Reader question: I have inflammation when cleansing, and I know it’s not from the products I currently use. Are there any types of ingredients or products I can apply that help lessen inflammation? — Erin Smith Inflammation can mean a lot of different things, but skinflammation (inflammation of the skin) is especially tricky to pinpoint. For starters, it can manifest in a number of ways, such as redness, dark spots, itching, breakouts, and/or swelling. And even if you haven’t added any new products into the mix, an overwhelming number of environmental factors could trigger skinflammation, making it even harder to root out.
Hard Water
If your inflammation is chronic, only happens when cleansing, and you’ve already ruled out products, I’m guessing you probably have sensitivity to hard water. That’s a term used to describe tap water that’s high in dissolved minerals, largely calcium and magnesium. Depending on where you live, some states have higher concentrations of hardness in their water (like New Mexico, Utah, Indiana, and Florida), whereas other states have less. Over time, this skin residue can disrupt the skin barrier. It causes your pores to clog up, which can lead to acne and exacerbate skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. If you’ve noticed that your skin improves dramatically when you travel elsewhere, there’s a high chance that your water is to blame.
Water Filtration
What to do? First, I recommend getting a good mineral filter for your faucet and showerhead. This can help screen out the minerals that are triggering your irritation. Also try cleansing with micellar water whenever possible, which effectively cleanses skin without requiring you to wash your face. When you do use the sink, always use cool water—never hot. And of course, there are general steps to take to counteract irritation. Keeping a simple skincare routine that focuses less on exfoliation and more on moisturizing/calming is essential for treating inflammation. Whatever you do, don’t pile on a bunch of products (especially anything fragranced) as this will most likely make things worse.
Beneficial Ingredients
So what ingredients should you use to combat irritation? The right anti-inflammatory ingredients work by inhibiting the body’s negative response and blocking the effects of certain enzymes that contribute to inflammation. I’m sure the last thing you want to do is experiment with already irritated skin, so I’ve compiled a list of soothing ingredients that are ideal for sensitive complexions. Try: Glossier Super Pure ($28; glossier.com) “Aloe vera has been shown to decrease a chemical called thromboxane, which is known to slow down wound healing,” explains Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. And as an added benefit, it also contains magnesium lactate, a chemical that can decrease itching and irritation. Try: Nature Republic New Soothing Moisture Aloe Vera Gel ($10; amazon.com) “Witch hazel toner can be used on all skin types after cleansing to eliminate excess oil, calm inflammation, unclog pores, and smooth complexion,” says Kavita Mariwalla, MD, board-certified dermatologist in West Islip, New York. She recommends Dickinson’s toner infused with rosewater (bonus: rosewater also has anti-inflammatory properties). Try: Dickinson’s Enhanced Witch Hazel Hydrating Toner with Rosewater ($3; amazon.com) “Using this powerhouse fruit daily helps nourish the tissues in your skin and body, hydrating your complexion and preventing wrinkles,” says Elina Fedotova, cosmetic chemist, celebrity esthetician, and owner of Elina Organics Skincare & Spas. “It’s also a very promising treatment for rosacea and other adjacent skin conditions.” Try: The Ordinary 100% Organic Virgin Sea-Buckthorn Fruit Oil ($11; deciem.com) Try: Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash ($34; sephora.com) Try: Naturopathica Chamomile Cleansing Milk ($38; amazon.com) “Known for its antioxidant properties, the plant is rich in amino acids, beta-carotene, and fatty acids. Together, these are great for restoring the skin moisture barrier, protecting against external pollutants, and increasing collagen production,” says Ife Rodney, MD, board-certified dermatologist of Eternal Dermatology. And the best part? Its true power lies not in the leaf but in its water, which is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. In fact, it’s even been used to treat serious conditions, like leprosy, lupus, and ulcers. Try: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30 ($52; sephora.com) When applied to skin, it interacts with skin receptors to turn down its inflammatory response. In short, you may see less redness and itching, and even help treat eczema and psoriasis, per a study published in Clinical Therapeutics. That said, always choose dermatologist-trusted brands and track where your CBD is coming from to ensure it’s not contaminated with toxins and pesticides. Try: Lord Jones Acid Mantle Repair Moisturizer With 250mg CBD and Ceramides ($75; sephora.com)
