Skin Irritation: Treatment and Prevention Guide

A blonde woman with an irritation on her elbow

The most important thing you need to know about skin irritation is the fact that it’s extremely dangerous for your skin. Both irritation and inflammation that causes it are not merely aesthetic problems. The condition damages your skin on the cellular level and can leave permanent marks. It’s not only scars that you should worry about as inflammation also speeds up the breakdown of collagen, which results in the appearance of wrinkles.

Irritation is a serious problem regardless of your skin type, though your reaction to the condition is affected by it. In girls with oily skin, this process affects the sebaceous glands and puts them into a total overdrive. This can lead to acne breakouts and unappealingly enlarged pores. If your skin is dry, irritation weakens it greatly, increasing your sensitivity level.

How to Treat Skin Irritation

There is no single best treatment method for this condition. Using specialized cosmetic products is the best method of relieving the discomfort caused by the condition. You can either look for them in stores or make a soothing solution on your own. We suggest the products based on the aloe vera extract as this ingredient possesses extraordinary healing properties.

If your condition is severe, you should consult a doctor as it might be a symptom of a bigger problem that requires medical treatment. Usually, this occurs in the case of an extreme allergic reaction. The best solution in this case is to take your regular drugs for the condition.

It’s imperative to stop using the product that causes this kind of reaction right away. If you aren’t sure what this is, you should stop using everything and “reintroduce” the products one by one, noting your skin’s reaction.

Skin Irritation Prevention Tips

  • Be very gentle.
    In many cases, the main cause of irritation is physical damage. You may be too vigorous when washing your face or use a scrub too often. Always be gentle when you touch your face, especially while applying cleanser. You also shouldn’t perform a thorough exfoliation more often than twice a week, or once if you have dry sensitive skin.
  • Avoid extreme temperatures.
    Exposure to extreme weather conditions as well as too cold or hot water damages your skin’s natural protections. Always apply a specialized cream before you go outside during winter and use only lukewarm or cool water when washing your face.
  • Watch out for irritating ingredients.
    Some ingredients have a higher chance of eliciting a negative reaction from your skin. You should avoid the products that contain these “triggers”, especially if you have sensitive skin and are prone to allergies. Alcohol and fragrant oils are the most dangerous of them, but there are other dangers you should watch out for, including menthol, lemongrass, cinnamon, lavender, balm mint, and linalool.
    If allergies are a common problem for you, run various sensitivity tests to find out what your personal “triggers” are. Study the ingredients list on every cosmetic product label carefully to reduce the risk of irritating your skin.
  • Stay away from bar soaps and cleansers.
    Bar products include some nasty chemicals that allow them to retain their shape. It’s best to avoid them at all times, even if you aren’t allergic to any of them at the moment. Sometimes, a reaction develops over a lengthy exposure to the irritant.
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