Hidden Everyday Triggers That Can Worsen Sensitive Skin, Eczema and Dermatitis

When your skin is reactive, it’s often not just skincare that’s to blame.

Everyday exposures from laundry detergent to pet dander can quietly keep inflammation going, even when you’re “doing everything right”.

If your skin feels stuck in a cycle of flares, sensitivity, or slow healing, this guide walks through common hidden triggers and simple ways to reduce irritation while your skin calms and repairs.

Pets & Animal Dander

Pet dander is a very common trigger - even if you’ve lived with your pet for years without issues.

What to be mindful of:

• Cats, dogs birds and rabbits can all trigger skin reactions
• Cat saliva on fur can significantly worsen symptoms
• Outdoor pollen and pollution can collect on paws and coats

Gentle adjustments:

• Keep pets out of the bedroom during flares
• Avoid pets sleeping on pillows or near the face
• Wash pet bedding frequently using a gentle, fragrance free detergent
• Wipe paws and fur after outdoor walks
• Vacuum regularly using a HEPA filter

Laundry Detergent & Fabric Care

Laundry products are one of the most overlooked causes of ongoing irritation - especially for hands, body, and face that comes into contact with bedding.

Avoid:

• detergents (enzymes can irritate inflamed skin)
• Fragrance, dyes, scent boosters and fabric softeners
• Dryer sheets

Better choices:

• Non-bio, fragrance-free, dye-free detergents
• Gentle brands (or homemade detergent if that’s something you’re comfortable with)
• Use an extra rinse cycle where possible
• Be especially mindful of residue on towels, bedding and underwear
• Always wash new clothes before wearing to remove finishing chemicals

Clothing & Fabrics

What touches your skin all day matters.

More skin-friendly fabrics:

• Cotton
• Linen
• Bamboo
• Silk

Things to be cautious with:

• fabrics like polyester, acrylic and nylon
• Tight or non-breathable clothing that traps heat and sweat
• Labels that rub or itch (remove if needed)
• Wool - some people tolerate it, others don’t

During flare-ups, loose-fitting, breathable clothing can make a big difference.

 

Fragrance: Perfume, Aftershave & Scented Products

Fragrance is one of the biggest hidden triggers for sensitive and eczema prone skin.

Common sources:

• Perfumes and aftershaves
• Scent transfer from others (hugs, scarves, bedding)
• Fragranced skincare, haircare and deodorants

Supportive swaps:

• Avoid spraying fragrance on skin, clothing or bedding
• Choose fragrance free skincare and haircare
• If you use scent, opt for low dose natural essential oil roll ons and patch test carefully

 

Candles, Air Fresheners & Home Fragrance

Airborne fragrance can irritate both skin and respiratory pathways.

Be mindful of:

• Paraffin candles (can release irritants)
• Wax melts and synthetic incense
• Plug-in or aerosol air fresheners
• Essential oil diffusers - high concentrations can worsen symptoms for some

Gentler options:

• Natural wax candles with essential oils (used sparingly)
• Good ventilation, especially if fragrance has been used

 

Cleaning Products

Household cleaners often contain strong surfactants and fragrance that linger on surfaces and skin.

Tips:

• Avoid bleach, ammonia and heavily scented sprays where possible
• Choose gentle, fragrance-free cleaning products
• Rinse surfaces thoroughly after cleaning
• Wear gloves when cleaning (avoid latex if sensitive)
• Never mix cleaning products (this creates irritating fumes)

Bedding & Sleep Environment

Your skin spends hours each night in contact with bedding, so this is an important area to optimise.

Supportive habits:

• Wash bedding at least weekly using gentle detergent
• Avoid fragranced pillow or linen sprays
• Use natural fibre sheets and pillowcases
• Consider dust mite proof mattress and pillow covers
• Keep the bedroom well ventilated

Air Quality & Environment

The air you breathe can affect your skin barrier.

Helpful practices:

• windows daily if pollen levels allow
• Use a HEPA air purifier if symptoms are severe
• Avoid indoor smoking or vaping
• Watch for mould or damp areas
• Clean humidifiers regularly to prevent mould growth

 

Skincare & Personal Products

When skin is reacting, less is truly more.

During flares:

• Strip routines back to the basics only
• Avoid active ingredients (retinoids, acids, vitamin C)
• Avoid exfoliation until skin has fully recovered
• Patch test everything - even products you’ve used before
• Avoid antibacterial soaps and harsh foaming cleansers
• Use warm (not hot) water
• Cleanse minimally, then lock in moisture with a natural barrier balm 

Calming options can include oats or coconut milk - think soothing, not cleansing.

 

Also consider:

• Nail polishes, gel nails, acrylics, and nail glues can irritate the skin or trigger reactions

• Strong nail removers and primers often contain solvents that worsen sensitivity

• Avoid salon treatments with heavy chemicals during flare ups

• Always patch test nail products if you have a history of reactions

 

Hands & Everyday Contact

Hands are exposed constantly and often trigger flares elsewhere on the body.

Watch for:

• Harsh hand soaps
• Frequent hand sanitiser use during flares
• Dishwashing liquids
• Metal allergies (nickel in jewellery, buttons)
• Phone cases, watch straps and gym equipment

Wearing gloves for cleaning and choosing gentle, fragrance free hand washes can help protect the skin barrier.

 

Food & Cross-Contact (For Some People)

everyone is affected, but some people react to contact rather than ingestion.

Examples:

• Citrus or acidic foods on hands
• Strong ingredients during cooking
• Airborne spices

Wash hands and face after cooking and use gentle, fragrance-free dish soap.

 

General Principles for Calming Reactive Skin

• Less is more during flare ups
• Fragrance is one of the most common hidden triggers
• Something that never bothered you before can suddenly become a trigger
• Consistency and patience are key
• Minimise time in baths and showers
• Support the skin barrier with simple, nourishing products
• Reducing refined sugar can help some people
• A low-histamine diet and consideration for food intolerance may be worth exploring if reactions are persistent (seek professional guidance)

 

Final Thought

Skin healing is rarely about finding one magic product.

It’s often about removing quiet, daily irritants and giving your skin the space and support it needs to repair.

If your skin is flaring, be gentle with your routine, your environment, and yourself.