We’ve all experienced skin inflammation—whether it’s random itching or irritation on the face, waking up to a puffy or red face, or feeling a warm burning sensation in certain areas of your skin. Although harmless, this skin condition is caused due to various factors, including environmental triggers, such as spending a long day out in the sun, and also due to a weak immune system.
The good news, however, is that skin inflammation is not permanent, and can be tackled effectively with potent skincare products, designed to strengthen your barrier function. So if you want to bid goodbye to puffy skin, then read on, as we have you covered with all the tips on how to reduce inflammation in the face and enhance skin integrity and radiance. We have also included some home remedies for skin inflammation that are easy to create and super-effective on your skin.
Causes Of Skin Inflammation
Skin Allergies
Allergic reactions to certain substances, such as pollen, pet dander, or specific skincare products, can trigger skin inflammation and redness. Identifying and avoiding allergens is key to preventing these recurrent skin issues.
Autoimmune Disorders
A disruption in your immune system can result in your immune cells mistakenly targeting your body’s healthy cells. A classic of this phenomenon is psoriasis, where an excessively reactive immune response accelerates the production of skin cells, leading to skin inflammation and the formation of red, patchy skin lesions on the body.
Photosensitivity
Photosensitivity refers to an elevated sensitivity to sunlight, which is capable of triggering an immune system response within your body, leading to skin inflammation and sunburns.
This heightened sensitivity often results from prolonged sun exposure, while using specific medications, such as certain antibiotics and diuretics.
Moreover, sunlight exposure, particularly for those with autoimmune conditions like lupus, can induce skin rash or inflammation. In this case, the photosensitive skin tends to become red, experience sunburn, and display signs of skin inflammation even with minimal exposure to UV radiation.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Variations in your hormonal levels, especially during pregnancy, or menopause, play a significant role in contributing to skin inflammation. These hormonal fluctuations can impact your skin’s balance, potentially leading to inflammation and various other dermatological concerns.
Dietary Factors
Unhealthy dietary habits, such as the excessive intake of processed foods or allergenic ingredients, can be a contributing factor to skin inflammation.
If you are wondering how to reduce skin inflammation, then you should make mindful and nutritious dietary choices to maintain optimal skin health and reduce the risk of inflammation.
Stress
Psychological stress has the potential to induce skin inflammation by releasing specific hormones, thereby exacerbating pre-existing skin conditions. Managing stress is integral to promoting skin health and preventing inflammation-related issues.
Skin Infections
Skin inflammation can also result from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, leading to conditions such as cellulitis or impetigo. Identifying and promptly treating these infections is essential for preventing the progression of inflammation and promoting your skin health.
Symptoms Of Skin Inflammation
Redness and swelling are some of the noticeable signs of skin inflammation / Image credit: Freepik
Redness
One of the most noticeable signs of skin inflammation is redness. This occurs due to increased blood flow to the affected area, indicating an immune response to an irritant, infection, or other triggers.
Swelling
Inflammation may also lead to swelling, as a result of fluid buildup in the affected tissues. Swollen areas may feel tender to your touch and, in some cases, is indicative of an underlying concern.
Itching Or Irritation
Skin inflammation frequently triggers itching or irritation. This sensation can range from mild discomfort to intense itching and is often a response to the release of certain chemicals in your skin.
Pain Or Discomfort
Skin inflammation can cause pain or discomfort, especially when pressure is applied or during movement in the affected areas. This can vary in intensity and may be linked to the severity of the inflammation.
Dryness Or Peeling
In some cases, inflammation leads to dryness or peeling of the skin. This occurs when your body’s inflammatory process disrupts the skin barrier, leading to increased water loss.
Formation Of Blisters
Severe inflammation may result in the formation of blisters, filled with fluid. This is common in skin conditions like contact dermatitis or certain autoimmune disorders.
Changes In Skin Texture
Skin inflammation can alter the texture of the affected area, causing roughness, scaling, or the development of raised bumps. The changes in your skin textures are indicative of your body’s underlying inflammatory process.
