Irritated and sensitive skin is likely something that we will all experience at some point and when it strikes we’re stuck to know what to do at first. Have this blog bookmarked for when irritation appears, as we’ll be sharing the best soothing skin care products and what you need to help calm it quickly.

First what causes irritation on the skin?

Red and irritated skin can be the result from numerous reasons and it’s important to recognise what may have caused it so you can prevent it from happening again in the future. In the current skin care market we have a wide variety of acids like glycolic, salicylic and retinoids in our skin care products, and if we go a little too heavy handed on them the end result is red irritated skin. 

It might be the result from a change in the environment from hot warm weather to cooler climates, increased use of central heating and environmental aggressors such as colder winter winds.  Red irritated skin can also appear from touching our skin too often, causing bacterial imbalances or issues with our protective skin barrier. Allergic reactions to certain foods or skin care ingredients or even overloading on your skin care routine can cause your skin to flare up and act out of character. In essence there are many reasons that could cause irritated skin! 

So what to do if my skin is red and irritated?

First look at your skin care products and their ingredients, do they mention protecting your skin barrier, adding hydration and helping to support your skin’s microbiome? These are the kind of products you want more of in your routine. Have you got too many skin care products in your routine, like a 12 step evening routine, that’s doing your skin’s barrier more harm than good? It might be time to rethink what you’re using and how often.

In our skin care routine for when red and irritated skin appears, we’d look to add our BE GONE Kind-Hearted Cleansing Crème as it has a smart elastic creamy texture that doesn’t tug or pull against the delicate skin, leaving it feeling soothed and cleansed. Next we’d take our TONING ESSENCE Essential Mist Tonic Without The Alcohol for a refreshing and soothing tone, you can also use it as a hydrating facial mist too! Follow with a serum like our BE STRONG Skin Strengthening Serum to restore hydration and help soothe and support fragile and unhappy skin. Then finish off with our liquid silk BE STILL Settling Moisturiser that features clever prebiotics and Mediterranean botanicals to deliver soothing comfort and hydration to stressed skin.

Depending on what’s causing the skin irritation, it can be looking at simple changes like turning down the hot water tap when cleansing your face or in the shower. It may feel like a treat for the skin but it could result in your skin feeling more and more irritated with the rising heat.

It’s important to remember that anything you’ve changed in your skin care routine to help with red irritated skin can take time to have the desired results. So, stay consistent with your new soothing skin routine and keep supporting your skin barrier.