9 causes of skin irritation and how to deal with them

The sensitivity of the skin is caused by a violation of the protective layer, which consists of dead cells and lipids that adhere them. It protects against germs, water loss, penetration of substances from the outside, mechanical damage and free radicals. Sometimes sensitivity is a permanent property of the skin, the causes of which lie at the gene level, and this cannot be cured. But more often it is caused by external and internal factors that can be influenced. The reasons for this can be different: from improper care to stress. Beauty journalist Adel Miftakhova for a joint project with Weleda considered which mechanisms are behind each of the reasons.

Adel Miftakhova

Beauty journalist

We reviewed the most important factors affecting the health of the skin. Then they prepared a test that will help understand the condition of the skin, as well as understand what to do to help it recover faster and protect itself from irritations.

Healthy skin

A healthy barrier consisting of flat flakes of corneocytes and glues gluing them together. The skin is protected from water loss and penetration of bacteria.

Damaged skin

Damaged barrier: the integrity of the lipid layer is compromised. The skin quickly loses water and bacteria and allergens easily penetrate it.

Is your skin sensitive regardless of external factors?

Well no

Stress

From chronic fatigue and lack of sleep in the body produces cortisol, which is often called the stress hormone. When cortisol levels are elevated for a long time, immunity decreases, cardiovascular diseases and digestive problems appear. It also affects the condition of the skin is not the best way: it is updated more slowly and produces less fat. Ways to deal with stress are fairly simple, but require a systematic approach. Studies show that meditation, yoga and massage (even 15 minutes a day) reduce cortisol levels. And if massage and yoga require the participation of a specialist at least at first, then with meditation everything is easier. Now there are many applications and tutorials that will help the neophyte figure out.

Are you worried a lot?

Well no

Free radicals

Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage skin cells. As a result, it is worse restored and protects from damage. Antioxidants fight free radicals - they neutralize them before they reach the skin. One of the most effective antioxidants is vitamin E, which is found in many vegetable oils, for example, sunflower or almond. Others are vitamin C and green tea extract; in the complex, they work better than individually. But vitamin C, for example, is an active ingredient, so it should be used carefully on sensitive and irritated skin.

Do you use protective creams?

Well no

Bad ecology of a big city

Dust, gases, aerosols, conditioners, tobacco smoke and other pollution, on the one hand, produce free radicals, on the other hand, make the skin vulnerable to inflammation, which makes it redden and dehydrate. To avoid them is unlikely to succeed - you have to sit at home all the time surrounded by filters and humidifiers. But gentle cleansing of the skin twice a day and creams with soothing and protective properties will help smooth out their effect. Neutral formulas with natural ingredients themselves are unstable and quickly lose properties, so cosmetics with them should be selected in closed opaque packages with minimal air access. In banks with large lids, they quickly lose their properties and become useless.

Do you live in a big city?

Well no

Nutrition

Experts believe that you should not discount the effect of nutrition on the condition of the skin. Of course, this is not the main cause of sensitivity, but products can be triggers for exacerbation, and sometimes manifestations of irritation and atopic dermatitis. And although each person has their own triggers, some food groups provoke irritation more likely than others, for example: citrus fruits, spices and nuts. Some antihistamine diets treat dermatitis well. If you notice that your skin is red and irritated from eating, then it makes sense to keep a special diary. Write down what you ate and what your skin was in - this will help you understand exactly which foods cause the reaction to avoid them in the future.

Do you notice the skin reaction to food?

Well no

Aggressive cleansing

Cleansing is one of the most traumatic daily procedures for skin, but it is necessary in order to wash off cosmetics, street dust, sweat and excess fat from the face. Many products wash off not only "unnecessary" skin, but also fats, from which its protective barrier is built. If you systematically violate it, it dries the skin and provokes irritation. Many people still believe that the skin, especially oily, needs to be cleaned "to the creak." But it is the “creak” that says that you have overdone your cleansing. In addition, the violation of the protective barrier provokes inflammation and rash. Therefore, even if your skin is oily and problematic, it needs gentle cleansing, after which there is no feeling of tightness and dryness.

Are you cleansing your skin?

Well no

Hot water

A long hot shower is a favorite habit of many residents of cold countries. It relaxes and warms, but the skin does not act in the best way. Hot water in itself is quite well washes away dirt and grease from the skin, and with soap and shower gels based on aggressive detergent ingredients like SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) dehydrates it, provokes itching and flaking.

