Managing Skin Flares

You're Not Doing Anything Wrong

If you have eczema or psoriasis, you’ve probably experienced this cycle: things improve, then something shifts and a flare sets in. It can feel unpredictable and frustrating — especially when you’re doing everything right.

The truth is, both eczema and psoriasis are long-term conditions that naturally go through periods of flares — when symptoms worsen — and calmer periods when skin settles. That’s not a failure. It’s just how these conditions work. And with the right tools, you can manage flares more confidently and keep the calm periods lasting longer.

Understanding Skin Flares

While eczema and psoriasis are different conditions, they share a common pattern: flares happen when inflammation rises and the skin barrier breaks down. Managing a flare means addressing both — calming the inflammation and helping your skin repair itself.

At the same time, understanding what triggered your flare in the first place is just as important. Your Zest care team will help you connect the dots and customize a plan based on your goals and how your skin responds.

Your Daily Skin Care Foundation

A consistent daily routine is one of the most effective ways to support your skin between flares — and to recover faster when they happen.

When it comes to bathing:

• Bathe daily or every other day with lukewarm water and keep it short.
• Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers — avoid products with added fragrances, dyes, or essential oils.
• When drying off, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Don’t rub.

For moisturizing:

• Apply within 3 minutes of bathing — While your skin is still slightly damp, apply moisturizer to help lock in hydration before it evaporates.
• More is more — Apply liberally to your entire body at least once daily, and often multiple times per day whenever skin feels tight or dry.
• Choose what you’ll actually use — Ointments tend to be more effective, but the moisturizer you use consistently is the right one for you. Talk to your care team about what fits your routine.

When You’re in a Flare

When a flare is active, your prescribed medication is your most important tool. Apply it directly to affected areas once or twice daily as directed by your provider. Always apply your prescription medication first, then moisturize the rest of your body.

• Sensitive areas — For areas like your face, skin folds, and groin, your care team may prescribe medications specifically formulated for those areas. Always follow their guidance.
• Wet wrap therapy — During more intense flares, wet wrap therapy — applying medication and moisturizer, then covering treated areas with wraps — may help lock in moisture and calm the skin. If this is relevant for you, your care team will walk you through exactly how to do it.

Getting to Know Your Triggers

Most flares are linked to one or more triggers. Learning yours is one of the most empowering things you can do — because once you know what sets your skin off, you can start getting ahead of it.

Not sure what’s triggering your flares? Your care team can help you track patterns and build a proactive plan.

Have questions about managing your flares or want to review your current care plan? Your Zest care team is here whenever you need us. You can also find our recommended products in the Zest Marketplace.