The Skin Nerd: Is your skin inflamed? Here's what you need to do

Ingredients such as aloe, neem, and rosehip are known for their healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, nourishing properties. Pic: iStock

With amazing advances in technology, there’s no doubt that skincare formulations are getting more powerful.

Delivering the kind of results, you would previously only expect from the salon or high-end skincare, Main Street has upped its game with targeted skincare that works towards producing exactly the outcomes you seek.

While this is a plus for lower-cost skincare and consumers navigating a cost-of-living crisis, there is a downside to this surge of ingredient-led beauty, and the skin barrier is getting the brunt of it.

Now, this might not be a problem for everyone. If you take care not to over-exfoliate or misuse actives such as vitamin A, you may be purely reaping the benefits but if you do fall prey to the allure of instantaneous results and, for example, like to perk up your complexion with a daily exfoliation, you could begin to experience irritation, redness, flaking and dehydration which is a far cry from the results you were hoping for.

When your skin is inflamed or discontented, you need to strip back your skincare routine and look to products that work to heal, soothe and balance it.

Ingredients such as aloe, neem, and rosehip are known for their healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, nourishing properties.

These ingredients give to the skin without any side effects depending on the formulation they are living in. Why are anti-inflammatory ingredients like neem, aloe, liquorice root extract, cica (otherwise known as centella asiatica), green tea extract, prebiotics, niacinamide and other antioxidants so beneficial to the skin? In general, many skin concerns are rooted in inflammation.

Sore spots, or any spot with visible redness, are inflamed spots that have become irritated by bacteria, specifically forms of the p. Acnes bacteria. 

Signs of ageing, including lines, wrinkles, skin laxity and drooping, are worsened over time by the inflammation within our bodies caused by sunlight, pollution, sugar and smoke, among other factors.

Itchiness, flaking and dehydration can also be caused by skin inflammation. As inflammation is negative for our skin health, it makes sense to turn to anti-inflammatory products to soothe our skin to optimal health.

We can reduce inflammation from within too, of course. Protecting ourselves with SPF, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and that of refined sugar, red meat and trans fats will all help too. 

Anti-inflammatory foods and nutrients include berries, tomatoes, green leafy veg, nuts and fatty fish, which are high in antioxidants and fatty acids to help our body calm down.

Paying attention to our gut is also important, as a gut flora imbalance can contribute to the development of inflammatory skin conditions, as Professor Caitriona Ryan of the Institute of Dermatologists, Ireland, says: “The gut microbiome is known to play an important role in regulating the immune system and inflammation throughout the body, including the skin. 

"Research suggests that an imbalance in gut microbiota can contribute to the development of inflammatory skin conditions. In particular, studies have linked imbalances in gut microbiota to the development of eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, and acne. For example, studies have shown that imbalances in gut microbiota can lead to overgrowth of certain types of bacteria, which can worsen eczema.

“Similarly, certain types of bacteria in the gut can contribute to the development of psoriasis by triggering immune system responses that cause inflammation in the skin.

“Overall, while a gut flora imbalance is not the sole cause of inflammatory skin conditions, it can contribute to their development and exacerbation. Maintaining a healthy balance of gut microbiota through a healthy diet, exercise, and probiotic supplements can be beneficial for overall skin health.”

To keep my own gut health in check after a bout of sickness, I turn to MyPro DiaCare (Available from Boots, Lloyds and leading pharmacies nationwide).

MyPro is an Irish company and the DiaCare is oral electrolyte solution which contributes to electrolyte balance, normal digestion and absorption of water.

This product is great as it contains a unique dual chamber design, containing an electrolyte on one side tackling dehydration and a probiotic on the other side restoring gut health to normal.

It’s a household essential, especially if you have little ones as it is suitable for children from 3+ and works to help rehydrate and replenish good gut bacteria post stomach ache.

Pharma Plus Food Supplement (Pharma Biotics, €28.99, pharmaplus.ie) is also great, containing gut-friendly bacteria which are proven to reach the gut alive.

It is also formulated as a citrus-flavoured sachet, making a tasty way to support your gut health.

Do note that bringing in more healing and nourishing ingredients to your skincare routine does not mean you have to throw out anything with powerful ingredients like exfoliating acids, peptides or chemicals of any kind.

This type of ingredient will help to give back to your skin in a way that many of these ingredients cannot, but it is all about balance and following manufacturers’ guidelines.

My current staples when it comes to calming the skin include: Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm (€13.50, pharmacies nationwide); and Ella & Jo 3 in 1 Hyaluronic Skin Mist (€25, ellaandjo.ie, and theskinnerd.com).