With decades of combined experience in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry, Geraldine and Winthrop bring expertise in long-term skin, hair, and overall health resilience. Together, they\u2019ve developed science-backed supplements that address rising health concerns, including gut-skin balance, sleep, hair growth, oral sun protection and immunity.<\/p>\n
What is healthy skin?<\/h2>\n
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of eczema triggers, what exactly constitutes healthy skin? \u201cSkin health goes beyond how it looks. It\u2019s about how well your skin is functioning as a protective barrier,\u201d say the experts.<\/p>\n
Healthy skin feels smooth, calm and hydrated. It doesn\u2019t itch, flake or break out easily. Conversely, poor skin health may appear in the form of dullness, redness, itchiness, dry patches, or conditions like eczema or acne.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf your skin is often irritated, uncomfortable, or prone to flare-ups, that\u2019s usually a sign that something deeper \u2013 like inflammation or imbalance \u2013 is going on,\u201d they add.<\/p>\n
5 surprising factors that cause itchy, inflamed and eczema-prone skin<\/h2>\n1. Your environment: Invisible stressors around you<\/h3>\n![\"Eczema](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\")
Photography: lifestylememory via Freepik<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf all your attention is on what goes onto your skin, here\u2019s your sign to shift your focus to what\u2019s going on around you instead. \u201cEnvironmental factors, including air quality, temperature, pollutants, and even your choice of bedding or laundry detergent, can be skin triggers,\u201d share the experts.<\/p>\n
With Singapore\u2019s rising (and erratic) heat and humidity levels, the increase in sweat, heat and moisture can irritate skin and disrupt the skin barrier \u2013 especially if you\u2019re already prone to flare-ups. No surprise there; this weather condition is also partly to blame for why more people are experiencing eczema for the first time.<\/p>\n
Throw in other environmental factors like poor and dry indoor air quality (particularly in the bedroom), and it\u2019s a recipe for drying out the skin barrier and stripping the skin of its natural oils. In turn, it\u2019s your way to more inflammation or itching overnight. A recommendation? Use a humidifier or house plants to add moisture to your indoor environment!<\/p>\n
2. Your diet: Feeding your skin from within<\/h3>\nPhotography: Clark Douglas via Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHeard the phrase \u2018you are what you eat\u2019? This rings true for skin health. What you eat directly impacts your complexion, thanks to the gut-skin connection \u2013 a fascinating two-way street between your gut and your skin.<\/p>\n
\u201cAround 80% of your immune cells live in your gut, and your gut microbiome plays a huge role in keeping inflammation under control. When the gut is out of balance (aka gut dysbiosis), it can send out distress signals that show up as eczema, acne, or other skin conditions,\u201d share the experts.<\/p>\n
Studies have found that people with eczema often have less diversity and lower levels of beneficial gut bacteria, adds the experts. When your gut is happy and balanced, your skin tends to be calmer and more resilient, too.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re dealing with skin issues, try steering clear of common culprits like cow\u2019s milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, shellfish, and gluten. Sugar, processed snacks and artificial additives may also worsen inflammation and lead to persistent \u2018itchy skin days\u2019 or full-blown eczema flare-ups.<\/p>\n
To eat for skin health, these experts recommend a diet rich in colourful vegetables, omega-3 fats (think salmon and flaxseed), as well as fermented foods that can help support your gut and immune system \u2013 and, in turn, your skin.<\/p>\n
3. Your lifestyle: Stay cool as a cucumber<\/h3>\nPhotography: Freepik<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPicture this: you\u2019re in the midst of a hectic week, racing against deadlines and juggling a growing to-do list. Look in the mirror, and a dull, lifeless reflection stares back \u2013 complete with a few unwelcome zits. Nope, this isn\u2019t just bad timing or your imagination. Your stress level is an overlooked factor in how your skin looks.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you\u2019re stressed, your body produces more cortisol \u2013 a hormone that can increase inflammation and weaken the skin\u2019s barrier,\u201d explain the experts, adding how studies have shown that stress can lead to more frequent and severe flare-ups in those with eczema.<\/p>\n
Coupled with poor sleep \u2013 which often comes with stress \u2013 this makes it difficult for your skin to repair itself overnight, leading to increased dryness and itchiness. This becomes a vicious cycle: itchy skin leads to poor sleep, and poor sleep leads to more itching.<\/p>\n
