apply your moisturizer to help lock in hydration before it evaporates. This is one of the most effective habits you can build.
• Choose the right consistency for your skin — For very dry, inflamed, or irritated skin, thick ointments and heavy creams tend to be more effective than lightweight lotions. Talk to your care team about what’s right for you.
• Moisturize throughout the day — Keep a travel-sized moisturizer with you. Reapply whenever your skin starts to feel tight, dry, or itchy — not just after showering.

Your Environment and What You Wear

What surrounds your skin matters as much as what you put on it. A few adjustments at home and in your wardrobe can go a long way.

• Try a cool-mist humidifier — Heating and air conditioning can dry out the air in your home. Running a cool-mist humidifier — especially in your bedroom while you sleep — helps add moisture back into the air and may help your skin stay more comfortable around the clock.
• Wear breathable fabrics — Soft, loose-fitting materials like 100% cotton or bamboo tend to be gentler on sensitive skin. Wool and synthetic blends like polyester can trap heat and sweat, which are common triggers for both eczema and psoriasis.
• Rethink your laundry products — Wash clothes, towels, and bedding in hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, dye-free detergents. Skip the scented fabric softeners and dryer sheets — they’re a surprisingly common irritant.

Have questions about building a routine that works for your skin? Your Zest care team is here to help you figure out what fits your life. You can also find our recommended cleansers and moisturizers in the Zest Marketplace.