These Topshop Denim Cutoffs Are the Most Pinned Shorts of 2017 So Far

Blame it on the Coachella vibes or music festivals in general, but everyone is obsessed with frayed denim right now. And they’re turning to Pinterest to figure out what the must-have pairs are of the season. According to the aspirational site, jean cutoff shorts have been trending up 568 percent since January, and here is the most pinned pair for 2017 thus far.

Topshop’s Moto White Rip Mom Shorts ($30) are a clear favorite — they’ve been saved over 107,000 times! The grunge-era, white, high-waisted denim shorts have ripped detailing and a split hem that offers cool-girl appeal to a summertime staple. In short (see what we did there?), they are the perfect fit for a day at the beach or a musical festival. The bad news is they’re sold out. Womp womp.

But the good news is that you can get a similar look with any of the *other* most pinned styles. These Current/Elliott The Concert Denim Shorts ($75) are a great match for warm-weather shenanigans, so we can see why they are steadily climbing the charts.

Mossimo Women’s High-Rise Shorts With Raw Hem Black ($23) is an another great option for your cropped short cravings that boasts a budget-friendly price tag to boot.

But when it comes to all things denim, it’s hard to go wrong with a classic like Levis Denim Cutoff Shorts Tattered Blue 1970s Jean Shorts ($53).

For more ideas and inspiration on current trends, check out Pinterest’s Top shorts for Spring/Summer board.

Which pair is your favorite? Tweet us @BritandCo!

Good bike shorts can be hard to find, and I truly know the struggle. I like to have a reliable lineup of bike shorts for yoga classes and climbing sessions, but I also want to be able to wear the same shorts out and about for running errands and casually hanging out with friends.

For me, the perfect pair of bike shorts must be:

  • Compressive, but not uncomfortable
  • Fitted, but not to the point of having to make consistent awkward adjustments
  • An appropriate length, but still a lil’ cheeky (want to give the butt a good lift!)

Luckily, there are a ton of bike short styles on Amazon that shoppers are loving. The reviews on one particular pair of these bike shorts actually convinced me to give ‘em a try!

Based on thousands of reviews from real shoppers, these are the top 5 biker shorts you can snag on Amazon and begin sporting as soon as they arrive. Let’s dive in!

Amazon

CRZ Yoga Butterluxe Biker Shorts

4.7/5 stars

These high-waisted biker shorts come in an extremely soft fabric that moves with you with ease. The best part about this pair is they have a small gusset patch along the crotch to prevent a weird fit (IYKYK). They're offered in several different lengths (2.5, 4, 6, and 8 inches), which makes finding the most practical pair for your lifestyle fairly easy.

The CRZ Yoga Butterluxe Biker Shorts are currently available in sizes XXS-XL for $24.

Promising reviews:

"Super soft, the perfect amount of thickness were it’s breathable but NOT see through at all. I got a small, which is my usual size for leggings from this brand, and they’re great. The only thing I would mention is that if you’re a thicker gal and have a butt, I find myself having to pull them up from time to time."

"Love these shorts. The shorts didn’t roll up, even through a running workout and CrossFit. The shorts are a soft material, not slick, but you don’t notice it during a workout. Only downside would be no pockets, but I knew that when I ordered them. Great value for money, feels like a high quality shirt. Will see how they hold up, have worn them 4 times so far. The color looks just like the picture."

Amazon

Colorfulkoala High Waisted Biker Shorts

4.6/5 stars

These next biker shorts feature none other than side pockets! They're always super helpful for stowing away your phone or other small necessities. These 75% polyester and 25% spandex shorts have a 6-inch inseam, so they provide a good amount of coverage. The brushed, buttery soft fabric stretches with you, plus the waistband sits at the natural waist, so you can move around totally unrestricted.

The Colorfulkoala High Waisted Biker Shorts currently come in tons of colors and sizes XS-XL for $20 (was $25).

Promising reviews:

"I have purchased three pairs in different colors. I use them for both running and circuit training. I do not have to worry about them riding up. They are super soft, stretchy, and durable."

"These shorts are so comfortable! Material is thin enough that they breathe, love the high waist to make me feel snatched. Some biker shorts have thick material that isn’t flexible and these aren’t it! Will def be buying more!"