4. Your clothes: Reconsider your wardrobe<\/h3>\n
Can\u2019t resist the urge to scratch whenever you throw on your favourite sweater? Or, perhaps certain T-shirts feel extra rough and irritable on your skin?<\/p>\n
According to the experts, fabrics commonly found in fast fashion brands can trap heat and sweat, while also containing chemical dyes and finishing agents that may irritate the skin. Think materials like polyester and nylon that are made with synthetic fibres.<\/p>\nPhotography: Jason Leung via Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf you\u2019re prone to eczema, the experts recommend sticking with soft, breathable natural fabrics like cotton and bamboo. Pro tip: always wash new clothes before wearing to remove any chemical residues!<\/p>\n
5. Your hormones: Look out for unexpected changes<\/h3>\n
Ladies, your skin health often comes with an additional layer of complexity: hormones. During transformative periods like pregnancy and menopause, hormonal changes can cause shifts in oestrogen levels. This leads to drier and itchier skin, along with a weakened skin barrier. It\u2019s also normal to experience eczema for the first time or notice unusual flare-ups for those with existing skin conditions.<\/p>\n
Hello, healthier skin!<\/h2>\n
Healthy, radiant skin isn\u2019t just about what goes onto your skin. It goes beyond skin-deep, and can be affected by daily lifestyle habits and choices you don\u2019t usually think twice about.<\/p>\n
Besides eating for a healthier gut, improving your environment and keeping your cool, supplements can be a helpful way to support your skin through the gut-skin axis. When your gut is happy and balanced, it helps to keep inflammation under control \u2013 which is your way to more resilient and calmer skin!<\/p>\n
![\"Eczema](\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/08\/Eczema-Active-asian-female-exercising-outdoors-900x643.jpg\")
If all your attention is on what goes onto your skin, here\u2019s your sign to shift your focus to what\u2019s going on around you instead. \u201cEnvironmental factors, including air quality, temperature, pollutants, and even your choice of bedding or laundry detergent, can be skin triggers,\u201d share the experts.<\/p>\n
With Singapore\u2019s rising (and erratic) heat and humidity levels, the increase in sweat, heat and moisture can irritate skin and disrupt the skin barrier \u2013 especially if you\u2019re already prone to flare-ups. No surprise there; this weather condition is also partly to blame for why more people are experiencing eczema for the first time.<\/p>\n
Throw in other environmental factors like poor and dry indoor air quality (particularly in the bedroom), and it\u2019s a recipe for drying out the skin barrier and stripping the skin of its natural oils. In turn, it\u2019s your way to more inflammation or itching overnight. A recommendation? Use a humidifier or house plants to add moisture to your indoor environment!<\/p>\n
2. Your diet: Feeding your skin from within<\/h3>\nPhotography: Clark Douglas via Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHeard the phrase \u2018you are what you eat\u2019? This rings true for skin health. What you eat directly impacts your complexion, thanks to the gut-skin connection \u2013 a fascinating two-way street between your gut and your skin.<\/p>\n
\u201cAround 80% of your immune cells live in your gut, and your gut microbiome plays a huge role in keeping inflammation under control. When the gut is out of balance (aka gut dysbiosis), it can send out distress signals that show up as eczema, acne, or other skin conditions,\u201d share the experts.<\/p>\n
Studies have found that people with eczema often have less diversity and lower levels of beneficial gut bacteria, adds the experts. When your gut is happy and balanced, your skin tends to be calmer and more resilient, too.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re dealing with skin issues, try steering clear of common culprits like cow\u2019s milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, shellfish, and gluten. Sugar, processed snacks and artificial additives may also worsen inflammation and lead to persistent \u2018itchy skin days\u2019 or full-blown eczema flare-ups.<\/p>\n
To eat for skin health, these experts recommend a diet rich in colourful vegetables, omega-3 fats (think salmon and flaxseed), as well as fermented foods that can help support your gut and immune system \u2013 and, in turn, your skin.<\/p>\n
3. Your lifestyle: Stay cool as a cucumber<\/h3>\nPhotography: Freepik<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPicture this: you\u2019re in the midst of a hectic week, racing against deadlines and juggling a growing to-do list. Look in the mirror, and a dull, lifeless reflection stares back \u2013 complete with a few unwelcome zits. Nope, this isn\u2019t just bad timing or your imagination. Your stress level is an overlooked factor in how your skin looks.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you\u2019re stressed, your body produces more cortisol \u2013 a hormone that can increase inflammation and weaken the skin\u2019s barrier,\u201d explain the experts, adding how studies have shown that stress can lead to more frequent and severe flare-ups in those with eczema.<\/p>\n
