The Skin Nerd: What is skin inflammation and how can I avoid it?

Jennifer Rock gives her tips on how to prevent upsetting your complexion

Skin Nerd: What is skin inflammation and how can you avoid it?

The past few years have taught us that inflammation in the body spells trouble, but did you know that inflammation can also be the cause of many skin issues? Inflammation in the skin can lead to redness, breakouts and even premature ageing, but what exactly is it and how can we prevent it from upsetting your complexion?

If your skin is itchy, red or hot, it could be due to inflammation, which occurs when your immune system responds to a stimulus or trigger. When your immune system is triggered, your cells emit substances that can widen your blood vessels and make them more penetrable. This means that the immune response can get to the affected area more easily and can cause swelling, heat and redness.