Redness on the skin is a common occurrence for many of us. But it can easily be remedied and provide you with better comfort whilst you are dealing with this skin irritation. It comes in many different forms. Whether it is from allergies, something you rubbed onto your skin, ingested or exposed too, inflammation of the skin is an uncomfortable situation to endure. You may find your skin becomes flaky, irritated, raised, swollen, bumpy or discoloured. It is important to try and find the reason for why your skin has become red at an earlier stage. This could determine the best course of action to take to get your skin back on track. Be it naturally, or via the help through medicine and a doctor’s diagnoses. These simple steps below are great ways to reduce inflammation on the skin and help you feel more comfortable.

1 – DON’T RUB, SCRATCH OR USE ANYTHING ABRASIVE

Don’t encourage the aggravation to your skin. If your skin is inflamed, any abrasive movement will just cause further upset and discomfort. Because you skin is tender and crying in distress, you’ll do more harm and could end up splitting the skin and cause bleeding. It is much better to pat yourself dry gently, or even when applying any form of treatment/medicine to the skin. Allow it to air dry and sink into the skin on its own.

2 – WATER TEMPERATURE

Wash yourself with water and consider the temperature. Hot water is a giant no with skin inflammation and cold water often only offers a temporary relief. Ice cold water is often disregarded too as it provides a numbing effect to the skin, which can often lead to a ‘burning sensation’ because of the coldness. Lukewarm water and room temp water from the tap is a great option, be it in the shower, bath or sink. It is better to have something comfortable to run across the irritated skin that helps regulate your body’s natural temperatures.

3 – NATURAL BODY AND FACIAL MASKS

These can be created at home with real food items to relieve any angry skin. Soaking yourself in an oat bath for 30 minutes, or using a mask with natural honey, chamomile lotions and aloe gels provide skin protection with their antiseptic, calming and soothing properties. These household foods and treatments wont cure but will help reduce the discomfort you are feeling. You’ll find these ingredients across quite a few skincare brands as the extracts from these above are used worldwide. Aloe Vera extract, gel, lotion and creams are possibly the most well-known. You can always find these items available in high-street shops, pharmacies or online through trusted sites.

4 – CLEANSING & MOISTURISING IS IMPORTANT

It is worth investing in a cleanser that is as gentle as they come, to help remove any particles or residual matter that might have upset or further cause discomfort to the skin. A cleanser that is non-foaming is wise and one that uses ingredients mentioned above will benefit your skin further than anything potently antiseptic or astringent. Remember to pat the area for excess water with a clean cloth that is made from a matter such as cotton. With the area damp now, moisturising with a lotion that is made from a soothing extract will not only provide relief, but help lock in the moisture to your skin. Red skin often leads to skin feeling warm to the touch and this heat means the surface of the skin is lacking in moisture. Ensuring your skin has been given a gentle veil of moisture retaining cream/lotion is prudent to getting your skin back on track. Remember that your skin is reactive, and you should ensure you fully investigate into the product you are applying. This leads into our last point below.

5 – FREE FROM

There are so many products on the market and they all use different formulas and ingredients. If your skin is irritated, you are after products that are free-from things such as synthetic matter, soaps, fragrances, strong antibacterial properties, or ones with any alcohols. Check closely for any products which list SLS [Sodium Lauryl Sulfate] or ALS [Ammonium Laureth Sulfate]. These are usually found second on the list in these ingredients, just after aqua/purified water. These sulphates can be found as irritating to both skin that is already inflamed and even those not suffering with redness on the skin. These lathering sulphates are used in cleansers and body washes as they produce that bubbly foam that you cleanse yourself with. It is important to find a cleanser that doesn’t include these harsher ingredients that some people can find problematic. It is always a good idea to try and use as natural as your can and get your skins pH level to a natural stance.

Once you have treated the targeted area, cleansed and chosen a soothing and calming moisturiser. Allow the skin to breathe, circulation is both cooling and beneficial for the skin to begin the healing process. Loose clothing with natural materials is your best bet. If you find the skin is continuously getting worse, or not looking/feeling any better. Then seek medical advice and contact your local pharmacy. You might have overlooked a substance, or material that you are still in contact with, that caused the rash in the first place. It is important to locate what has triggered your skin and you will find it easier to treat the affected area.