How to Calm Irritated Skin: Expert Tips for Relief

Acne affects around 80% of adolescents and 40% of adults worldwide, and the overlap of sensitive and acne-prone skin creates a unique challenge [1]. Managing acne-prone and sensitive skin is more than just treating breakouts or soothing irritation. 

This skin type needs a thoughtful, balanced approach that will not trigger breakouts but rather promote healing. This article will discuss essential skincare practices and gentle ingredients that effectively calm and heal your skin.

Understanding Acne-Prone and Sensitive Skin

Sensitive and acne-prone skin often shows up with redness, irritation, and repeated flare-ups. Patients with this skin type suffer from papules, pustules, comedones, nodules, and cysts on the face. Multiple environmental factors, such as humid environments, stress, diet, sun exposure, etc., can trigger both sensitivity and acne [2].

Along with these external factors, certain products in your skincare regimen, such as harsh cleansers, alcohol-based toners, or overly potent active ingredients, can also strip your skin's natural barrier, triggering inflammation. This is why it is important for people with sensitive, acne-prone skin to use gentle, non-harsh ingredients to calm and heal the skin.

What are the Causes of Skin Irritation

Skin irritation can result from a variety of internal and external factors. These include:

• Harsh Skincare Products: Ingredients like alcohol, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances can strip the skin’s protective barrier, leading to sensitivity.

• Over-Exfoliation: Using harsh scrubs or frequent exfoliation can weaken the skin barrier, making it more prone to irritation.

• Environmental Stressors: Pollution, UV rays, extreme weather conditions, stress, and diet can irritate the skin.

• Allergic Reactions: Contact with allergens, including certain skincare ingredients, fabrics, or chemicals, can cause redness and itching.

• Underlying Conditions: Skin disorders such as eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis often contribute to increased sensitivity and irritation.

Essential Skincare Practices: How to Calm Down Irritated Skin on Face

For sensitive skin, simplicity is the key. Here are a few essential skincare practices for anyone with sensitive, acne-prone skin to follow, including tips on how to calm down irritated skin and maintain a balanced complexion:

Gentle Cleansers: 

Choose sulfate-free cleansers that remove dirt and impurities without affecting your skin’s natural barrier. Look for ingredients like glycerin or ceramides that will cleanse your skin while still maintaining the moisture.

Exfoliation: 

Exfoliating will help remove dead skin cells, cleanse your pores, improve skin texture, and reduce your acne [3]. Harsh scrubs and acids can irritate sensitive skin. Instead, consider gentle non-acidic exfoliants like:

• Enzymatic exfoliants (e.g., papaya or pineapple enzymes) that naturally dissolve dead skin cells without irritation.
• Jojoba beads or cellulose-based scrubs that provide very mild physical exfoliation without being abrasive.
• Rice bran powder or oatmeal as natural, soothing exfoliating agents.  

Moisturizing: 

A good moisturizer will help repair your skin barrier and maintain hydration. Ingredients like Squalane offer deep hydration and help restore the skin barrier without clogging pores, making them ideal for acne-prone skin.

Sun Protection: 

Physical sunscreens (mineral sunscreens) containing ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the safest option for people with sensitive acne-prone skin [4]. This is because they help prevent breakouts, reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation, as well as prevent premature skin aging.

Gentle, Non-Harsh Ingredients for Soothing Irritated Skin on Face

To calm and heal skin that is acting out, experts advise using gentle and non-harsh ingredients. Here are a few of those ingredients and how they aid sensitive, acne-prone skin:

Hydration and Barrier Support:

• Saccharide Isomerate: Saccharide isomerate deeply moisturizes your skin, with effects lasting as long as 72 hours. It also reduces skin irritation and helps strengthen your skin barrier [5].
• Squalane: Squalane quickly absorbs in your skin and promotes flexible and supple skin. It helps increase and maintain skin hydration while also protecting it against UV damage [6].
• Sharohyal Snail Veg: This advanced ingredient, derived from plant sources, aids in post-procedure recovery by enhancing hydration and combating acne.

Soothing Actives:

• SyriCalm: SyriCalm is a natural ingredient that reduces redness and inflammation and enhances skin tolerance to external stressors. It is gentle enough for daily use and provides a soothing effect to stressed skin.
• Unisooth ST-32: It is a bioactive complex that provides a long-term soothing effect to calm and heal skin. It also helps in minimizing the environmental impact on irritated skin.