"These shorts are so cute and comfy! Black is the best because you can dress them up or wear them for working out. I highly recommend!"

Amazon

CRZ Yoga Naked Feeling Biker Shorts

4.5/5 stars

These shorts from CRZ Yoga are available in 3-inch 4-inch, 6-inch, and 8-inch lengths and plenty of colorways, so landing on your ideal pair won't be that big of a challenge. They're made from a sweat-wicking fabric with decent compression, which is also uniquely fur-resistant! The seamless waistband flaunts a hidden pocket so you can store your phone, keys, cards, or whatever else you tend to carry easily.

The CRZ Yoga Naked Feeling Biker Shorts come in sizes XXS-XL for $18.

Promising reviews:

"Love these shorts so much! Buying workout shorts can be scary - will they be too tight? Too short? Not supportive enough? These are perfect. True to size, stretchy, super breathable, comfortable fabric, stayed up the whole time, and flattering. GET THEM. 😉"

"These are my absolute favorite workout shorts. I love the 6 inch length so I bought 5 different colors and only wear this brand to the gym. They are SO soft and buttery smooth and really good quality. I throw them in the wash with everything else (but air dry them bc they dry so fast and I don't want them to shrink). They are really high waisted which I personally like and I find them really flattering. They do have a bit of tummy control but nothing too drastic to the point that they are uncomfortable. I keep coming back to buy more colors because they are all so pretty. Just buy these you won't regret it."

Amazon

Baleaf Biker Shorts

4.4/5 stars

You can shop these Baleaf shorts in 3-inch, 5-inch, and 8-inch inseam lengths based on the amount of coverage you like. The 87% polyester, 13% spandex material is said to be moisture-wicking, breathable, and squat-proof, also offering plenty of stretch. The wide elastic waistband provides some tummy control, which is nice for any occasion.

There are endless colors to shop in the Baleaf Biker Shorts. They currently come in sizes XS-3X for $20 (was $27).

Promising reviews:

"These are amazing. I love the longer length, they are so soft, love the pockets, Baleaf has continued to win my confidence. Purchased several other products from them and always feel like I get a great value for my money."

"I really like these. They fit as expected. Nice and stretchy. Soft. Not see through. I wanted some compression but not so much that it digs into my skin. These are perfect."

"These shorts are fantastic! I’ve worn them a plenty of times since I purchased them in 2021. They withstood multiple half marathon training cycles and my first marathon. They are very comfortable, don’t ride up, or slide down when running. They are true to size. The pockets are another plus plus to these great shorts!"

Amazon

Always Workout Yoga Shorts

4.4/5 stars

The waistband on these short shorts measures around 3 inches, holding in your tummy fairly firmly. This way, they're easy to wear for workouts, but also under skirts and dresses for added coverage! The material they're made of is 92% polyester and 8% spandex, which boasts a four-way stretch and good breathability.

You can shop the Always Workout Yoga Shorts in lots of colors and sizes XXXS-3XL for $12 (was $13) right now.

Promising reviews:

"I really like the shorts. They are cute and flattering. They looked small to fit (I did get a size small), but they fit really nice. They are short, but that's all good. So far, I am loving wearing them. I've done house work and worked out in them. I approve/recommend."

"These are sooo comfy and stretchy. I got them to wear under a short dress so you wouldn’t see all my goodies when I bend over, but also used them for a workout. They fit as expected and the length is definitely short, but perfect for under clothes."

Check out our Amazon storefront to shop more styles!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Images via Amazon.

There are so many items cluttering up our homes and lives, and if we're honest, sometimes asking for physical gifts feels like an unnecessary weight to add to the holiday season. All we really need this year is time with the people that our closest to us, and maybe the opportunity to experience something new.

If you're looking for out-of-the-ordinary gift ideas for your friends and family, look no further than these experience gifts. From one-of-a-kind adventures to super easy ideas that will fit into any budget, these experience gifts are sure to make anyone smile.

Experience gift ideas you haven't thought of for 2024:

Brit + Co

Take Them Ice Skating

Ice skating simply makes winter more magical. It also gives us a chance to live out our Ice Princess dreams – but that's beside the point. Even if you don't live somewhere that has an iconic rink like New York City's Rockefeller Center, you can still make it a whole evening with hot chocolate and cozy sweaters.

