A full breakdown of the most common inflammatory skin conditions—and how to soothe them with minimalist, sensitive skincare.
Inflammation. It might be a scary word, but it’s also proof that your body is pretty amazing. Inflammation is your body’s way of protecting you from harm. And although we’re grateful for that, we also know how frustrating it can be to deal with an inflammatory skin condition.
In this blog, we’ll break down the most common inflammatory skin conditions, what causes them, and how you can soothe them over time.
A friendly reminder before we dive in: no skin condition is one-size-fits-all. Always talk to your dermatologist about what is best for your unique skin.
Rosacea
It’s one of the most common inflammatory skin conditions, especially for women over 30. Rosacea can cause your face to look flushed and red. Some people experience raised bumps, dryness, or a burning sensation on the skin. Others might notice their veins becoming more visible and pronounced.
Like most inflammatory skin conditions, the cause of rosacea is unknown. But there are some potential reasons why you might be struggling with it. It could be that it runs in your family or that your immune system is working harder than it needs to.
There are so many things that can trigger rosacea flare-ups. Drinking alcohol, getting too much sun, over-exercising, eating spicy foods, using harsh skincare products. That’s part of what makes rosacea so frustrating—you’re constantly trying to figure out what your triggers are and how to avoid them.
Apart from steering clear of triggers, treating rosacea is a process of trial and error—and being gentle with your skin. Avoid harsh soaps, toners, and treatments. Always wash your face with lukewarm or cool water and gently pat dry with a soft towel. Wear an SPF for extra sun protection. And use skincare products that are specifically designed for rosacea, like Iremia’s calming, rejuvenating, and award-winning Soothing Lotion. Click here to learn more about skincare for rosacea.
(ICYMI, rosacea is close to our hearts here at Iremia. In fact, it’s what inspired our founder, Elaine, to create her own line of minimalist sensitive skincare. Read more about her journey with rosacea and eczema—and how Iremia products changed everything—right here.)
Eczema
Did you know up to 7.5 million Americans suffer from this irritating skin condition? It’s especially common in children.
There are different types of eczema that show up in different ways, from cracked skin to itchy scales. The most common signs of eczema are dryness, itching, redness, and yellow or white scaly patches.
What causes eczema? Most of the time, it’s a problem with your skin barrier. Responsible for retaining moisture and repelling toxins, your barrier is one of the most important parts of your skin’s function. If it’s not working properly, it can lead to dry skin and conditions like eczema.
Genetics might be to blame for this skin barrier breakdown. If your family suffers from eczema (or other health conditions like hay fever or asthma) eczema might become a part of your life too.
So, what can you do about it? Avoid long, hot showers or over-exfoliating. Instead, spring for lukewarm water and gentle, soap-free cleansers. Find ways to manage your stress (like yoga or meditation) to deter flare-ups. It's also highly correlated to your gut health and in a lot of instances, managing 'leaky gut' can have a positive effect on your skin.
But most of all, focus on moisturizing and soothing the affected areas as much as possible.Iremia’s rich and nourishing Protective Cream is proven to replenish your skin’s moisture barrier, targeting even the driest and most sensitive skin. An added bonus: it contains powerful plant-based ingredients that improve elasticity and protect against fine lines.
Psoriasis
Just like eczema, almost 8 million Americans suffer from psoriasis. It looks like patches of raised, red skin, often covered in white or silvery scales. Most people get psoriasis on their knees, elbows, scalp, or lower back. It’s irritating, itchy, and endlessly annoying.
What causes those painful patches? It all has to do with skin cell turnover. If your skin cells rush to the surface too quickly, they can build up instead of gradually flaking away (like they’re supposed to).
Surprise, surprise—experts believe genetics might be the main cause of overly-speedy skin cells. It might also be caused by your immune system having an abnormal reaction to something.
If you’re struggling with psoriasis, there are ways to soothe your symptoms. Similar to rosacea and eczema, it’s all about being gentle with your skin and taking care of your physical and mental health. Avoid scratching your patches, steer clear of high stress situations, and moisturize often with clean, minimalist products. Iremia’s Protective Cream and Soothing Lotion are both incredible for calming the inflammation and healing your skin over time.
Contact dermatitis
Out of all the inflammatory skin conditions, this might be the most common. About 12.5 million Americans have dealt with contact dermatitis at some point. Why? Because there are so many potential causes.
There are 3 types of contact dermatitis. The first is called allergic, which happens when the skin is exposed to a substance it’s not used to. Common allergens include jewelry, latex, perfumes, or harsh ingredients in makeup and skincare.
The second type is called irritant and it’s the most common of the three. It happens when your skin comes into contact with a toxic substance, like bleach, harsh cleaners, battery acid, or pepper spray. However, you can still get irritant contact dermatitis from non-toxic substances. Overusing everyday things like soap or water can cause inflammation—for example, if you work in a job where you have to wash your hands all the time.
The third type is called photocontact. The least common of the bunch, photocontact dermatitis happens when active ingredients in skincare or beauty products are exposed to the sun.
What does contact dermatitis look and feel like? It typically manifests as a rash with itchy, red, scaly, or blistered skin. You might feel a general skin tightness, a burning sensation, or notice that your skin looks darker or even leathery. Contact dermatitis can also cause swelling in the eyes, face, or groin.
To treat contact dermatitis, use mild soap and lukewarm water to keep the area clean. Avoid exposing your skin to any harsh products or chemicals. And use calming, hydrating skincare that is specifically designed for sensitive skin and inflammation.
Sensitive skin is a journey.
There are highs, lows, and everything in between. But the more you educate yourself and ask questions, the more likely you are to feel the relief of calm, healthy, glowing skin. Our Skincare & Wellness Blog is the perfect place to start.
