Chronic inflammation can result from daily sun exposure as well as pollution. You can be outside for very little time and experience redness and irritation. A healthy skin barrier will help provide protection from the outside environment. When the barrier is disrupted, the inflammatory response is triggered and breaks down the healthy skin barrier.
Inflammation can exhibit itself as tenderness, redness, swelling and irritations. Chronic inflammation in the skin can manifest itself with aging and diseases. The body is signaling to stop what you are doing to avoid this damage. Intrinsic factors that can trigger inflammation are stress, being overweight, poor diet, smoking, hormones, disease, sun and pollution exposure.
For clients who are struggling to maintain a healthy skin barrier, should minimize exfoliation frequency. There should be less daily use of exfoliating products, so that the skin can start correcting itself. Having minimal inflammation is okay to help trigger cell turnover and stimulate collagen and elastin. Overly exfoliating the epidermis can lead to prolonged inflammation and cause more damage.
Things to avoid if skin is inflamed
Exfoliating Ingredients:
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA): Glycolic and Lactic Acid
- Retinoids (Retinol)
Spa Facial Treatments
- Microdermabrasion
- Chemical Peels
- Facial Treatments with the use of polishes and scrubs
Outside Variables
- Extreme Heat
- UV Light
Things to use with broken skin barrier
Skincare Ingredients
- Products with anti-inflammatory ingredients: Ex. Aloe, CBD (hemp), Cucumber and Chamomile
- Antioxidants: Ex. Vitamin C and E
- Ingredients that optimize the top layer barrier: Ex. Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Jojoba Oil and Ceramides
Diet
- Creating a health lifestyle: Ex. Reducing the use of seed oils and white sugars could possible help with skin barrier
- Adding supplements to your daily routine: Find a reputable supplement brand to help target skin health
These are just the few examples to work on improving skin barrier and reducing inflammation of the skin. Below, find skin care recommendations for healing and nurturing the skin back to health.
Improve Inflammation