Buy Them Concert Tickets

Take your best friend or S.O. to their favorite artist's concert for an unforgettable evening. Not only do you get to hear some awesome music, but concerts are always an excuse to get dressed up in a crazy outfit and dance like no one is watching.

Blue Ox Studio

Visit An Aquarium

Something about walking around and looking at animals under the sea makes us feel extra calm, and is great for anyone who wanted to be a mermaid as a kid. Our favorites? Otters, beluga whales, and turtles, but we love regular old fish tanks, too. This is a great way to get a taste of summer while it's dang cold outside!

Give Them A B+C Classes Subscription

If your giftee loves to learn, then they'll get a kick out of a subscription to our online classes. There's something for every stage of life, with classes like painting and freelancing to learning how to combat imposter syndrome.

PNW Production

Go Hiking Together

This is one experience gift that is super easy and super affordable to pull off. You can hike in every state in the country (granted, your hikes might look different in the mountains than in a coastal town), plus you can pack a picnic of their favorite foods or grab takeout from their favorite local restaurant.

Pack A Beautiful Picnic

Speaking of picnics, they're on our list of favorite date ideas *and* an ideal way to spend any day. You can hire a picnic service (like this one for NY) to set up your table before you get there, but you can also go all-out yourself by packing a basket with their favorite foods, drinks, books, and flowers. If it's too cold (or it's pouring out!), set up your picnic indoors among some candles and a nostalgic movie.

Philipp

Book Some Travel

Travel is an experience gift that will rarely disappoint, especially if you're going to a dream destination. There are so many locations all over the world — big cities like London, historical homes like Biltmore, and even filming locations from your favorite TV shows and movies — this is always a good idea. You can also book AirBnB experiences of all kinds for wherever you choose to stay.

Gift A Language Class

With programs like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone, gaining access to other languages is easier than ever right now. It's never too late to pick up something new, whether or not you're living your Emily in Paris dreams. Bon voyage!

Don Hainzl

Ride A Hot Air Balloon

See the world from a totally new perspective by going up in a hot air balloon. You can take them at different times of day depending on the view that your giftee loves the most (we're always up for a sunrise adventure), and you can even book one that comes with wine.

Host A Photoshoot

This experience gift idea is totally up to interpretation. Whether your best friend or S.O. wants to be a model for a day with fun props and outfits, or your mom has been asking for a family photoshoot for the last few years, this is the perfect opportunity to gift a photoshoot! You can also turn this experience gift idea on its head and gift your family and friends a photography classthey can do from their home.

Pixabay

Bookstore

If your sibling, best friend, or S.O. loves books, take them to their favorite bookstore, buy them a coffee, and let them peruse the shelves for one (or more!) books that they want to get their hands on. This is a super simple idea that will certainly make them smile.

Cooking Class

If you've never taken a cooking or baking class before, then it's definitely time to add that to your list. Not only is it a fun activity that also rewards you with food, but it makes for a great experience gift, especially for recipients who love spending time in the kitchen.

SHVETS production

Dinner + Sailing

Rent your own sailing cruise for the evening to get a dining experience that's unlike any other. Eat dinner at sunset or wait until mid-morning for an extra-fun brunch. In addition to a gift idea, this also makes a great date idea. That's a win-win in our book.

Museum

Take your giftee to their favorite museum, and spend an entire day looking at their favorite paintings and sculptures, or reading up on scientific discoveries. This is one gift idea that's great for all ages, and since there are so many different museums across the country, you can have a different experience every time.

Photo By: Kaboompics.com

A Spa Day

As much as we love doing our own spa day at home, there's no denying that having someone take care of the self-care is really nice from time to time. If gifting a professional massage or facial is in your gift giving budget, just go for it. The relaxation will be well worth it, and your recipient will be thanking you for eternity.From personal experience, we definitely recommend gifting a massage from Hand & Stone, and a facial from Heyday

Escape Room

We're big fans of escape rooms, and we're convinced they're fun for anyone who wants to be a spy for an afternoon. It's great for a couple of people or for a whole group of friends, so you can get all your favorite people in on it. Plus not only is it fun, but having a time limit to solve a problem teach you about your communication styles very quickly.

