How to Reduce Skin Inflammation and Redness?

 Let me tell you that skincare is not a new thing. I remember my grandmother’s homemade natural products that were the secret of her beauty then. The skincare regime of the present day has literally taken a complete 360-degree turn. If we look back in time, and with changing procedures and products we see changing reactions in the body.

Earlier people used to prefer natural beauty tips. With changes in time and advertisement of products on a larger scale, we started using chemical-based products. I am not saying that these skincare or beauty products are harmful. But, we can’t deny the fact we see lots of skin issues now like allergies, inflammation, and redness.

Surprisingly, people are again shifting toward natural and organic products. As even the experts say that natural products don’t have any side effects on the skin. If you are also struggling with skin inflammation or redness, continue reading. As I’ll give you a detailed insight into the issue.

So, Let’s Begin-

The human skin is literally the biggest organ of the body and is complicated too because it has many roles to play for human health and life. It has a protective barrier and its basic function is to protect the organs and vessels that reside beneath it.

You can have skin allergies, irritated skin, redness, and skin inflammation due to a lot of reasons like immune response or microbial infection. So, the first step, I suggest in such a case is to always consult your healthcare provider to get an understanding of the causal agent.

When you go to your healthcare provider they will physically examine the affected parts of your skin. They will ask you for any prevailing allergies that you have, your past records, and your family details about your exposure to irritants and changes in household products if any. As they would want to eliminate the risk by reducing your exposure.

But another question is when should you consult your doctor. So, if you feel symptoms like you have a fever or rash covering large parts of your skin, a quickly spreading rash, or one that is painful; you need to pay attention.

Other symptoms usually don’t last that long and can be cured easily at home which include itching, burning, stinging, thickened skin, blisters, pimples and cracks in skin, or hot flashes around the affected areas.

Usually, People Ignore the Causes of Skin Inflammation

Inflammation is basically just your body’s immune response to something that is tampering with the actual working of it. So, the causes of this can be exposure to some chemical substances, and everyday substances like detergents or perfumes can also lead to dermatitis and even some metallic jewelry. These however are usually acute and temporary.

Other reasons include infections both viral and bacterial, stress, photosensitivity, extreme temperature variations, and sometimes side effects to certain medications. Also, cases of prolonged conditions like psoriasis are more dangerous and, thus need proper treatment because of deep-rooted causes.

Check this video below to learn more about its causes-

You Should Also Know How to Reduce Skin Inflammation and Redness

I’ll first tell you the most basic way to reduce redness and skin inflammation. It’s cold temperature therapy, cold compression on the affected area not only soothes the skin but also reduces redness. Some other ways are-

• Topical treatments will include creams and lotions which have cortisone and corticosteroids.
• There are other anti-fungal creams, calamine lotions, and mild applications that reduce irritation and calm the skin.
• For any strong doses, do not use anything without consulting your doctor.
• There can also be oral medications for dermatitis, this primarily involves antihistamines which help to reduce inflammation.
• For consuming orally, anti-fungal and antimicrobials can also be prescribed by your doctor.

Dr. Anna Chacon, a Dermatologist at MyFoodAllergyTeam, talked to the Icy Whiz team about conventional treatments and natural remedies for managing skin inflammation and redness. Here is what she had to say:

“In managing skin inflammation and redness, a comprehensive approach that incorporates both conventional treatments and natural remedies can yield the most effective results.

Conventional treatments often include over-the-counter or prescription creams, ointments, or lotions that contain anti-inflammatory ingredients like hydrocortisone or retinoids.

These treatments can quickly reduce inflammation and redness, but they may also have side effects such as skin irritation or dryness. Thus, it’s essential to use them judiciously and under a dermatologist’s supervision.

On the other hand, natural remedies can be a useful adjunct to conventional treatments. For instance, ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea have proven anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe irritated skin without causing adverse side effects.

However, natural remedies usually work more slowly than conventional treatments, and their effectiveness may vary from person to person.

Striking a balance between conventional treatments and natural remedies requires a personalized approach, taking into account an individual’s skin type, lifestyle, and specific skin concerns. It’s important to remember that skincare is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor.

What works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, individuals should consult with a dermatologist or a skincare professional to develop a personalized skincare regimen that combines the strengths of both conventional treatments and natural remedies.

