Skin irritation can be a pesky problem, leaving your skin feeling red, swollen, itchy, and just plain uncomfortable. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as the environment, allergies, or underlying health conditions. Think of your skin as a shield; it protects you from external threats. When this shield gets damaged, skin irritation can follow.
In this article, we're going to walk you through some of the common issues that may be causing your skin irritation, and explain what you should do about them. We've been developing natural based skincare products for nearly 10 years- and along the way we've learned a lot about what we can and cannot solve.
Let's jump in and see what we can do!
Common Causes of Skin Irritation
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions happen when your immune system goes into overdrive over something harmless, like certain foods, pollen, or even ingredients in your skincare products. This overreaction can lead to conditions like contact dermatitis, which shows up as red, itchy rashes.
Environmental Factors
Mother Nature can be a bit harsh on our skin. Pollution, extreme temperatures, and UV radiation can all irritate your skin. These environmental factors can damage your skin’s natural barrier, causing inflammation and sensitivity. If you've recently travelled to a new area, or your city has been particularly shitty to the environment lately- this can totally be impacting your skin as well.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, are known for causing chronic skin irritation. These conditions often require specific treatments and careful management. Simple Soul Skincare is probably not the place for you if you have a legitimate skin disorder requiring a dermatologist.
The Science of Soothing Irritated Skin
I am...so sorry for that image. It's gross as hell. BUT- it's important for you to see how this looks under a microscope.
Your skin barrier is like a brick wall. The "bricks" are your skin cells, that gross flaky thing up there, and the "mortar" holding them together are lipids (fats (the pink stuff)). When this wall gets damaged, it can lead to water loss and increased sensitivity. Keeping this barrier intact is crucial for healthy skin.
You don't want your flakes popping up like that image. Keep your flakes down. Minimal flaking in my blog please.
Hydration and Moisture
Hydrating and moisturizing your skin are key steps to repair this barrier. Ingredients called humectants (like glycerin and hyaluronic acid) pull water into the skin, while occlusives (like petrolatum and dimethicone) create a protective layer to lock in moisture.
At Simple Soul, we try not to use things like petroleum or glycerin in our products. Instead, you'll see humectants like aloe vera or honey, and occlusives such as beeswax or coconut oil.
Let's dive in to some of the other natural options you have for soothing those flakes!
Effective Ingredients for Soothing Irritated Skin
Aloe Vera: Nature’s Soother
Aloe vera is like the cool, calming friend you need when your skin is throwing a tantrum. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce redness and promote healing. It contains compounds that calm the skin and reduce irritation.
Colloidal Oatmeal: The Ancient Remedy
Colloidal oatmeal has been a go-to for soothing irritated skin for centuries. If you're old enough to remember chicken pox (some of us are...if you're a gen Z reading this who got the vaccine - well...lucky you. The rest of us truly suffered) then you probably remember this one.
It’s packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help calm the skin and protect it from damage.
Chamomile: The Gentle Calmer
Chamomile, especially German chamomile, is great for reducing skin inflammation and irritation. Its active components, such as bisabolol and chamazulene, are known for their soothing effects.
Practical Tips for Managing Irritated Skin
Patch Testing: Avoiding New Irritations
Before trying out new skincare products, it's crucial to do a patch test. Apply a small amount of the product on a discreet area of your skin, like behind your ear or on your inner arm, and wait 24-48 hours. If there's no adverse reaction, the product is likely safe to use. This simple step can save you from potential irritation and discomfort.
Gentle Handling: Less is More
When your skin is irritated, it's essential to handle it with care. Avoid harsh scrubbing or using abrasive exfoliants, which can further damage your skin barrier by physically ripping up your already frayed flakes.
Instead, opt for gentle cleansing with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing it.
Lifestyle Changes for Healthier Skin
Diet and Hydration
What you eat and drink significantly impacts your skin health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and flaxseeds, can reduce inflammation and improve skin barrier function. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water helps maintain skin moisture and supports overall health.
Stress Management
Stress is not just a mental burden; it can also wreak havoc on your skin. High stress levels can trigger or worsen skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Incorporating stress management techniques, such as yoga, meditation, or even a daily walk, can have a positive effect on your skin health.
The owner of the company you're reading this blog from has been annoyingly diagnosed with depression. It is extremely important to me that you hear someone say that excessive anxiety, lack of emotion, constant fight/flight responses and an inability to regulate yourself are a medical condition that yoga, walks, great skincare and sleeping can HELP, but will NOT CURE. Talk to your doctor.
Avoiding Common Irritants
Fragrances and Dyes
Many skincare products contain artificial fragrances and dyes, which can be irritating to sensitive skin. Opt for products labeled "fragrance-free" and "dye-free" to minimize the risk of irritation. Remember, "unscented" isn't the same as "fragrance-free"—unscented products may still contain masking fragrances.
Alcohol-Based Products
Alcohol can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Avoid products with high concentrations of alcohol, especially if you have sensitive or already irritated skin. Instead, choose hydrating and soothing formulations.
When to See a Dermatologist
While many cases of skin irritation can be managed with over-the-counter products and lifestyle changes, there are times when professional help is needed. If your skin irritation is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like fever or infection, it's time to see a dermatologist. A healthcare professional can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatments.
The Path to Calmer Skin
Soothing irritated skin involves a combination of understanding your triggers, choosing the right products, and making supportive lifestyle changes.
By maintaining your skin barrier, using hydrating ingredients, and avoiding common irritants, you can achieve healthier, calmer skin.
For more insights on nurturing your skin naturally, check out our next article: The Benefits of Using Natural Oils in Skincare.