Antoni Shkraba

Wine Tastings + Vineyard Tours

Take the wine lovers in your life to a nearby vineyard to experience the wine up close and personal with a wine tour. This is a great way to try multiple wines so you can figure out which one is your favorite.

Learn To Fly

Great for adrenaline junkies and adventure seekers, this experience gift idea takes you right up into the air. Learn to fly a plane or a helicopter over landscapes that you don't usually get to see from the air.

Let us know which experience gifts you'll be giving this year on Twitter and check out our email newsletter for more ideas.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Summer is incomplete without a good pair of shorts that you can pull on for any given occasion – evening strolls, happy hours, farmer’s markets, and the like. But sometimes, the major struggle is finding a shorts style that feels and looks good (chafing is absolutely not the move). Luckily, Abercrombie & Fitch has so many cute shorts that aren’t a literal pain in the butt.

Abercrombie & Fitch is currently having a sale on all of their shorts! Here are the details:

  • Dates: May 10-13
  • Deals: 25% off ALL shorts, plus 15% off everything else (like dresses, jeans, tops, and more)
  • Stackable promo code: ‘AFSHORTS’ for an additional 15% off

We love A&F because of their versatile styles and their very impressive size range. They have a plethora of materials to shop from, including denim, linen, and fleecy lounge shorts. These are our favorite styles for summertime!

Denim Shorts

High Rise Dad Shorts

Dad shorts are an anti-chafing hero – this pair in particular boasts a longer hem than your usual denim shorts. The inseam measures about 5 inches, so you have more coverage! These A&F shorts are made to have a relaxed fit throughout the hips and thighs. We adore this light denim wash, but you can also shop these shorts in 8 other colors.

The High Rise Dad Shorts are shoppable in sizes 23-37 on sale for $52.50 (was $70).

Curve Love High Rise Dad Shorts

You can also shop A&F's dad shorts in the brand's Curve Love silhouette, which is made with an additional 2 inches through the hips and thighs to help eliminate gapping. Trust us, we know the pain of shorts not fitting right, which is why these pieces are so great!

The Curve Love High Rise Dad Shorts are shoppable in sizes 23-37 on sale for $48.75 (was $65).

Mid Rise 10" Loose Shorts

Long bermuda shorts like these seem to be another emerging denim trend for 2024. They look so chic with other summer capsule wardrobe staples like laid-back sandals and basic tank tops! Abercrombie & Fitch knows what's up, and this mid-rise number is perfectly on-trend. The inseam lands around 10 inches, with a loose fit all around the legs. You'll totally appreciate the additional length for comfort reasons!

The Mid Rise 10" Loose Shorts are currently available in sizes 30-33 on sale for $52.50 (was $70).

High Rise Loose Shorts

We truly cannot resist a high waist! While other shorts may fit snug against your figure, these let loose a bit for maximum breathability and comfort. The high rise still compliments your waistline, too. They're crafted from a vintage stretch denim material that moves with you, but still retains a bit of structure.

The High Rise Loose Shorts are shoppable in three other colors and sizes 23-37 on sale for $52.50 (was $70).

High Rise Mom Shorts

Mom shorts will never go out of style, in our opinion. A&F champions this timeless style with a super high-rise waist, 2.5 inch inseam, and a classic cuffed hem. The denim material that swarms these shorts is considerably stretchy, which is a massive perk for tackling the hot summer weather.

The High Rise Mom Shorts are also available in the Curve Love style, which accounts for 2 extra inches in the hips and thighs to fit your curves the right way. This style is available in sizes 23-37 on sale for $48.75 (was $65).

Curve Love High Rise 90s Cutoff Shorts

White shorts are a quintessential vacation piece, and these ones made in a 90's-inspired silhouette just can't be beat. The loose-fitting leg and 3.25-inch inseam allow for freedom of movement, whether you're walking, standing, or sitting down. The waistline fits you in a subtle v-shape, flatting your figure instantly.

The Curve Love High Rise 90s Cutoff Shorts are shoppable in 3 other colors and sizes 23-37 on sale for $48.75 (was $65).

