Redness & Inflammation

Skin inflammation can be caused by external factors such as lots of sun exposure, pollution or reactions to various chemicals or active ingredients on the skin.

There are two types of skin inflammation:

Acute inflammation

Which includes:

Irritant contact dermatitis
This usually develops quickly immediately or within the first 12 hours after exposure. It can be linked to harsh cleansing, stronger topical acids, incorrectly prescribed active ingredients or aesthetic treatments.

Allergic contact dermatitis
This usually develops 48 to 72 hours after exposure to the allergen. Common allergens that cause allergic contact dermatitis include nickel (often used in costume jewellery), certain fragrances, acrylates (glues used in nail enhancements and eyelash extensions) and paraphenylenediamine (commonly found in dark hair dyes).

Chronic inflammation

Which includes:

• Rosacea
• Chronic eczema
• Psoriasis

Inflammation usually appears as visibly red and irritated skin and can feel uncomfortable and itchy.

Treatment tips that can help with inflammation

Prescription

– Oral and topical corticosteroids
– Oral antibiotics such as the tetracyclines (used for acne and rosacea)
– Topical metronidazole and ivermectin (used for rosacea)

(Check with your medical professional)

Non-Prescription

– Avoid harsh cleansers, scrubs and soaps
– Reduce the temperature of hot showers or baths
– Use a barrier cream and/or target treatment to help control redness

Skincare ingredients that can help with inflammation

• French Thermal Spring Water
• Azelaic Acid
• Bisabolol (derived from the chamomile)
• Niacinamide
• Ceramides
• Shea Butter
• Panthenol
• Aloe Vera
• Centella Asiatica

Skincare products that can help with inflammation

Gentle cleansers are important as you don’t want to further aggravate the skin with harsh soaps with an incompatible pH level. Dr Webster recommends:

• Lamelle Serra Cleansing Gel
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser

Targeted treatments are products designed specifically to help in treating inflammation. Dr Webster recommends:

• SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel
• iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance+

Moisturisers can help soothe and protect aggravated skin, helping restore its natural barrier function. Dr Webster recommends:

• Avène Tolérance Soothing Skin Recovery Cream
• ZO Skin Health Rozatrol

If you are on a budget and would like one product to cover visible redness caused by inflammation temporarily, look no further than a BB (blemish balm) or CC (colour correcting) cream containing a natural tint. They can also contain other beneficial ingredients to help soothe redness and inflammation, making them multi-benefit creams. Dr Webster recommends:

• pHformula CC Creams
• Bioderma Sensibio AR BB Cream SPF 30

(Check skin tone compatibility before purchasing)