If you have sensitive skin, chronic irritation or acute damage from sun or wind, you need a skin treatment that won't make the situation worse. Using products with alcohol or fragrance can cause extensive chapping or allergic reactions that move you farther away from your goal of clear, calm skin. Here's how to incorporate anti-inflammatory facial care that's appropriate for all exposed skin areas.
Conditions
Irritation or allergies make skin turn red, rough, dry, patchy and flaky. Itching may prompt you to rub or scratch, stretching or breaking the skin. Painful inflammation is the epidermis's reaction to cracked or broken skin, and infection may follow. This damage and discomfort accompanies conditions such as atopic or contact dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. Inflammation can also arise from sun and wind burn, abrasion or a simple lack of facial care for sensitive skin.
Treatment
You may need a doctor's help to determine whether your skin problem is caused by a one-time detriment, such as sunburn, or an ongoing irritant, such as an undiagnosed allergy. In order for treatment to work, you'll have to identify and remove the cause. Calamine lotion or colloidal oatmeal baths may relieve isolated episodes of irritation. Skin treatment for inflammation then requires two main steps: diligent facial cleansing and periodic moisturizing. Your dermatologist may also prescribe a topical cosmeceutical, vitamin D supplement or digestive system cleansing.
Maintenance
Daily facial care and body cleansing are recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). This removes any surface irritants and the pore obstructions that trap them. Apply a moisturizing soap with your fingertips; even soft washcloths are more abrasive to sensitive skin than you think they are. Blot dry with a towel, leaving some water behind. Seal this in with a dermatologist-approved moisturizer. Your skin treatment should also include eating a healthy diet that supports digestive and lymphatic function.
Time Frame
Sensitive skin that experiences periodic flare-ups of inflammation needs an ongoing facial care regimen. Cleanse twice daily and moisturize up to four or five times a day. Hands and feet may also need special attention if they are prone to dryness and cracking. An occasional application of rich lotion can be intensified by the wearing of heated mitts or boots for 20 minutes. Topical antibacterials for infection may be prescribed for a week or two, or as needed.
Prevention
Avoidance techniques are an important part of anti-inflammatory skin treatments. Reduce or eliminate contact with known allergy triggers, such as certain foods or plants. Avoid deodorant soaps and multiple laundry products. Wear soft, loose clothing, removing tags that scratch or rub. Still, it may be impossible to avoid all potential irritants. The best protection against skin flare-ups, according to the AAD, is to moisturize before you encounter known or suspected allergens.
