A Skin Care Guide for People Prone to Skin Irritation

Skin irritation is a term that refers to a range of skin issues, including itchiness, redness, and lesions. This condition affects nearly everyone at some point in their life, whether it’s a temporary symptom like a bug bite or a chronic condition like eczema.

Causes of Skin Irritation

The primary function of the skin is to safeguard the body from potentially harmful substances, such as pollutants. Since this part of the body comes into contact with the elements regularly, it’s always at risk of encountering things that irritate it.  Some of the causes of skin aggravation are:

• Synthetic Fabrics
• Soaps
• Plants
• Pet Dander
• Perfumes
• Frequent Contact and Washing with Water
• Prolonged Duration in Extremely Cold or Hot Weather
• Dyes
• Detergents
• Chemicals

Symptoms of Skin Irritation

Given that skin aggravation has various causes, the symptoms associated with this condition are also diverse. Similar to other medical conditions, the symptoms of skin irritation depend on the specific cause of the condition. Some of the common symptoms are:

• Thickened Skin
• Small Blisters
• Redness
• Pain
• Scaly or Flaky Skin
• Dry Skin
• Cracked Skin
• Changes in the Texture of the Skin
• Stinging, Tingling, or Burning Sensation

Products that Soothe Sensitive, Aggravated Skin

If you’re looking for a skin-soothing solution to calm irritated skin, consider the following products that contain any of these ingredients:

• Aloe Vera – This commonly known ingredient is good for dealing with aggravated skin. Aloe Vera’s polysaccharide and sterol content sooth and hydrate the skin. Skin care products featuring this ingredient are available almost everywhere at different price ranges.
• Sea Buckthorn Oil – Sea Buckthorn is a plant that’s rich in fatty acids and vitamins E, C, and A. It has omega oils and antioxidants, which help the skin retain moisture. Sea Buckthorn oil will serve as a definite boost for individuals suffering from scaly or dry skin. On top of moisture retention, the oil boosts the production of collagen and aids in the healing of sun damage and scars.
• Panthenol – This gentle ingredient is excellent for sensitive skin. Panthenol is a humectant and a deeply penetrating vitamin that attracts and retains moisture. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which relieve and soothe pain and itchiness. You can find Panthenol in a wide variety of skin care products, specifically in moisturizers.
• Evening Primrose Oil – This beautifully named oil is useful for individuals suffering from painful or inflamed acne. Its astringency is also helpful in alleviating irritation from pruritis, eczema, and acne. It is rich in antioxidants that help minimize fine lines. Its gamma-linolenic acids (GLAs) reduce the production of sebum while effectively hydrating the skin.
• Colloidal Oats – This skin care ingredient is effective for calming irritation. Colloidal Oats contains avenanthramide, an antioxidant that soothes the skin.
• Chamomile – This is an antioxidant-rich plant commonly used in tea. The ingredient, when applied topically, serves as a skin-soothing agent.
• Blue Tansy Oil – This ingredient has a fresh, sweet scent and a rich, blue hue. This oil works well to help soothe troubled skin and allergies.
• Calendula – This marigold subspecies is a gentle, health-promoting herb used in tinctures or tea. Its extract works as an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory solution for acne and dry skin. Rutin and Narcissin, compounds that are present in the plant, are regenerative and help relieve inflammation.
• Niacinamide – Also known as Vitamin B3, this ingredient aids in a range of skin ailments, including fine lines, enlarged pores, and dull or uneven skin tone. Its effectiveness against inflammation is beneficial for individuals with rosacea or acne. On top of that, it helps raise the production of ceramides or collagen to contribute to a stronger moisture barrier and firmer skin.

Ingredients to Avoid If You Have Sensitive Skin

While certain beauty products can soothe sensitive skin, others may cause irritation. If you’re shopping for beauty merchandise, avoid items that carry any of these ingredients:

• Cinnamic Acid –You can find this tartar-fighting acid in toothpaste. If you have sensitive skin, this ingredient could cause itchy rashes around the mouth and lips.
• Triclosan – This is an antibacterial agent found in some soaps and hand sanitizers. While this ingredient can protect your skin from harmful bacteria, it can cause itchy and inflamed rashes on the hands.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – This foaming agent is found in cleaning products and shampoos. It can easily upset the protective layer of oil on your skin.
• Petrochemicals – Petroleum-derived products, such as mineral oil and liquid paraffin, prevent moisture from escaping by creating an oily layer over your skin. The ingredients of these products, however, can accumulate, allow bacteria to proliferate, and ultimately clog pores.
• Bismuth Oxychloride – You can find this compound in mineral makeup. This ingredient can cause stinging, itching, and redness in sensitive skin.

Other Ways to Care for Sensitive Skin

While purchasing and using the right beauty products is a good idea, you should do more to keep your sensitive skin healthy. You also need to incorporate the following in your skincare routine:

• Protect Your Skin from the Sun – A fragile skin, when exposed to the sun, can develop red spots, brown spots, and sunburns quickly. Wear a sunblock to shield your skin from the harsh rays of the sun.
• Check What You Eat and Drink – A varied diet rich in beans, seeds, nuts, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids is key to keeping your skin healthy and beautiful.
• Do away with Unhealthy Habits – Poor habits, such as smoking and drinking, can ruin your complexion. Chronic alcohol drinking may damage your blood vessels, resulting in the enlargement of your skin’s pores. Additionally, smoking leaves your skin discolored and dry, as it displaces the oxygen in your skin and reduces blood flow.

Have Chronic Skin Irritation? Check with a Dermatologist

Besides looking after your sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to look at your daily habits and existing routine to find out if the skin irritation you have is acute or chronic. If you believe that you have some form of chronic skin condition, such as eczema, please consult with a dermatologist.

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