British dermatologist Sam Banting advises to reduce the time in the shower to five minutes and immediately after, without waiting for the skin to dry completely, apply moisturizing and nourishing products. This will help preserve water in the epidermis and relieve the unpleasant sensation of dryness and tightness. Shower gels with mild detergent and moisturizing ingredients are less dried due to gentle cleaning ingredients and generally mild formulations.

Love a hot shower?

Well no

Medicines

Medications often affect the condition of the skin is not the best way. For example, in the treatment of serious stages of acne, isotretinoin is used, the side effect of which is dryness and reactivity of the skin. The same applies to many surface preparations: they heal, but do not care - and therefore can clog pores, irritate and dry the skin. Of course, the result of treatment justifies the discomfort, but it is quite possible to smooth it out using mild skin care, which will smooth the aggressive action of the drugs. It is important that the care products do not interfere with the treatment, so for the period of treatment you should not use cosmetics with active bleaching or renewing ingredients. Choose products with base ingredients that do not contain substances such as, for example, vitamin C, retinoids, and acids.

Taking medicine?

Well no

Excessive exfoliation

Exfoliating is an important part of care, thanks to which the skin gets rid of excess dead cells. But in the case of sensitive skin it is easy to overdo it: the stratum corneum is one of the protective membranes of the skin, which does not allow substances that are not needed to penetrate the skin. Complete disposal of it increases susceptibility and sensitivity. If you are faced with this, then it is worth postponing all the exfoliating agents, including brushes and sponges, and restore. Minimize the amount of cosmetics and leave only cleansing and moisturizing. In this case, the means for washing should be soft and in no case should not be washed “until the creaking”, and the cream should contain restoring and protective components: vegetable oils, ceramides, waxes. They, unlike mineral oil, not only cover the skin with a protective layer, but due to the content of fatty acids related to the skin, they restore the lipid barrier.

Exfoliation: it happened?

Well no

Pregnancy

It is unlikely for someone to be the news that during pregnancy with women there are many changes: hormonal, immune and metabolic. Everything changes, and the skin is no exception. Some people get lucky and their skin gets better, but most still do not. In addition, after childbirth, chronic lack of sleep is also added to hormonal changes. To do something about this is almost impossible - just wait. Usually, doctors forbid the use of cosmetics with active ingredients and fragrances that may cause allergies during pregnancy and feeding. Therefore, cosmetics for sensitive skin in this case will come in handy. It will not get rid of problems, but will help the skin look and feel a little better.

Pregnancy: expecting a baby?

Well no

Check if all items are marked correctly?

How sensitive is your skin?

Find out the result

Your skin is sensitive regardless of external factors.

Stress is difficult to measure or evaluate, but it affects the state of the body as a whole and the skin in particular. Chronic fatigue and lack of sleep produce cortisol, which is often called the stress hormone. When the level of cortisol in the body is elevated for a long time, it begins to affect many vital functions: immunity decreases, cardiovascular diseases and digestive problems occur. It also affects the condition of the skin is not the best way: it is slower updated and produces less fat, which makes it more vulnerable to external damage and reduces the ability to recover on their own.

1/5 Delicate cleansing facial milk

Mild cleansing of the face is important not only for sensitive skin, but also for any other, including oily. Aggressive foaming agents destroy the protective layer of the skin, causing irritation, flaking and reproduction of bacteria. Gentle milk gently cleanses the skin of impurities without overdrying it and without breaking the lipid barrier due to the content of oils. For cleansing, it should be applied to damp skin, gently massage gently and rinse with warm water. If the face has a permanent makeup, then to remove it is better to use a delicate oil.

Buy

2/5 Delicate nourishing face oil

Almond oil and plum seed oil contain skin-related ingredients - triglycerides, oleic, linoleic and myristic acids, which are responsible for the protective and antimicrobial properties. According to the Paula's Choice website, these oils do not provoke irritations, so they can be used on sensitive skin. It can be used instead of cream on cleansed skin or added to the cream to make it more nourishing. Oil is also suitable for removing persistent makeup and facial massage. It also perfectly softens dry elbows, knees and cuticle.

Buy

3/5 Delicate moisturizing face cream

Moisturizer has a light texture and is designed for normal and oily skin. It is quickly absorbed, does not enhance the shine, does not clog pores and acts as an excellent base for makeup. Almond oil contains vitamin E, and the oil of plum stones - vitamins of group B. They protect the skin from the effects of free radicals and make it soft and smooth. This cream is perfect for those who restore the skin after acne treatment with desiccants. It will compensate for the lack of water and fat, preventing flaking and dehydration.