Targeted Acne Treatment:

• Peachcalm: P. acnes, or Propionibacterium acnes, is a gram-positive bacteria that causes acne. Peachcalm stops the further growth and replication of P. acnes by slowing down its metabolism, and thus, helps reduce inflammation. Unlike traditional treatments like benzoyl peroxide, Peachcalm minimizes inflammation without causing dryness or irritation.

• Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a great ingredient to help shrink enlarged pores as well as hyperpigmentation. A double-blind investigation was conducted on 76 patients where participants were randomly treated with either 4% nicotinamide gel or 1% clindamycin gel. 82% of patients treated with nicotinamide gel showed improvement in inflammatory acne, which shows its efficacy in treating acne [7].

The table below shows a quick overview of key ingredients in treating sensitive acne-prone skin along with the benefits of each:

Lifestyle Changes for Healthier Skin

While choosing the right products is essential, your lifestyle choices play an equally important role in calming and healing sensitive, acne-prone skin. Here are a few lifestyle changes that can actually make a difference:

• Skin Hygiene Practices: 

Adopt the following skin hygiene practices to minimize the risk of breakouts:

• Change Pillowcases and Bedsheets: Wash and replace them at least once or twice a week to prevent the buildup of oil, sweat, and bacteria.
• Avoid Harsh Scrubbing: Gentle cleansing is key to maintaining a healthy skin barrier; scrubbing too vigorously can lead to irritation and damage.
• Choose Non-Comedogenic Makeup: Opt for products labeled non-comedogenic to avoid clogging your pores and exacerbating acne.
• Clean Makeup Brushes Regularly: Wash brushes and applicators frequently, as they can accumulate bacteria that contribute to breakouts.

Professional Treatment Options for Acne-Prone and Sensitive Skin

If you have persistent redness and over-the-counter products are ineffective against acne, it’s time to see a dermatologist for professional help.

Depending upon your condition, your dermatologist may recommend some professional treatments like:

Chemical Peels: 

Chemical peels are a popular and effective treatment for improving acne-prone skin while addressing concerns like redness, clogged pores, and uneven skin tone. Following mild peels can target acne without overwhelming sensitive skin.

• Enzymatic peels (using natural enzymes from fruits like papaya or pineapple) that exfoliate without disrupting the skin barrier.
• Bakuchiol as a gentle, non-acidic option with mild resurfacing properties and anti-inflammatory effects.

Laser Therapy: 

Laser therapy is effective for reducing skin redness and promoting even skin tone. For sensitive, acne-prone skin, Fractional Laser Therapy, Pulse-Dyed Laser Therapy, and Nd:YAG Laser are good options because they are more gentle on your skin and can be customized to some extent according to specific skin needs.

Topical and Oral Treatments:

Your dermatologist may prescribe topical or oral treatments to address acne and reduce inflammation. These treatments are customized to suit sensitive skin and promote healing effectively. 

Final Thoughts

Sensitive, acne-prone skin may require extra care, but with the right approach, it is manageable. By understanding your skin's unique needs and incorporating soothing ingredients and lifestyle changes, you can achieve a calmer, clearer complexion. Start your journey by choosing skincare products with the highlighted ingredients to heal and calm skin, or consult with a dermatologist for more personalized recommendations. 

FAQS 

How long does it take to calm irritated skin?

Minor irritation caused by products or environmental factors can improve within a few hours to a day if addressed with soothing ingredients like squalane, SyriCalm (a natural anti-inflammatory), or Unisooth ST-32 (a bioactive complex for calming irritation). Severe irritation, such as from allergic reaction or chronic conditions, may take several days to resolve and might require professional treatment or solutions prescribed by a dermatologist.

Does ice help irritated skin?

Yes, applying ice wrapped in a soft cloth can provide temporary relief for irritated skin by reducing redness and inflammation. Ice constricts blood vessels, which helps to soothe irritated skin on face. However, avoid direct application to prevent further skin damage.

What not to do when skin is irritated?

• Avoid harsh or fragranced products that can aggravate irritation.
• Refrain from scrubbing or over-exfoliating the skin, as this can weaken the skin barrier.
• Do not expose irritated skin to direct sunlight or high heat without protection.
• Avoid picking at or touching the affected area to minimize the risk of infection or scarring.