Linen Shorts

Linen-Blend Pull-On Shorts

Linen shorts are so much more fuss-free than denim ones, but they can look just as put-together and elevated. Case in point: these pull-on linen shorts! The elastic high-waist pulls things together (without any buttons, no less!) and makes getting ready a total breeze. The inseam falls at about 3.5 inches, plus this cutie style has pockets!

The Linen-Blend Pull-On Shorts come in 9 other colors and patterns in sizes XXS-XXL on sale now for $37.50 (was $50).

Premium Linen Scallop-Hem Tailored Shorts

These scalloped shorts with an elastic waistband look like the perfect summer uniform, TBH. Their 100% linen construction means otherworldly breathability, especially when it feels like a million degrees out. A&F even sells coordinating linen tops if you want to step out in a matching set.

The Premium Linen Scallop-Hem Tailored Shorts are shoppable in three other trendy colors and sizes 23-37 on sale now for $52.50 (was $70).

Curve Love A&F Sloane Tailored Linen-Blend Shorts

Though these high-rise linen shorts lack some pretty cool scallops like the previous pair, their waistline pleats and sophisticated belt loops are everything. They're giving office chic in the best way possible! The generous 4.5 inch amps up the comfort levels of these shorts with ease, but the details from the cuffed hem to the seamless pockets make them a bit more luxe.

The Curve Love A&F Sloane Tailored Linen-Blend Shorts are shoppable in sizes 23-37 on sale now for $52.50 (was $70).

Lounge Shorts

Vintage Sunday Shorts

The Vintage Sunday Shorts boast a thick, durable fleece material that feels oh-so luxurious – even if you're just wearing them for a session of rotting on the couch. The wide, elastic high-rise waistband is fitted with drawstrings so you can find your perfect fit. These A&F shorts come prepared with two side pockets to hold your phone and/or your fave lip balm!

The Vintage Sunday Shorts come in 7 other fun colors and sizes XXS-XL on sale for $37.50 (was $50).

YPB neoKNIT Unlined Shorts

These short-shorts lean more athletic, but they work just as well for lazy weekends. They're made from a sweat-wicking neoprene material, making for exceptionally light and breathable wear. The curved bottom hem grants you more mobility, too. Plus, there's pockets!

The YPB neoKNIT Unlined Shorts are shoppable in 2 other colors and sizes XXS-XXL on sale for $30 (was $40).

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more amazing sales on summer styles!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Images via Abercrombie & Fitch.

Did you know how common eczema really is? According to the National Eczema Association, "more than 31 million people" are living with this condition — including everyone in my household. If you've been dealing with flare-ups since childhood, you know how irksome it can be to find products that avoid flagging down our body's internal inflammation guide. Anything from extreme temperatures to itchy fabric can make our bodies say, "Attack the part of the body that's in contact with the intruder!" It can be something super small that turns into a fiasco, but we're not condemned to suffer forever.

I've been using the best body wash for eczema all yearDove's Soothing Relief Body Wash — and I can't wait to dish about it! But, I thought it would be helpful to learn more about the condition and why certain things make it go haywire. Board-certified dermatologists Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd and Dr. Kristina Collins were kind enough to share informative answers about eczema, including what they think you should be using if you're tired of not knowing what to use!

  • Dr. Woolery-Lloyd is an internationally recognized dermatology and wellness expert who serves as Director of the Skin of Color Division for the University of Miami Department of Dermatology.
  • Dr. Collins specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery, as well as surgical and cosmetic surgery, having earning her M.D. as valedictorian from Vanderbilt University.

Check out the best body wash for eczema here:

  1. Dove Soothing Relief Body Wash
  2. Vanicream Gentle Body Wash
  3. Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash
  4. Cetaphil Pro Dry Skin Soothing Wash
  5. CeraVe Soothing Body Wash
  6. Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash
  7. Kopari Hydrating Body Wash

The Best Body Wash For Eczema-Prone Skin

Target

This fragrance-free body wash stays in my shower not only because it's doesn't have pesky (and irritating) perfumes, but it's also super soothing. I feel like I'm at a spa each time I use it, and I've definitely noticed my skin isn't dry when I get out of the shower. It has a 5% nourishing serum in it along with colloidal oatmeal and was co-created by dermatologists who get it. The best part is that it not only does my skin look better, but I haven't experienced much body acne with it either. Plus, Amazon's customers less likely to return it!

