Skin Care Guide: How to Build a Routine for Your Age

After a summer of fun in the sun, irritated or inflamed skin is one of the most common skin concerns we encounter. It also happens to be one of the trickiest to address, especially if you’re unsure as to what is causing your skin to sting, itch or feel raw. Fortunately, a quick visit to your dermatologist will help you find the right treatment that will restore your skin’s clear and radiant glory. That said, the healing process often requires time—something that’s not always on your side. And while applying makeup to hide redness and dry patches seems like a no-brainer, using the wrong products or technique can actually make the problem worse.

What Is Inflamed Skin

Redness, swelling, tenderness and warmth are the tell-tale signs of inflamed skin, says New York City board-certified dermatologist Hadley King. While genetics and certain chronic conditions make some people more susceptible to various inflammatory conditions, Dr. King also cites a number of factors that can cause irritations or trigger flare-ups. “Diet and hormone levels, for example, can affect acne, while everything from the weather to your skin care regimen can impact eczema and rosacea. Illnesses or stress can trigger psoriasis and environmental exposure can lead to allergic or irritant contact dermatitis. All of the above are accompanied by inflammation,” Dr. King explains.

How Does Makeup Affect Inflamed Skin 

As a general rule, inflamed skin should be left makeup-free “to allow the skin to breathe and heal from the source of inflammation,” says board-certified dermatologist Debra Jaliman, assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Akers echoes this, adding that, “Applying makeup on top of skin that is inflamed can give the appearance of makeup disappearance due to the skin looking to be quenched of the needed item to balance itself.” It can also lead to congestion, which leaves the skin feeling more sensitive, tight or uncomfortable, she adds.

What Ingredients to Seek Out and Avoid 

“If your skin is inflamed, avoid products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinoids as in Retin-A or tretinoin,” says board-certified dermatologist Janet Prystowsky, as these ingredients can further aggravate your skin. Instead, Akers suggests keeping an eye out for calming botanicals such as cucumber, thyme and peppermint, which are known to comfort inflamed skin and ease swelling and soreness.

Step 1: Create the Perfect Masking Mix

Dispense four pumps of Resveratrol B E and a quarter size of Hydrating B5 Masque in a bowl and mix evenly, then apply onto inflamed skin. The combination of potent antioxidants and hydrating ingredients delivers protection and nourishment to stressed skin while replenishing and sealing in moisture.

Step 2: Add Another Layer of Defense

Apply Biocellulose Restorative Masque for at least five minutes. This mask features bio-fibers with heat-reducing water that cool and soothe irritation in sensitive or inflamed skin. Then, apply four to six drops of C E Ferulic to boost your skin’s defenses and prevent further damage from pollutants, UV radiation and free radicals.

Step 3: Soothe and Correct

Calm sensitivity and irritation further by applying four to six drops of Phyto Corrective Gel, featuring anti-inflammatory and antiseptic botanicals that soothe signs of inflammation while minimizing dark spots and hyperpigmentation.