Irritated Skin

Wearing a red, dry, and itchy irritated skin is definitely not cool. Although skin irritation is not a serious skin problem, most girls find it bothersome. Girls and even men with sensitive skin are most prone to skin irritation, which usually occur in the commonly exposed parts of the skin such as the cheeks, lips, and hands. Although dealing with an irritated skin could be a life-long battle, proper skin care habits can fight it off.

Irritated skin is usually caused by three factors namely the environment, lifestyle and diet, and beauty regimen. . For most men, on the other hand, poor shaving practices are often the culprit for skin irritation. An irritated skin from shaving could be recognized with chaffing, shaving bumps, and ingrown hairs. An effective irritated skin remedy could be achieved by focusing on how to properly practice the three skin irritation-causing factors at home.

Skin irritation is usually airborne. Extreme weather conditions and environmental pollutants, therefore, are the worst enemy of those who have sensitive skin. Exposure to environmental pollutants such as secondhand smoke and ultraviolet rays from the sun can emit highly reactive oxygen molecules called free radicals, which can cause skin irritation. To avoid over exposing your skin from harmful sun rays and other pollutants always apply sunscreen or sun block before going out even during cloudy days. Aside from that always use lukewarm water when taking bath since extreme or inappropriate exposure to heat and cold could also lead to an irritated skin. Cooling your skin in front of the air conditioner during hot sunny days should also be avoided. The same advice applies during cold weather when we are tempted to exposing our skin in the direct line of heat for warmth.

Poor eating habits and inactive lifestyle also contribute in skin irritation. Your skin reflects what you eat. Aside from avoiding food that triggers some allergic reactions, eating healthy can also fight off having an irritated skin. Having a diet plenty in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can do the work. Avoid eating highly refined carbohydrates found in sugary or starchy processed foods and unhealthy fats such as trans fats, hydrogenated oils, and polyunsaturated vegetable oils. Taking in vitamin and mineral supplements like vitamins C and E and alpha lipoic acid would also help. Staying physically active would also reduce skin irritation. You can start off with a 30 to 45 minutes aerobic exercise five times a week.

Choosing the wrong beauty regimen products could also irritate the skin. If you have a sensitive skin, always be careful on applying or using skin care products. Exfoliaters or abrasive bath tools such as body scrubs and loofah, for instance, could irritate your skin by ripping your blood vessels. Stinging and tingling astringents and toners could also result to an irritated skin. If using any of the two facial cleansers, always choose the ones designed for the sensitive skin. Watch out also for irritating ingredients commonly found in your make up and other beauty products such as acetone, ammonia, bentonite, menthol, types of sodium sulfate, and thyme. People with sensitive skin are usually advised to use a mild and fragrant-free cleanser in washing their skin. Fragrances usually contain the ingredients that easily irritate the skin. For their skin care regimen, oil-free or water-based moisturizers enriched in vitamins C and E as well as essential oils such as beeswax, chamomile, jojoba, and shea butter should be used.

More than its awful look, skin irritation could also become a health concern especially if you have a blistered irritated skin, which is very prone to bacterial infection that could lead to more serious skin inflammation. Immediately seeing a dermatologist is best advised in cases like this especially if home remedies no longer works.