Coupled with poor sleep \u2013 which often comes with stress \u2013 this makes it difficult for your skin to repair itself overnight, leading to increased dryness and itchiness. This becomes a vicious cycle: itchy skin leads to poor sleep, and poor sleep leads to more itching.<\/p>\n
4. Your clothes: Reconsider your wardrobe<\/h3>\n
Can\u2019t resist the urge to scratch whenever you throw on your favourite sweater? Or, perhaps certain T-shirts feel extra rough and irritable on your skin?<\/p>\n
According to the experts, fabrics commonly found in fast fashion brands can trap heat and sweat, while also containing chemical dyes and finishing agents that may irritate the skin. Think materials like polyester and nylon that are made with synthetic fibres.<\/p>\nPhotography: Jason Leung via Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf you\u2019re prone to eczema, the experts recommend sticking with soft, breathable natural fabrics like cotton and bamboo. Pro tip: always wash new clothes before wearing to remove any chemical residues!<\/p>\n
5. Your hormones: Look out for unexpected changes<\/h3>\n
Ladies, your skin health often comes with an additional layer of complexity: hormones. During transformative periods like pregnancy and menopause, hormonal changes can cause shifts in oestrogen levels. This leads to drier and itchier skin, along with a weakened skin barrier. It\u2019s also normal to experience eczema for the first time or notice unusual flare-ups for those with existing skin conditions.<\/p>\n
Hello, healthier skin!<\/h2>\n
Healthy, radiant skin isn\u2019t just about what goes onto your skin. It goes beyond skin-deep, and can be affected by daily lifestyle habits and choices you don\u2019t usually think twice about.<\/p>\n
Besides eating for a healthier gut, improving your environment and keeping your cool, supplements can be a helpful way to support your skin through the gut-skin axis. When your gut is happy and balanced, it helps to keep inflammation under control \u2013 which is your way to more resilient and calmer skin!<\/p>\n
![\"Eczema](\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/08\/Eczema-Topdown-view-of-woman-eating-a-healthy-salad-bowl-900x643.jpg\")
Heard the phrase \u2018you are what you eat\u2019? This rings true for skin health. What you eat directly impacts your complexion, thanks to the gut-skin connection \u2013 a fascinating two-way street between your gut and your skin.<\/p>\n
\u201cAround 80% of your immune cells live in your gut, and your gut microbiome plays a huge role in keeping inflammation under control. When the gut is out of balance (aka gut dysbiosis), it can send out distress signals that show up as eczema, acne, or other skin conditions,\u201d share the experts.<\/p>\n
Studies have found that people with eczema often have less diversity and lower levels of beneficial gut bacteria, adds the experts. When your gut is happy and balanced, your skin tends to be calmer and more resilient, too.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re dealing with skin issues, try steering clear of common culprits like cow\u2019s milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, shellfish, and gluten. Sugar, processed snacks and artificial additives may also worsen inflammation and lead to persistent \u2018itchy skin days\u2019 or full-blown eczema flare-ups.<\/p>\n
To eat for skin health, these experts recommend a diet rich in colourful vegetables, omega-3 fats (think salmon and flaxseed), as well as fermented foods that can help support your gut and immune system \u2013 and, in turn, your skin.<\/p>\n
3. Your lifestyle: Stay cool as a cucumber<\/h3>\nPhotography: Freepik<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPicture this: you\u2019re in the midst of a hectic week, racing against deadlines and juggling a growing to-do list. Look in the mirror, and a dull, lifeless reflection stares back \u2013 complete with a few unwelcome zits. Nope, this isn\u2019t just bad timing or your imagination. Your stress level is an overlooked factor in how your skin looks.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you\u2019re stressed, your body produces more cortisol \u2013 a hormone that can increase inflammation and weaken the skin\u2019s barrier,\u201d explain the experts, adding how studies have shown that stress can lead to more frequent and severe flare-ups in those with eczema.<\/p>\n
Coupled with poor sleep \u2013 which often comes with stress \u2013 this makes it difficult for your skin to repair itself overnight, leading to increased dryness and itchiness. This becomes a vicious cycle: itchy skin leads to poor sleep, and poor sleep leads to more itching.<\/p>\n
