Having irritated or dry skin is never fun. Not only can irritated skin cause physical discomfort, but it can also create emotional stress when skin feels perpetually tight or tingly, not to mention how you feel when you look in the mirror and see stress all over your face (redness, rashes, flaking, scaly skin, etc). No one likes to see a stress rash on the face. While there aremany different ways to combat skin irritation, it's essential to understand what causes skin irritation in the first place. Identifying the underlying cause of skin irritation can help you determine how to treat it best. Our Skin Health Experts at Kate Somerville have put together this simple guide to caring for skin that’s irritated, stressed and/or sensitized as well as their recommendations for bringing skin back into balance.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors play a huge role in our skin's health. Things like sunshine, seasonal changes, dry weather, pollution, and even dust can affect skin health and lead to irritation. To help keep your skin from being irritated, you must protect it before it's exposed. And while there’s an abundance of facial products on the market that can help shield your skin from harmful irritants, not all products are created equal. As Skin Health Experts, we recommend a comprehensive regimen that focuses on skin health and your unique skin concerns. Your routine should start with a soothing cleanser like the Kate Somerville DeliKate® Soothing Cleanser. Clinically formulated with a peptide complex, ginger root extract, and cucumber seed oil, this gentle cleanser was designed to soothe irritation and support a healthy skin barrier. Cleansing and moisturizing your skin every morning is a great way to begin your day and helps reduce your likelihood of developing dry or oily skin throughout the day. Both of these can be harmful and contribute to irritated skin and acne.
Aside from cleansing, daily sun protection for the face is also an important part of your skincare routine. Doing so will help protect your skin from UV radiation and help prevent premature aging. Apply sunscreen after your skincare products and makeup.
Harsh Skincare Products
Another way skin gets irritated? Using harsh skincare products. While using the right skincare products can keep your skin healthy and glowing, using the wrong products causes irritation and possible skin damage. Some skincare products contain harsh soaps that will cause skin dryness and redness. If you're experiencing dry or flaky skin, then it may be a sign that you're using the wrong cleanser or overusing an acne product. While products that contain retinoids and benzoyl ointments work great for acne-prone skin, using too much can cause red and sensitive skin. If that's the case, then these products might not be the ideal treatment for you. Or you may be using them too frequently.
If you find that your skin is a bit oilier than usual, it could be a sign that you're stripping it of its natural oils. Your body naturally creates oils to work as a barrier to keep dirt and other environmental factors from entering the skin. Over-washing your skin or using a product that strips your skin of its natural oils can cause your skin to work harder to produce those oils, which may result in oily skin. While a balance of oils is necessary to maintain healthy skin, too much oil can lead to clogged pores and irritation. When adding skincare products to your routine, take note of how your skin feels before and after applying the products. If you notice that your skin feels more irritated after using a product, it may be best to cut it from your routine and use more sensitive skincare products like our DeliKate® Recovery Cream. A gentle and lightweight formula, this breakthrough clinical recovery cream for sensitive skin works to reduce the appearance of redness and dryness while supporting your skin's protective barrier.
Genetics
Genetics play a huge role in the health of your skin. While some of us were born with naturally dry skin, others grew up with oilier skin. While no skin type is better or worse, it’s important to know your skin type so you can maintain optimal skin health. Since most skincare products are created with one skin type in mind, be sure to do your homework before choosing products for your skincare regimen. A product that may work well when incorporated into skincare for oily skin may irritate someone who has dry skin. If you've noticed an increase of acne or irritation on your skin, then the products you’re using may not be formulated for your skin type. To ensure that your routine is working with your skin, we suggest first determining which skin type you have. From there, you can decide which products you may want to remove from your current routine.
Aging
As we age, our skin begins to produce less and less oil1, and as a result, you may experience dry skin patches or overall dry skin. Hormonal changes, environmental factors, and our body's chemistry all play a role in this increased irritation. The solution? Moisturize every day! Adding a daily moisturizer or a recovery serum, like DeliKate® Recovery Serum to your gentle skincare routine will help keep your skin looking supple and firm. This recovery serum works to replenish lost moisture and swiftly provide hydration to the barrier of your skin. Omegas, ceramides and Tasmannia Lanceolate Fruit Extract work together in this serum to provide long-lasting hydration to calm dryness or irritation and keep skin hydrated. Aside from moisturizing, sunscreen is also a great way to combat aging. Using sunscreen daily will help lock in moisture and prevent skin dryness. UVA and UVB rays not only speed up the skin's aging process, but they can also lead to more visible veins, age spots, and premature wrinkles [2]. Incorporating a skin-saving moisturizer for dry skin into your routine will surely aid in your fight against dry, irritated skin.
Whether you've been spending too much time in the sun or you're merely using the wrong skincare products, knowing how to maintain optimal skin health is essential. Remember, healthy, beautiful skin takes time, and swapping in one facial product won't get you results overnight. If you notice that your skin is becoming increasingly dry, itchy or irritated, then it's time to identify what’s causing the sensitivity. Once you identify the cause, then you can create a routine that incorporates a gentle cleanser to help you achieve healthy, nourished skin!
If you have a serious skin condition, be sure to consult your dermatologist before trying out any new products.
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