Happy Home, Happy Skin

Clear, evidence-based skincare guidance for real life and real skin.

Understanding the Link Between Your Home and Skin Health

Your home environment plays a bigger role in skin health than you might think. Factors like air quality, humidity levels, cleaning products, and even the materials in your furniture can influence your skin barrier and overall complexion. Creating a skin-friendly home helps minimise irritants, reduce inflammation, and maintain a healthy glow.

How This Can Present on Skin

  • Household Chemicals
    Harsh cleaning products with synthetic fragrances or alcohols can irritate the skin, leading to dryness, itching, or flare-ups.

  • Dry Air
    Central heating and air conditioning can deplete moisture, contributing to dry, flaky, or tight-feeling skin.

  • Hard Water
    Mineral-rich water may leave residues on the skin that disrupt the barrier and increase sensitivity.

  • Allergens
    Dust mites, mould, and pet dander in soft furnishings can trigger flare-ups, especially in sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

  • Fabric Irritants
    Synthetic, non-breathable materials in clothing or bedding can trap heat and irritate the skin.

  • Synthetic Fragrances
    VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from candles, diffusers, sprays, and other fragranced products can contribute to oxidative stress and skin reactivity.

  • Damp and Mould
    Poor ventilation and hidden damp patches can harbour mould spores, which may aggravate both skin and respiratory health.

Tips for Creating a Skin-Friendly Home

  • Choose Gentle Products
    Opt for fragrance-free and skin-safe skincare, cleaning, and laundry products.
    (Explore more in [Happy Skincare, Happy Skin].)

  • Support Air Moisture Levels
    In colder months, central heating can dry out the air, which may lead to dry, irritated skin. Open windows briefly, dry laundry indoors, or place a bowl of water near radiators to help.
    ⚠ Note: Humidifiers may help, but guidance varies, especially for those with eczema or asthma.

  • Filter Your Water
    Consider a shower or tap filter to reduce the effects of hard water, which may disrupt the skin barrier.

  • Wash Soft Furnishings
    Regularly clean bedding, pillows, and curtains to reduce allergens like dust mites.

  • Switch to Natural Materials
    Choose natural breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for clothing and bedding to reduce irritation.

  • Limit Synthetic Scents
    Avoid candles, sprays, and diffusers with artificial fragrance; choose natural or fragrance-free alternatives.
    (Explore more in [Happy Air, Happy Skin].)

  • Address Damp and Mould
    Keep your home well-ventilated and address signs of damp promptly, as mould can release irritants that affect both skin and respiratory health.

Trusted Sources

Evidence and advice throughout this leaflet draw from respected organisations dedicated to skin and allergy health. For further reading:

  • Allergy UK – Recommends avoiding synthetic fragrances and highlights dust mites as a common trigger for skin irritation and eczema.

  • NHS – Dry Skin – Acknowledges that dry indoor air can worsen dry skin symptoms.

  • National Eczema Society –Offers practical advice for caring for skin at home, including tips on managing household triggers like dust, cleaning products, and fabrics. .

  • UK Government Guidance – Highlights the health risks of damp and mould in homes and offers practical steps for prevention.

Need Extra Support?

Improving your home environment doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Start small by researching eco-friendly products or allergy-proofing guides for practical advice. Even small changes can make a big difference to your skin.
A qualified skin therapist, such as a corneotherapist trained in skin barrier care, can also provide tailored advice to support long-term skin health.

Disclaimer:

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information in this leaflet is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. This resource is informed by current evidence, clinical observation, and emerging research in skin health.

Version: March 2025

© 2025 Jacqui de Jager | The Skin Well™ & The Happy Skin Clinic®
All rights reserved. This leaflet is for personal use and education only. It may not be reproduced, distributed, or adapted without written permission