Appearance Of Rashes
The appearance of a rash is also considered a classic sign of skin inflammation. Rashes can vary widely, from small red spots to larger, more widespread patterns, depending on the cause of inflammation.
Discolouration In Your Skin
Skin inflammation may lead to pigmentation on your face and other areas of your skin, resulting in areas that appear darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. In some cases, this discolouration can persist even after the inflammation subsides.
How To Prevent Skin Inflammation
Use soothing skincare ingredients like green tea and aloe vera to calm skin redness and inflammation / Image credit: Freepik
Use An Antioxidant-Rich Cleanser
Antioxidants like vitamin C help neutralise free radicals and protect against skin inflammation. Additionally, antioxidants improve collagen synthesis and enhance skin barrier function, making your complexion more resilient and protecting against bacterial infections and allergies.
You can try The Moms Co.’s Natural Vitamin C Face Wash, which has a gentle formula, containing vitamin C, orange beads, and Canadian willow herb. These ingredients tackle skin inflammation effectively and soothe irritation and redness to reveal a radiant and fresh complexion.
The face wash also contains pro-vitamin B5, which helps maintain optimal hydration in your skin, making your complexion firm and elastic.
Opt For A Hydrating Toner
If you are wondering how to prevent skin inflammation, then you should add green tea to your daily skincare routine. Green tea is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe and prevent skin inflammation and also tackle acne-causing bacteria to reduce the appearance of blemishes and pimples.
Moreover, green tea contains polyphenols, which act as a protective shield on your skin and prevent inflammation triggers. For best results, you can try The Moms Co.’s Natural Green Tea Face Toner, which contains a blend of soothing ingredients like aloe vera, green tea extracts, and apple cider vinegar that calm redness, reduce irritation, and balance your skin’s pH level.
Additionally, the toner contains plant-based AHAs, which protect against environmental triggers and prevent the appearance of skin inflammation in the first place.
Layer In A Potent Face Serum
Serums are designed with molecular ingredients, which penetrate deep into your skin layers and target one or more than one skin concern potently. If you are looking for a multi-purpose face serum then you can opt for The Moms Co.’s Natural Advanced 20% Vitamin C Face Serum, which works double duty to tackle hyperpigmentation and dull spots and reduce skin inflammation.
The serum is formulated with 20% vitamin C and 0.5% ferulic acid, a compound that improves the potency of vitamin C and enhances your skin’s natural barrier function to prevent inflammation triggers.
In addition to this, the face serum also contains liquorice extracts and vitamin E that reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production and maintaining hydration in your skin to reveal a healthy and radiant complexion.
Apply A Vitamin-Enriched Face Cream
A vitamin-enriched face cream can serve as a nurturing shield against skin inflammation and other conditions, such as acne and hyperpigmentation. Plus, vitamins exhibit natural anti-ageing qualities, which help prevent the formation of premature fine lines and wrinkles.
For optimal results, you can try The Moms Co.’s Natural Vita-Rich Face Cream, which is formulated with kakadu plum, and hyaluronic acid that soothes your skin and boosts your skin barrier to prevent inflammation and irritation. Additionally, the face cream contains chia seed oil and arbutin, which help maintain moisture levels and contribute to a healthy complexion.
Look For Soothing Skincare Ingredients
If you are wondering how to reduce inflammation in the face, once and for all, then you should look for soothing skincare products, enriched with green tea and aloe vera. As mentioned before, aloe vera and green tea exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which offer effective relief against irritation and swelling, and calm redness.
You can opt for The Moms Co.’s Natural Green Tea Face Cream, which is blended with green tea, aloe vera, and niacinamide, which offer a cooling effect and hydrate your skin. It also has willow bark, which reduces swelling associated with skin inflammation and relieves pain caused by acne breakouts.
Protect Your Skin With SPF
Sunscreen is a must if you are experiencing skin inflammation! Sunscreen shields against the harmful UV rays, which are the primary culprits of inflammation and sunburns. Hence, you must make your sunscreen your best ally, and apply it regularly, at least 30 minutes before stepping out of your house.
