Practitioner Luke Clews, of leading local skin clinic Healthy Skin Solutions, meets many brand-new Canberrans struggling with eczema during their first year living in the bush capital.

“In many cases, those moving to Canberra from warmer and more humid environments see eczema kick in during their first year. Sometimes, this is their first outbreak of eczema, triggered by the sudden cold and dry climate.”

Across the board, eczema and dermatitis are the most common skin conditions Luke treats in the colder months.

“We see a lot of dermatitis on the face and scalp, due to those areas being exposed to the elements,” he says.

When it comes to preventative measures, Luke reveals the only two tips you need to take care of your skin.

Moisturiser is your #1

“For most people, moisturiser prevents the skin from drying out too much,” says Luke. “Those suffering from eczema and dermatitis have a genetic predisposition to dry skin. The cold, dry air of the Canberra winter exacerbates their condition.

“Dry skin is often itchy skin, which then becomes scratched skin, enflaming it further and going round and round in what we call the itch/scratch cycle.”

Luke notes that while moisturisers will not treat an eczema outbreak on their own, they can be essential in preventing the condition when it’s dormant.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

“In winter, a lot of us don’t drink enough because we don’t feel as thirsty as we do in hot weather,” says Luke.

“However, the human body needs a minimum of a litre and a half of water every day, and that’s just for normal function.”

Since the human body runs on water, it’s forced to ration out the supply when under-hydrated. One of the first areas that will miss out during that process is the skin, drying it out even further during the colder months.

“Ideally, you’re fuelling your body with liquid that is as close to water as possible,” says Luke. “Nothing with a lot of caffeine, alcohol, and sugar. Caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, meaning they cause us to expel more water, which in turn reduces our hydration status.

“Be aware of your coffee and alcohol intake and opt for water-like substitutes like decaf, herbal teas, well-watered juice, if not water itself where possible.”

When should you seek help for a skin condition?

Luke advises to seek further treatment when the eczema and dermatitis is active, and creams are only yielding temporary relief.

“My average patient comes in after using topical steroids for a long time and realising that it’s a band-aid for the issue.”

Healthy Skin Solutions focuses on long-term remission, treating the entire person, and not just the symptoms.

“In a 45-minute consultation, I’ll spend about two minutes on creams and ointments, because they represent the earliest part of treatment. Doing the internal work right means you won’t need the creams.

“When you notice creams aren’t doing the job, come to us.”

You can book online at healthyskinsolutions.com.au or call the clinic on 6295 6040.

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