Prior to using this, I was an avid Bath & Body Works body wash user. Before you throw tomatoes at me, I didn't know how much they were affecting my skin until I started doing more research in college. Once I learned better, I stopped using them and haven't looked back.

Another alternative to this is something Dr. Woolery-Lloyd suggests using — Dove's Sensitive Skin Body Wash. I used to use it prior to falling in love with Soothing Relief formula because it's hypoallergenic and equally moisturizing. It's just a little creamier!

Customer Reviews For Dove's Soothing Relief Body Wash

Target

Some of the top reviews on Amazon for this body wash are:

  • "I absolutely love this wonderful, silky, smooth, make you feel so sexy type of body wash! I have eczema & to find a body wash that works for me is saying A LOT! For having sensitive skin, I love how this is fragrance free, my skin is smooth & soft, not dry or dried out, not itchy, & great for after shaving, no razor bumps or redness!"
  • "This seems to have really improved my skin. It's great for sensitive skin."
  • "This has NO SCENT. Not even a weird “unscented” scent- you other itchy folk know what I’m talking about.
    Creamy but lathers like a dream and you only need like two pumps! Rinses off easily. Skin doesn’t feel dry or tight or… itchy! Like, at all! I will be ordering this over and over!"
  • "I have uber sensitive skin and have to be very careful in which products I use. This product feels really nice on my skin and has a positive, moisturizing and calming effect. I would highly recommend."

Shop The Best Body Wash For Eczema

Amazon

Dove Soothing Relief Body Wash

Other Great Body Washes For Eczema:

Amazon

Vanicream Gentle Body Wash

Dr. Woolery-Lloyd and Dr. Collins both recommend this body wash for those who have eczema: "It's free of dyes, fragrance, lanolin, and other common irritants.This product helps maintain moisture and reduce irritation, making it suitable for regular use," says Dr. Collins.

Amazon

Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash

Dr. Collins loves Aveeno's Skin Relief Body Wash because it "contains colloidal oatmeal, which is soothing and helps relieve itching."

Amazon

Cetaphil Pro Dry Skin Soothing Wash

"It's soap-free, fragrance-free, and designed for sensitive skin," says Dr. Collins.

More Eczema-Friendly Body Wash Recommendations

Amazon

CeraVe Soothing Body Wash

This body wash has more of an oil consistency because of the Omega Oils found in it. They help to add moisture back to dry skin while Niacinamide helps soothe it if you've been experiencing irritation.

Amazon

Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash

This hydrating body wash may start off as an oil, but it quickly forms into a rich, moisturizing lather that we love. Although it's not specifically designed for eczema-prone skin, but the good news is that it works for everyone. It has over 50% glycerin and phyto lipids in to help "maintain healthy skin barrier and acid mantle" so you'll enjoy something luxurious for only $16!

Amazon

Kopari Hydrating Body Wash

This hydrating body wash has moisturizing coconut water and sea kelp in it, making it the vegan option you'll be glad you tried. It also has aloe vera juice in it which helps maintain the skin's collagen.

What is eczema?

Kaboompics.com

Eczema isn't necessarily a secret, but not everyone knows how it's actually defined or characterized. Both Dr. Woolery-Lloyd and Dr. Collins agree that eczema is also referred to as atopic dermatitis. Dr. Collins says, "It's a chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed, itchy, and often red or discolored patches on the skin. It can affect people of all ages but is commonly seen in children." The Asthma & Allergy Network reports "15-20% of children globally" have it which seems to coincide with the CDC discovering "nearly 1 in 5 children have a seasonal allergy." Dr. Woolery-Lloyd adds, "It tends to run in families." This makes sense because my mom had eczema, passed it on to me, and now my son has it!

She also says, "People with mild eczema may experience persistent dryness and itchiness, while more severe cases can lead to painful, cracked, and even bleeding skin." While it's not central to one location, Dr. Woolery-Lloyd says eczema commonly shows up "inside of the elbows, behind the knees, and the face."

