If you follow your grooming routine reverently but find your skin irritated, the reason may be due to certain ingredients or products. In fact, the use of irritating ingredients can not only cause inflammation but also contribute to the appearance of premature signs of aging.
In order to understand in depth the issue and to identify the best way to deal with it, we consulted the dermatologist-venereologist, Dr. Valia Mousatou.
Can you explain in a few words how certain ingredients and care products can irritate the skin and cause inflammation?
The skin is the protective mantle of the body. So as it interacts with the environment, it comes in contact with hundreds of substances daily. That is why it has defense mechanisms against germs, viruses and fungi, while it accepts forces of pressure, traction and friction. At the same time, it tries to adapt to cold / heat / humidity / drought conditions when exposed to them. In this context, the integrity of the skin is of the utmost importance for the performance of its functions. That is why the daily care with products of cleaning, hydration, lubrication and sun protection is essential for his good health.
But there are some ingredients that irritate the skin. The most common are antiseptics, strong cleansers, face creams with irritating or exfoliating action and substances for professional use such as petroleum products, paints and metals. The use of irritating products strips the skin of its surface lipids, leaving it exposed to daily attacks by environmental conditions and microorganisms. This causes the skin to lose its integrity.
In addition, a weak, dehydrated and eroded skin receives the ultraviolet radiation that ages it prematurely, the free radicals from pollution and substances that cause dryness and inflammation.
What are some of the signs that the products we use contain ingredients that irritate the skin?
The signs we see when the skin is irritated are the following:
- Dryness
- Redness
- Feeling of burning, tingling or itching
- Intolerance to contact with water or other products that are usually non-irritating
- Fine lines or wrinkles
- Lack of elasticity
Is it true that repeated skin care with irritating ingredients and products can accelerate its aging?
Often, to combat acne or excessive oiliness, the beauty routine may contain products with irritating or exfoliating action. However, their excessive use can cause dry skin. If the hydration is not offset by another product, the skin will become dehydrated, lose its elasticity and show premature wrinkles. Therefore, the use of these products should be done in moderation, common sense and based on the advice of a dermatologist.
Is it true that the following ingredients can irritate the skin? If so, can you explain in a few words why?
– Perfumes – Preservatives and formaldehyde – Exfoliators (especially aggressive scrubs and products containing alcohol and hard acids)
The main factors that affect the appearance of irritation are the substance, the time it stays on the skin, the frequency of its use, the sensitivity of each skin and its coexistence with other substances. Perfumes are not always irritating, but for some they may be. It is good to avoid their use in photo-exposed areas to prevent cases of photo-dermatitis.
Going forward, almost all products have preservatives to prevent contamination with microorganisms after opening. The most sensitive skin can use special creams for sensitive and allergic skin in airtight air pump packages containing the least preservatives.
Finally, formaldehyde is commonly found in hair dyes and hair salons. When using products that contain it, protective gloves are essential. At the same time, if there is a suspicion of allergy, it needs to be documented with skin tests (patchtests).
How do irritating ingredients and products differ from the irritation we may experience after a chemical peel or microneedling session at a dermatologist?
Clinical treatments that cause controlled skin injury (microneedling, peels, lasers, etc.) aim to stimulate the skin healing mechanisms. At the same time, they are accompanied by home treatment creams that help hydrate and heal quickly. On the contrary, the constant use of irritating products, strips the skin of its lipids and causes daily and constant irritation, not allowing the skin to recover.
How can overuse of products negatively affect the skin?
In addition to the use of irritants, excessive use of products can adversely affect the skin. For example, using too many moisturizing ingredients can cause oiliness or even acne. Also, the interaction of ingredients, due to concomitant use, can cause dermatitis. Also, a more oily product can block the absorption of the next one, leaving residues on the skin. Finally, the skin can be predisposed to allergic dermatitis with the simultaneous use of many products.
How can we deal with the inflammation and / or irritation caused by ingredients in skin care products and identify the best products for our skin?
The dermatologist’s contribution to the selection of appropriate care products is very important. It helps us to choose the most suitable products for care and anti-aging according to our needs. Also, in case of irritation, the dermatologist will suggest the treatment that will restore the health of the skin.
In addition, some general tips are the following:
- Avoid strong cleaners
- Limit the use of many products in parallel
- Avoid scrubs
- Daily sun protection
Apart from care products, what other factors can cause inflammation, affecting the health of the skin?
The skin reflects the health of the body and is affected by many factors.
In particular, all the following factors can negatively affect his health.
- Physical stress due to illness, fatigue or surgery
- Psychological stress
- Drug intake
- Other skin diseases
- Exposure to the sun
- Lack of exercise
- Poor sleep
- Poor diet & alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Air pollution
In conclusion, good daily habits and the selection of appropriate care and protection products are the secret to a healthy and glowing skin!
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