For optimal results, you can try The Moms Co.’s Natural Daily Sunscreen, which is formulated with zinc oxide, liquorice extracts, and chamomile extracts that offer broad-spectrum protection against the sun and reduce pigmentation on your skin. Additionally, the sunscreen contains calendula extracts, which exhibit strong anti-inflammatory properties and are considered a star ingredient for reducing skin inflammation and swelling.
Use Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce skin inflammation quickly! This method constricts blood vessels, effectively diminishing redness and swelling.
To prepare, employ a clean cloth saturated in cold water or encase ice in a thin towel. Allow the compress to remain on the skin for 10-15 minutes, delivering prompt and tangible relief from discomfort.
Home Remedies For Skin Inflammation
Aloe vera gel improves your skin barrier function and also tackles skin inflammation effectively / Image credit: Freepik
Aloe Vera Gel
This is undoubtedly one of the most effective home remedies for skin inflammation. Aloe vera gel is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties and boasts remarkable benefits in soothing skin inflammation. It offers relief, reducing redness and discomfort, and its natural cooling properties ease irritation and aid in the healing process.
How to apply:
- Apply The Moms Co.’s Aloe Vera Gel to the affected areas.
- Leave it overnight, or wash the area with lukewarm water after 15-20 minutes.
- Repeat daily for optimal results.
Oatmeal
If you are wondering how to reduce skin inflammation effectively, then you should try this remedy! Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory qualities that offer therapeutic relief from skin inflammation and calm irritated skin.
Colloidal oatmeal also forms a barrier on your skin, aiding in skin repair and promoting overall skin health.
How to apply:
- Add colloidal oatmeal or finely ground oats to a warm bath.
- Soak for 15-20 minutes.
- Gently pat the skin dry.
- Do this at least twice a week to get relief from skin inflammation.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, serves as a potent home remedy for skin inflammation. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can alleviate redness and discomfort and also tackle acne-causing bacteria, making it perfect for those with acne-prone skin.
How to apply:
- Apply diluted tea tree oil to the affected area.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Wash with lukewarm water and follow up with a moisturiser.
- Repeat this remedy twice a week.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is known for its calming effects and is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe skin irritation and redness. When used as a compress or incorporated into skincare, chamomile’s gentle properties offer relief from skin inflammation and other conditions like acne.
How to apply:
- Brew a cup of chamomile tea, and let it cool.
- Apply it as a compress to the affected skin.
- Do this twice or thrice a week to reduce skin inflammation.
Turmeric Paste
If you are wondering how to reduce inflammation in the face, this should be your go-to remedy! Turmeric paste contains curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory qualities and helps tackle skin inflammation effectively.
When applied topically, it can reduce redness and swelling, promoting faster healing, and contributing to overall skin health.
How to apply:
- Create a paste by mixing turmeric powder with water.
- Apply it to the inflamed skin.
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.
- Try this remedy once a week to get relief from skin inflammation.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is packed with fatty acids and lauric acid, which nourishes and moisturises your skin, reducing redness and discomfort. It also forms a protective barrier, supporting your skin’s healing process, and its anti-microbial properties calm skin irritation.
How to apply:
- Apply virgin coconut oil to the inflamed area.
- Wait for 15-20 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.
- You can try this remedy every alternate day for best results.
Honey
Renowned for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, honey provides a natural solution for soothing irritation and redness, and reducing skin inflammation. Honey is also packed with antioxidants that improve your skin barrier function and maintain optimal hydration.
How to apply:
- Apply a thin layer of honey to the affected area.
- Leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.
- Repeat this remedy twice a week to reduce skin inflammation.
While harmless, skin inflammation can cause significant discomfort and stress. However, this skin condition is not permanent and can be prevented with the effective strategies mentioned above. So if you are experiencing skin inflammation, make sure to implement these skincare practices in your daily routine, and try the home remedies that we have discussed.
However, if you notice that your skin condition persists even after trying all the remedies, consult a dermatologist, as the recurrent swelling could indicate an underlying issue.
Cover Image Credit: Freepik.com