Some cases of eczema differs from others, but it can become severe. The reason it exists in the body is because of "a dysfunction in the skin barrier" that leads to "an increased loss of moisture and heightened sensitivity to external irritants, allergens, and microbes," Dr. Collins expounds.

What triggers eczema flare-ups?

Keira Burton

I briefly mentioned some things that can trigger eczema flare-ups, but they're not all encompassing. Dr. Collins says, "Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by several factors, including environmental irritants (like certain fabrics, soaps, and fragrances), allergens (such as dust mites, pet dander, and pollen), stress, dry or cold weather, and even certain foods in some individuals."

If your dermatologist suspects you may be allergic to something you're eating, they may want you to take an allergy test. This is how I found out I was allergic to a ton of environmental factors, cats, and dogs! But why does this happen, you ask? "The skin’s barrier function is compromised in eczema-prone individuals, making it more reactive to these external and internal triggers," says Dr. Collins. So, it's rarely your fault when your skin gets triggered!

Dr. Woolery-Lloyd also says "emotional stress can exacerbate eczema symptoms" as well! This is usually my first sign that I'm super stressed or heading towards burnout!

How can someone with eczema care for their skin during cooler months?

Kaboompics.com

My son has been seeing a dermatologist for the past couple of months, and she's made it clear that he needs to not only avoid certain factors (fragrances, itchy fabrics, etc), but she also let us know his skin actually requires we add other elements to his routine, too. Both Dr. Collins and Dr. Woolery-Lloyd want you to stay as moisturized as possible.

Dr. Collins says, "During cooler months, it’s essential to focus on hydrating and protecting the skin barrier." Her tips are to"

  • Moisturize regularly with rich, fragrance-free creams or ointments.
  • Use a humidifier indoors to combat dry air.
  • Take lukewarm showers and avoid hot water, which can further dry out the skin.
  • Wear soft, breathable fabrics to avoid irritation, especially when layering.
  • Avoid long showers, as prolonged exposure to water can dehydrate the skin.
Dr. Woolery-Lloyd echoes her sentiments. "In the winter, people with eczema should consider switching to a more hydrating moisturizer to combat dry winter skin and prevent an eczema flare. Reapplication of the moisturizer is also important. This is especially important for the hands since taking gloves on and off on windy winter days can cause the hands to be especially vulnerable to dryness and eczema."
In other words, keep your moisturizer handy because you never know when you'll need to reapply it throughout the day!

Which products and ingredients should people with eczema avoid?

Bruno Cervera

Over the years, I've learned that anything that has artificial fragrances in them tends to trigger itchy and splotchy hives. Sometimes they're tiny clusters, but they can look like welts if my skin is super irritated. Dr. Collins says, "Individuals with eczema should avoid products with harsh fragrances, alcohol, sulfates, and synthetic dyes, as these can irritate the skin further." Also, sodium lauryl suflate (SLS) is also good to avoid because it "can strip the skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness," explains Dr. Collins. Sadly, she feels you shouldn't use popular "exfoliating ingredients" like salicylic acid or retinoids because they "can be too harsh for sensitive, eczema-prone skin."

A list of other things Dr. Woolery-Lloyd wants you to avoid are:

  • Harsh surfactants - Harsh surfactants, such as sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
  • Alcohol - Alcohol can be drying to the skin, which can worsen eczema.
  • Essential oils - Essential oils can be irritating to the skin and can trigger a flare-up of eczema.
  • Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) - Acids in skincare can be irritating to eczema-prone skin.
  • Dyes - Dyes can sometimes irritate eczema-prone skin and can trigger a flare-up of eczema.

She encourages you to "read product labels carefully."

What are good eczema-friendly body washes?

Amazon

Knowing this, both Dr. Collins and Dr. Woolery-Lloyd want you to use a body wash that's going to cleanse your skin instead of hurting it. "For eczema-prone skin, it’s best to choose gentle, fragrance-free body washes that are formulated to support the skin barrier," says Dr. Collins.

Follow our Amazon Storefront for more beauty products we love!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

With the holidays now approaching almost eerily quickly, you might already be feeling slightly uneasy about the family stresses that are bound to be on your plate (along with delicious Christmas cookies, of course). Spending a lot of time face-to-face with family can dig up old arguments or squabbles that everyone may have forgotten during the rest of the year.

