10 Tips for How to Deal With Red, Irritated Skin

The wrong beauty routine can lead to dry, irritated, red skin. Sometimes we even don’t realize that we’re actually harming our face by using very expensive products. That’s because it’s not always about the price of skincare, but rather, the right treatment.

We at Bright Side know that having flawless skin without makeup is crucial for women and found 10 professional tips that may help you.

1. Use an ointment or cream rather than a lotion.

There’s a difference between using creams and lotions. For dry and sensitive skin, it’s better to use creams because it provides a heavier barrier to keep your skin hydrated.

Lotion is quickly absorbed by the skin and is recommended for normal skin. It can also be used during the summer months.

2. Try to limit your bath or shower time to just 10 minutes.

The recommended maximum bath and shower time is about 5 to 10 minutes. Dermatologists say that this is enough time to cleanse and hydrate the skin. Overdoing it may lead to unpleasant consequences. When your overwash and over-cleanse, the natural oils that keep your skin healthy get stripped away. The pores open up and water escapes from the body. Then you may notice some irritation and redness.

Also, there are benefits to hot, warm, and cold showers, but if you’re not sure which one is good for your skin, go with lukewarm water.

3. Don’t use “unscented” skincare products.

If you noticed that your skin became irritated and sensitive, use “fragrance-free” lotions, soaps, and detergents. They minimize irritation and cause fewer allergic reactions. Be wary of products that are marked with the word, “unscented.” They might have chemicals that can irritate your skin.

4. Close the bathroom door.

From time to time, we may leave the bathroom door open while taking a shower to let more air in. Dermatologists suggest avoiding this habit. Keep the door to the bathroom shut. This keeps the much-needed humidity in the room so your skin won’t get too dry.

5. Slather on the moisturizer immediately after a shower or washing your face.

The best time to apply moisturizer is when your skin is damp. In this case, it locks in hydration and prevents extra irritation. Try not to use a towel for drying your face, but apply cream immediately after washing.

6. Exfoliate the skin but avoid scrubs.

When your skin is sensitive, tough exfoliation may harm it, and you can end up with redness and irritation. Dermatologists don’t recommend using scrubs and mechanical methods. It’s better to use mild chemical exfoliators.

If your skin feels dry after exfoliation, use a moisturizer immediately after.

7. Buy products with special soothing ingredients.

“Products containing niacinamide, sulfur, allantoin, caffeine, licorice root, chamomile, aloe, and cucumber can help reduce redness,” dermatologists say.

Additionally, experts recommend using organic cleaning supplies. It’s important not to overuse products, and wearing a mask frequently can cause “maskne,” which is when acne appears due to the mask trapping dirt in the pores.

8. Start paring down your beauty routine.

If you’re sure that you don’t have any skin disorders but your face still looks irritated and red, it’s time to minimize your cosmetics, including makeup, because one of them can be causing an allergy. You can try to reintroduce products, one by one, in a couple of days.

This method can help you to understand which product or ingredient is harmful to you, and you can eventually avoid buying a different cream with the same component.

9. Use the right type of sunscreen.

Some people are very allergic to sunscreen and don’t even realize that it’s the problem. As a result, your skin gets flaky and red because of chemical ingredients.

If you have sensitive skin, it’s better to use a sunscreen with zinc or titanium dioxide.

10. Take a break from your beauty treatment.

You may buy and use complicated products more and more while trying to fix a problem, but sometimes, simplicity is best. Dermatologists say that your body also needs a break from your beauty routine. Perform a skin fast from time to time. It’s especially good for people with thin and sensitive skin types.

What natural remedies or products do you use to soothe your skin? How often do you practice skin fasting?