What Causes Skin Irritation

July 06, 2020 2 min read

What Causes Skin Irritation

Skin irritation is a common condition that millions of people suffer from. Unfortunately, there is not a direct source correlated to skin irritation, which means that it can be a result of many components. Here are a few common causes to help sort out the source of your irritation. 

Dryness on the Skin 

Dryness on the skin can ultimately lead to irritation. When the skin lacks hydration, it becomes easier to develop dry patches and redness. Over time, this can ultimately lead to inflammation, which contributes to irritation on the skin. It is important to remember to always hydrate the body and skin with fluids and moisturizers to help prevent this from occurring. 

Furthermore, if your skin tends to dry quickly, it’s important to get a hydrating moisturizer to help keep the skin nourished. Also, make sure to limit washing because this factor also contributes to dryness. Always apply moisturizer to damp skin after washing to help hinder the skin from losing nutrients and minerals after washing. 

Excessive Oil on the Skin 

Excessive oils on the skin can also contribute to irritation on the skin; this is why it’s important to always wash your skin to help prevent redness and inflammation. Also, excessive oils can develop due to leaving makeup on the face overnight. When makeup stays on the skin for a prolonged period, the pores become clogged, which contributes to oiliness and irritation on the skin. The bottom line is: always make sure to wash your face to help remove dirt and impurities from the skin to help reduce unwanted inflammation. 

New Products and Allergies 

Skin irritation can be a result of new products or allergies to certain ingredients in the current products you are using. It’s important to introduce your skin to one new product at a time. Testing out different products on the skin can lead to redness and inflammation. Typically, depending on the product, research suggests waiting at least one month before trying out a new product. 

Furthermore, you may be allergic to the products you are using on your skin. Allergies can contribute to skin irritation over time. To test this, it’s important to pay attention to the different symptoms of irritation and seek a licensed professional to help rule out or confirm your suspicions. If indeed are you allergic to certain ingredients in your skincare routine, it’s essential to do proper research or ask your doctor about alternatives products you can use that limits irritation and treats the skin.

It is important to note that a clean beauty routine can alleviate allergens to toxic ingredients commonly found in beauty products, but pay close attention as “clean” and “natural” can often be confusing. It is best to check out the ingredients list before using a product. Know what you are putting on your skin, as your skin absorbs these ingredients like a sponge and then is directly absorbed into the body causing unexpected reactions. Take the time to self-educate or inquire with an expert in the field if you are unsure of what a specific ingredient is.