Skin irritation: causes, types, symptoms.

Skin irritation: causes, types, symptoms.

Contents:

After all, the skin is our main barrier with the environment. But is skin irritation so harmless? Why does it occur? And how to deal with it? Let's figure it out.

Why skin irritation appears

Skin irritation can manifest itself in different ways. Most often, we can observe irritation on the skin of the face and irritation on the skin of the hands. In this case, we can observe the following symptoms:
  • redness of the skin caused by persistent dilation of blood vessels;
  • a burning or itching sensation arising from irritation of skin receptors;
  • flaking - uneven peeling of the surface layer of the skin due to its severe dryness;
  • swelling, rash, spots, vesicular eruptions - these are symptoms of more serious problems, including skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis, allergic dermatitis, acne, etc.), so it is so important to recognize the true cause of irritation, for which you should definitely consult a dermatologist.
Irritation and redness of the skin is always a sign of a violation of the skin's protective barrier

Symptoms of Skin Irritation

Irritation and redness of the skin is always a sign of a violation of the skin's protective barrier, which leads to a deterioration in its healing and the risk of infection.

In addition, skin irritation, when it becomes chronic, contributes to the earlier and more extensive appearance of wrinkles (due to dryness and decreased synthesis of collagen and elastin) and age spots (due to reduced protection from solar radiation). In addition, exposure to irritants causes skin cells to release mediators of itching and inflammation, which in those with oily and combination skin can activate sebum production and lead to the development of inflammatory rashes.

The main causes of skin irritation are prolonged exposure to the sun, negative environmental factors (cold, wind, humidity, air pollution), perfumes (especially those containing essential oils), and vitamin deficiency.

Skin irritation can also be caused by hormonal fluctuations, which is associated with thinning and dryness of the skin due to decreased fibroblast activity and a decrease in the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid, which makes the skin especially vulnerable.

Causes of skin irritation.

Irritants can also include improper skin care:

  • using scrubs with coarse abrasive particles (salt and sugar crystals, nut shells, pumice);
  • alcohol-containing tonics;
  • constant use of retinol and AHA acids in high concentrations without taking into account the characteristics of the skin and its type;
  • hard washcloths;
  • too cold or hot water;
  • care products containing fragrances (especially essential oils), synthetic dyes and other aggressive chemicals that can excessively dry or irritate skin;
  • constant contact with household chemicals, which leads to intensive lipid leaching and destruction of the protective barrier.
To soothe the skin, it is necessary to exclude irritating factors and follow a special step-by-step care.

Recommendations for the care of irritated skin

To soothe the skin and restore its health and comfort, you must first eliminate the negative symptoms:
  • stop using the products that caused irritation;
  • use mild cleansers. Cleansing is an important part of any skincare routine, but if your skin is irritated or sensitive, it's best to use a gentle formula that doesn't contain harsh surfactants. These products are designed to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils and moisture, leaving it soft and soothed. Eliminate all unnecessary products and follow a step-by-step routine that includes a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer specifically designed to soothe, restore, and hydrate the skin, such as LIBREDERM Allersain, which contains squalane, niacinamide, a protective peptide complex, and hydrating, anti-inflammatory ingredients that restore the skin barrier. Dehydration is one of the main causes of skin irritation and redness, so it is important to replenish its moisture content.

Once your skin has returned to a healthy state, take certain precautions to protect it in the future and prevent the problem from recurring. Therefore, it is recommended:

  • Avoid using cosmetic products with potentially allergenic ingredients (such as fragrances, dyes, perfumes, preservatives);

  • Use sunscreen, as the sun is one of the most common causes of facial redness and irritation. Choose a lightweight formula. Give preference to physical filters (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), which are less likely to irritate the skin;

  • Avoid intense friction of the skin;

  • Maintain a moderate (20-22C) temperature at home and at work;

  • Quit smoking and drinking alcohol;

  • Eat a balanced and varied diet;

  • Take vitamins that help restore the protective functions of the skin, such as A and E.

By following these tips and using the right dermatocosmetics, you can soothe the skin, restore it and effectively protect it from irritation.

Ikonnikova Evgeniya Vladimirovna

Explains the expert, dermatologist, cosmetologist, candidate of medical sciences, associate professor of the department of dermatovenereology and cosmetology of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education "Central State Medical Academy" of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation, scientific director of DEKA Laser Russia Evgeniya Vladimirovna Ikonnikova.


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