This approach can help individuals manage skin inflammation and redness effectively while minimizing potential side effects and promoting overall skin health.”

In Fact, You Can Also Reduce Skin Inflammation Naturally

A lot of things available in nature or in our everyday lives can be used in their natural forms for treating skin inflammation like aloe vera since it has a cooling effect.

• Green tea and oatmeal have multiple benefits and oatmeal can even be used as a very good exfoliator.
• Exfoliation helps to remove the old and stressed cells whereas licorice and vitamin C food items are also very helpful for the skin, as they contain ascorbic acid.
• Ingredients which have salicylic acid are very good for acne treatment.

Other than this you should always moisturize your skin well. This is necessary so that you get the requisite amount of oils and moisture, and is generally good for the skin.

Your skincare routine should be simple, constant, and suitable for your skin type. So, use products that are beneficial to your skin type like glycerine or hyaluronic acid. Anything that is an unnecessary topical product should be eliminated, so that the skin can rest and reset.

The Icy Whiz team talked to David Hill, MD, Plastic Surgeon and Medical Director at Fulcrum Aesthetics & Surgery, on this. Here is what he said:

“In the treatment of skin conditions, ingredients labeled as ‘medical-grade’ or ‘natural’ are complementary components of effective treatments. The success of any skincare product, whether it includes lab-synthesized compounds or natural extracts, hinges on consistent use.

Maintaining a disciplined skincare regimen ensures that the active ingredients have sufficient time to work on the skin, allowing for gradual and sustained improvement. This consistent interaction with the skin helps to stabilize it, prevent flare-ups, and improve skin health over time.”

Lifestyle Changes Also Work in Treating Redness

Although we have seen how naturally and otherwise we can treat skin inflammation, there are some changes that we can bring about in our everyday lives as well to treat this condition. Some of these include changes like showers. If you bathe for a very long time or with very hot water it creates a moisture imbalance and affects your skin barrier, so try to take shorter and cold water showers.

• Oatmeal baths are also very good for skin care and rejuvenation as they have anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in antioxidants.
• Change the products that you are using for your body and use soft and natural alternatives of everything.
• Do not use products that have very high fragrance or a lot of dyes.

We interviewed Shlomo Widder, MD, President of Widder Plastic Surgery Center, and asked him about the most effective strategies to achieve optimal skincare results. Since he deals with cosmetic procedures, he observes such issues closely. Here is what he said:

“In the realm of managing skin inflammation and redness, a balanced approach that incorporates both conventional treatments and natural remedies can yield the most effective results.

Given my experience in cosmetic procedures, including preventative Botox and the use of dermal fillers, as well as emphasizing comprehensive skincare routines, I find the integration of medical-grade skincare products alongside carefully chosen natural solutions to be paramount.

For instance, the use of topical anti-inflammatories and antioxidants found in certain medical-grade skincare can significantly reduce redness and inflammation.

These could include ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid, which have concrete data backing their efficacy.

On the natural side, remedies like aloe vera gel and tea tree oil have been time-tested for their soothing and antimicrobial properties, respectively, although one should be cautious with their use to avoid adverse reactions.

Advising from personal experience, incorporating lifestyle choices that reduce overall inflammation in the body is also crucial. This includes maintaining hydration, practicing good sun protection habits, and following a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods.

I’ve observed that patients who adopt these habits in conjunction with appropriate skincare treatments tend to experience the most substantial improvements in their skin conditions.

What needs to be emphasized is the uniqueness of each individual’s skin. While a combination of conventional and natural treatments can be highly effective, consult with a healthcare professional to tailor a regimen that aligns with one’s specific needs and goals.”

It’s Time to Rejuvenate Your Skin

As I said that skin inflammation and redness can be treated at home with ice compressions and other remedies. However, if the symptoms are extreme you can use the doctor’s help and if it is still a prolonged and chronic condition, you should get it treated by a good medical practitioner in a reputed medical facility.

Although I have already discussed most of the basic and routine ways of curing skin inflammation and redness. You should always take care of all sensitive skin and skin issues that might be relevant to your skin and act accordingly. One more tip- before trying anything new do a patch test to make sure your skin does not react to something new.

Guest Author: Saket Kumar

Last Updated on May 11, 2024 by Pragya