4. Your clothes: Reconsider your wardrobe<\/h3>\n
Can\u2019t resist the urge to scratch whenever you throw on your favourite sweater? Or, perhaps certain T-shirts feel extra rough and irritable on your skin?<\/p>\n
According to the experts, fabrics commonly found in fast fashion brands can trap heat and sweat, while also containing chemical dyes and finishing agents that may irritate the skin. Think materials like polyester and nylon that are made with synthetic fibres.<\/p>\nPhotography: Jason Leung via Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf you\u2019re prone to eczema, the experts recommend sticking with soft, breathable natural fabrics like cotton and bamboo. Pro tip: always wash new clothes before wearing to remove any chemical residues!<\/p>\n
5. Your hormones: Look out for unexpected changes<\/h3>\n
Ladies, your skin health often comes with an additional layer of complexity: hormones. During transformative periods like pregnancy and menopause, hormonal changes can cause shifts in oestrogen levels. This leads to drier and itchier skin, along with a weakened skin barrier. It\u2019s also normal to experience eczema for the first time or notice unusual flare-ups for those with existing skin conditions.<\/p>\n
Hello, healthier skin!<\/h2>\n
Healthy, radiant skin isn\u2019t just about what goes onto your skin. It goes beyond skin-deep, and can be affected by daily lifestyle habits and choices you don\u2019t usually think twice about.<\/p>\n
Besides eating for a healthier gut, improving your environment and keeping your cool, supplements can be a helpful way to support your skin through the gut-skin axis. When your gut is happy and balanced, it helps to keep inflammation under control \u2013 which is your way to more resilient and calmer skin!<\/p>\n
![\"Eczema](\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/08\/Eczema-Medium-shot-of-woman-looking-stressed-out-at-work-900x643.jpg\")
Picture this: you\u2019re in the midst of a hectic week, racing against deadlines and juggling a growing to-do list. Look in the mirror, and a dull, lifeless reflection stares back \u2013 complete with a few unwelcome zits. Nope, this isn\u2019t just bad timing or your imagination. Your stress level is an overlooked factor in how your skin looks.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you\u2019re stressed, your body produces more cortisol \u2013 a hormone that can increase inflammation and weaken the skin\u2019s barrier,\u201d explain the experts, adding how studies have shown that stress can lead to more frequent and severe flare-ups in those with eczema.<\/p>\n
Coupled with poor sleep \u2013 which often comes with stress \u2013 this makes it difficult for your skin to repair itself overnight, leading to increased dryness and itchiness. This becomes a vicious cycle: itchy skin leads to poor sleep, and poor sleep leads to more itching.<\/p>\n
4. Your clothes: Reconsider your wardrobe<\/h3>\n
Can\u2019t resist the urge to scratch whenever you throw on your favourite sweater? Or, perhaps certain T-shirts feel extra rough and irritable on your skin?<\/p>\n
According to the experts, fabrics commonly found in fast fashion brands can trap heat and sweat, while also containing chemical dyes and finishing agents that may irritate the skin. Think materials like polyester and nylon that are made with synthetic fibres.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re prone to eczema, the experts recommend sticking with soft, breathable natural fabrics like cotton and bamboo. Pro tip: always wash new clothes before wearing to remove any chemical residues!<\/p>\n Ladies, your skin health often comes with an additional layer of complexity: hormones. During transformative periods like pregnancy and menopause, hormonal changes can cause shifts in oestrogen levels. This leads to drier and itchier skin, along with a weakened skin barrier. It\u2019s also normal to experience eczema for the first time or notice unusual flare-ups for those with existing skin conditions.<\/p>\n Healthy, radiant skin isn\u2019t just about what goes onto your skin. It goes beyond skin-deep, and can be affected by daily lifestyle habits and choices you don\u2019t usually think twice about.<\/p>\n Besides eating for a healthier gut, improving your environment and keeping your cool, supplements can be a helpful way to support your skin through the gut-skin axis. When your gut is happy and balanced, it helps to keep inflammation under control \u2013 which is your way to more resilient and calmer skin!<\/p>\n![\"Eczema](\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/08\/Eczema-Clothing-rack-with-a-variety-of-clothes-hanging-900x643.jpg\")
5. Your hormones: Look out for unexpected changes<\/h3>\n
Hello, healthier skin!<\/h2>\n
![\"Wellchem](\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/08\/Wellchem-Pharmaceuticals-Pte-Ltd-Miriqa-Dermabiotics-900x643.jpg\")