Buy

4/5 Delicate nourishing face cream

This cream has a rich texture that is more suitable for owners of dry-prone skin or as a night care for any skin type. Dry skin itself suffers from a shortage of sebum, making it more vulnerable to external influences. The components of the nourishing cream compensate for this deficiency and help the skin to protect itself from negative environmental factors. The presence of alcohol in the composition may cause concern to the owners of dry skin, but in small quantities, it is not aggressive. It helps cosmetics ingredients better penetrate the skin and plays the role of a preservative that protects cosmetics from microbiological contamination.

Buy

5/5 Delicate Shower Cream

The softness of the cleanser is determined by two factors: its level of acidity (pH) and what detergent components it contains. This shower cream uses mild surfactants, and its pH is mildly acidic. Glycerin, organic almond oil and shea butter make it even softer and more gentle to the skin. It has a delicate texture, and, despite the fact that it foams weakly, it perfectly cleans the skin, without overdrying it and without causing a feeling of tightness and itching after a shower.

Buy

1/5 Delicate nourishing face oil

Almond oil and plum seed oil contain skin-related ingredients - triglycerides, oleic, linoleic and myristic acids - which are responsible for the protective and antimicrobial properties. According to the Paula's Choice website, these oils do not provoke irritations, so they can be used on sensitive skin. It can be used instead of cream on cleansed skin or added to the cream to make it more nourishing. Oil is also suitable for removing persistent makeup and facial massage. It also perfectly softens dry elbows, knees and cuticles.

Buy

2/5 Delicate moisturizing face cream

Moisturizer has a light texture and is designed for normal and oily skin. It is quickly absorbed, does not enhance the shine, does not clog pores and acts as an excellent base for makeup. Almond oil contains vitamin B, and oil of plum seeds - vitamins of group B. They protect the skin from the effects of free radicals and make it soft and smooth. This cream is perfect for those who restore the skin after acne treatment with desiccants. It will compensate for the lack of water and fat, preventing flaking and dehydration.

Buy

3/5 Delicate Shower Cream

Buy

4/5 Delicate body milk

Glycerin (natural) is a component that attracts and holds water in the skin, like a sponge. And almond oil, beeswax and squalane create on the skin an analogue of a protective layer that protects the skin from drying out and water loss. This milk is quite liquid and can be easily distributed over the skin, but it also nourishes very well. It is saturated and even slightly greasy, but is quickly absorbed, leaving a pleasant protective layer on the skin that prevents water from evaporating. A separate plus is the packaging, which lies comfortably in the hand and the smooth dispenser, which provides exactly as much money as needed.

Buy

5/5 Delicate Hand Cream

The skin of the hands suffers the most from frequent washing, wind and cold, and therefore the means for the hands must be such as to compensate for the lack of protective lipids most effectively. It is important that the cream is quickly absorbed and does not leave an unpleasant film on the skin. Delicate hand cream instantly and permanently moisturizes and does not create a feeling of stickiness due to tapioca starch in the composition. A red algae extract calms and acts as an antioxidant, that is, protects the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals.

Buy

1/5 Delicate nourishing face oil

Buy

2/5 Delicate moisturizing face cream

Moisturizer has a light texture and is designed for normal and oily skin. It is quickly absorbed, does not enhance the shine, does not clog pores and acts as an excellent base for makeup. Almond oil contains vitamin B, and oil of plum seeds - vitamins of group B. They protect the skin from the effects of free radicals and make it soft and smooth. This cream is perfect for those who restore the skin after acne treatment with desiccants. It will compensate for the lack of water and fat, preventing flaking and dehydration.

Buy

3/5 Delicate nourishing face cream

This cream has a rich texture that is more suitable for owners of dry-prone skin or as a night care for any skin type. Dry skin itself suffers from a shortage of sebum, making it more vulnerable to external influences. The components of the nourishing cream compensate for this deficiency and help the skin to protect itself from negative environmental factors. The presence of alcohol in the composition may cause concern to the owners of dry skin, but in small quantities, it is not aggressive. Он помогает ингредиентам косметики лучше проникать в кожу и играет роль консерванта, защищающего косметику от микробиологического заражения.

Купить

4/5 Деликатный крем для душа

Мягкость очищающего средства определяется двумя факторами: его уровнем кислотности (pH) и тем, какие моющие компоненты он содержит. This shower cream uses mild surfactants, and its pH is mildly acidic. Glycerin, organic almond oil and shea butter make it even softer and more gentle to the skin. It has a delicate texture, and, despite the fact that it foams weakly, it perfectly cleans the skin, without overdrying it and without causing a feeling of tightness and itching after a shower.

Buy

5/5 Delicate body milk

Buy

Material prepared with the support of