WHAT CAUSES INFLAMMATION ON THE SKIN?
There are several problems that result in skin feeling sensitive, hot or inflamed. It is important to attend to irritated skin, as issues tend to persist and spread.
- Dermatitis/eczema are often due to skin contact with irritants. Detergents, bleaches and fragrances are frequent culprits. Allergies, cold air and emotional stress can also trigger flare ups. Symptoms include dry, flaky, red and itchy skin and may resolve with cessation of contact with irritant and application of gentle moistursers. Chronic dermatitis may be due to an over-activated inflammatory response and treatment beyond topical products may need to be sought
- Psoriasis is an auto-immune disorder that prompts skin cells to divide and reproduce too quickly without shedding, leading to a build-up of dead cells that are itchy, dry and flaky. If psoriasis is chronic medical attention may need to be sought.
- Rosacea tends to affect people of Celtic origin although people with darker skins are also affected and may be less frequently diagnosed. Symptoms present between 30-50 years of age and include broken capillaries, pustules and a permeant ‘flush’ often on the nose and cheeks. The cause is unknown
- Bacterial imbalances often begin as small red bumps that may enlarge when left untreated. Men may experience increased redness after shaving
- Sensitive skin may be a result of harsh skincare products (for example those containing sulphates), over-exfoliation, high acidity diets or over-exposure to harsh environmental elements (UV, wind, heat or cold).
INFLAMED SKINCARE ROUTINE
Morning
Rinse face and cleanse with a mild face wash using cool water.
Touch eye area lightly with anti-aging and calming eye cream.
Apply a calming, soothing cream moisturiser .
Follow with a light sunscreen (aluminium free).
Evening
Cleanse with a soothing, alcohol-free face cleanser . Using cool water.
Touch eye area lightly with anti-aging eye cream.
Massage face and neck with collagen serum to recover elasticity and well-being, applied in gentle upward strokes.
Complete routine with a cream face redness reducer .
Weekly
Take a cool bath instead of shower where possible. Add emulsifying oils such as Rose, Olive and Macadamia (1/2 cup total) to bath to soothe skin.
One to two times a week , apply a calming masque to soothe the skin and detoxify the pores.
One to two times a week, use a face exfoliant with very light pressure in circular movements.
WHAT IS GOOD FOR IRRITATED SKIN?
- Acute flare ups may be soothed with an ice pack wrapped in a delicate cloth and held against the skin for 10 minutes at a time. Take care not to damage skin further by freezing!
- Avoid letting skin get too hot, take cool showers and avoid direct sunlight to affected areas
- Bacterial imbalance may be caused by unwanted bacteria on your razor blade. Wiping the blade with alcohol or rinsing with Listerine prior to shaving may help
- Reduce caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, refined foods, sugar and red meat
- Regulate body acidity by including apple cider vinegar, lemon juice in water and chlorophyll supplementation in the diet
- Sleep with an air humidifier in dry climates
- Reduce and manage emotional stress
- Laser (such as IPL) can improve the appearance of broken capillaries
- Avoid sunscreens containing aluminium
- Switch to natural and organic skincare products, which include camomile and marigold, for example those recommended above.