How to Soothe Irritated Skin: 7 Simple Steps

Irritated skin is skin that has been exposed to an environmental or cosmetic irritant or aggravator. The type of irritant will vary from person to person, but could be the result of hot and cold extremes, over-scrubbing, or overuse of topical products.

Irritated skin is characterized by red, inflamed skin that can be either overly dry or overly oily. The skin may also sting and burn upon application of product, which can also result in a rash. When our skin is irritated, it can also affect our other skin issues, such as acne.

Irritated skin is a temporary state, which could also be called sensitized skin. You may be more prone to experiencing irritated skin if you have normally sensitive skin, but sensitive skin doesn’t necessarily have to be irritated.

While irritated skin may eventually work itself out (provided the irritant/aggravator is eliminated), you don’t just need to ride it out – there are some things you can do to help soothe your irritated skin.

Use a cool compress.

Whether your irritated skin is mild or severe, a cool compress is a great idea to get rid of the inflammation often associated with irritation. If your skin feels warm, itchy and painful, try using something cool to soothe the pain. Apply a cold, wet cloth or an ice pack to the area for 5-10 minutes at a time.

Deep repair cream.

Using a deep repair cream can provide your skin with necessary tools it needs to soothe and heal. Look for products with protective emollients (jojoba, squalene, sunflower oil), humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin), and occlusives (dimethicone). For an added soothing kick, keep your deep repair cream in the fridge for a nice cool burst. You can also check out the Repairing Vitamin C Creme by Banish.

Colloidal oatmeal.

Colloidal oatmeal provides moisturizing lipids, acts as an anti-inflammatory humectant, and can provide many protective benefits for sensitized, irritated skin. Colloidal oatmeal is made up of finely milled oats suspended in water, or another type of liquid or gel, which allows it to be applied and absorbed easily.

It provides relief for allergic skin rashes, and can even stand in as a gentle cleanser while you get your skin back on track.

Take advantage of an oatmeal-based face mask made up of 1/3 cup oat meal, ½ cup warm water and ½ a mashed banana. Conversely, you can make your own colloidal oatmeal.

Moisturize regularly

Moisture is what is most often needed when you have irritated skin. Look for similar ingredients that you’d look for when choosing a deep repair cream, but also choose a moisturizer that is free from fragrances, perfumes, and other potentially irritating ingredients.

S.O.S

In some persistent cases of irritated skin you might need to reach for the heavy hitters: calamine or pramoxine lotion; both are used to temporarily relieve pain and itching from skin irritations, as well as dry and itchy skin.

Use a humidifier.

Cold, dry air saps moisture from your skin. And since we know that irritated skin needs moisture, using a humidifier in your room at night, especially if you live in a cold or dry climate, can help immensely with your irritated skin. Humidifiers pump moisture into the air, helping to alleviate dry, itchy, cracked skin.

Make a DIY mask.

Cucumber masks are my go-to when my skin is feeling especially parched or inflamed. They help deliver much-needed moisture and cool calmness to the skin. I like to mix my cucumber mask with some oatmeal and banana for added benefit!

Keeping these tips in mind, we also have many great articles on products that are good for sensitive skin; while irritated skin is not the same, the product recommendations are similar – look for simple, gentle, and nourishing ingredients.

Irritated skin doesn’t have to be a life sentence. With a little due diligence and trial and error, you can find what works for your skin and what doesn’t, so that in the future you can avoid irritated skin altogether.