Learn the 8 best ways to support your friend while they're in the middle of family drama

You’re not the only one dealing with the drama, though, and while your own family issues might feel somewhat out of your control, there might be more you can do to take the edge off the stress that your friends are feeling in anticipation of holiday gatherings. Keep scrolling for eight expert tips for how to best offer support to your most stress-ridden BFFs.

1. Listen without judging if your friend reveals an ongoing argument about a family will

RDNE Stock project

Being a good listener is one of the most basic — and yet most important — things you can do as a friend 365 days of the year, but when tensions run high near the holidays, those listening skills become all the more crucial. You might even consider resisting the urge to speak, like, at all. “Be a good listener and don’t give advice,” licensed marriage and family therapist Katie Ziskind says. “Supporting someone doesn’t mean that you have to fix their problem. Instead, truly being supportive means giving a hug when someone is crying and being a caring friend.”

2. Prep your pal to expect drama if your uncle's invited his new girlfriend and ex to dinner

Rather than reassuring your friend that things at family celebrations may not be as bad as they fear, trust what they know about the situation and help them wrap their head around what’s to come. This should minimize the stress for them in the long run. “If you expect it and it happens, situation normal,” certified life coach Susan Golicic tells us. “If you expect it and it doesn’t, well, then, a bonus!”

3. Help your bestie make a plan in case their fight-or-flight mode gets triggered

Going into any situation with a plan almost always feels better than going in unprepared. Per writer, speaker, and healing expert Alisa Zipursky, a helpful plan might include specific check-in times, a code word that indicates your friend needs extra support, and ideas for creating healthy boundaries with family members who make them feel especially triggered. “The idea is to make asking for help as easy as possible,” Zipursky says. “Making sure a proactive plan is in place well before someone enters the stressful situation can help relieve some of the anticipatory anxiety.”

4. Check in often by sending your friend periodic texts 

Licensed counselor Maria Inoa recommends that you prioritize regular touch-base texts over the course of whatever event is causing your friend the most stress. It’s not about solving the conflicts or taking away their pain. Instead, you can focus on offering gentle reminders that you are thinking of them and are available if they need you.

5. Create a new tradition that revolves around you and and your bestie's favorite Christmas movies

If your friend’s family holiday celebrations don’t exactly inspire positive feelings about the occasion, why not help them establish some better associations? Licensed clinical professional counselor Anna Poss suggests planning a “low-stress, fun way to celebrate with each other before or after the actual holiday.” Get a seasonal movie night or cookie swap on the calendar before everyone leaves town to hang with family. Those cozy vibes may help dull the negative, anxious feelings.

6. Write down words of affirmations for them to look at

Photo By: Kaboompics.com

Grab some pretty stationery and put your love and support on paper for your BFF. “In the note, remind her how strong, courageous, and capable she is,” licensed psychotherapist and life coach Diane Petrella says. “Let her know how much you love and admire her and how grateful you are for her friendship. Write whatever you think your friend needs to hear to feel supported, grounded, and loved.” Remind her to hide the note in her pocket or bag so she can read it whenever she needs a little extra TLC over the course of the holidays. You can even go one step further and send them home with a care package, per therapistShannon Thomas.

7. Invite your friend to your family celebration

If things have gotten so bad with your bestie’s family that she wants to steer clear of their celebrations entirely, you may want to invite her to join you and your crew instead. Even if she opts to decline your invitation, it will mean a lot to her to know that she has choices. If your friend does take you up on the offer, Mountainside Treatment Center‘s family wellness manager Tina Muller recommends that you try to incorporate some of her favorite traditions into your holiday schedule.

8. Keep your phone nearby if your friend needs to talk about everything that happened

Photo By: Kaboompics.com

“Before an event with possible family issues even happens, schedule a time not long after to see the friend,” marriage and family therapist Sarah Epstein suggests. “Now you’ve become the light at the end of the tunnel for them.” Be prepared to be a listening ear over dinner or a workout session so your pal can vent about everything that’s gone on and (hopefully) be ready to move on from there.

How do you and your pals support each other through the not-so-fun parts of the holidays? Tweet us @BritandCo.

(Photo via Getty)