8 Reasons Your Skin Is Irritated
We are all familiar with the symptoms of irritated skin. Redness, itchiness, or any sort of abnormal discomfort is a clear indication that something either internally or externally is compromising your skin and its capability to act as an effective barrier. Skin irritations are common and can be caused by a number of reasons. Here are eight possible causes for your irritated skin:
An often overlooked indicator that can cause your skin to be irritated is your skin type. We are each born with a skin type and genetics typically categorize our skins into one of four different types: normal, oily, dry, and combination. Our skin type, however, can change and become more susceptible over time, which is why learning more about your skin and its symptoms can help narrow down the possible causes of any sudden irritations. For more information about skin types, check out our blog article “How to Care for Different Types of Skin.”
Allergies can cause skin irritations to appear in the form rashes, itchiness, bumps, redness or, in more severe cases, eczema. There are many forms of allergies that can result in a skin irritation—contact dermatitis, for example, is caused by a direct contact with something that results in an allergic reaction. Other allergies, like food or seasonal allergies can also appear in the form of a skin irritation; therefore, it’s important to rule out any possible allergens when determining the root cause of irritated skin.
Cosmetics, soaps, and other skincare products that are made with harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients can increase your skin sensitivity and ultimately lead to irritations. Always review the ingredients and opt for a more natural alternative. Also, be sure to select the best product according to your skin type.
A nutrient-deficient diet can likewise aid in triggering mild to severe skin irritations. Like all organs, our skin needs a constant, well-balanced intake of nutrients to properly function and, while the results of a poor diet probably won’t reflect immediately on your skin, it may occur over time. Similar to a domino effect, a poor diet, which includes not drinking enough water or eating excessive irritating foods (spicy food, coffee, alcohol), can cause your body to react adversely and eventually take it out on your skin’s performance, resulting in sporadic breakouts and irritations.
1. Your Skin Type
An often overlooked indicator that can cause your skin to be irritated is your skin type. We are each born with a skin type and genetics typically categorize our skins into one of four different types: normal, oily, dry, and combination. Our skin type, however, can change and become more susceptible over time, which is why learning more about your skin and its symptoms can help narrow down the possible causes of any sudden irritations. For more information about skin types, check out our blog article “How to Care for Different Types of Skin.”
2. Allergies
Allergies can cause skin irritations to appear in the form rashes, itchiness, bumps, redness or, in more severe cases, eczema. There are many forms of allergies that can result in a skin irritation—contact dermatitis, for example, is caused by a direct contact with something that results in an allergic reaction. Other allergies, like food or seasonal allergies can also appear in the form of a skin irritation; therefore, it’s important to rule out any possible allergens when determining the root cause of irritated skin.
3. You’re Using the Wrong Products
Cosmetics, soaps, and other skincare products that are made with harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients can increase your skin sensitivity and ultimately lead to irritations. Always review the ingredients and opt for a more natural alternative. Also, be sure to select the best product according to your skin type.
4. A Poor Diet
A nutrient-deficient diet can likewise aid in triggering mild to severe skin irritations. Like all organs, our skin needs a constant, well-balanced intake of nutrients to properly function and, while the results of a poor diet probably won’t reflect immediately on your skin, it may occur over time. Similar to a domino effect, a poor diet, which includes not drinking enough water or eating excessive irritating foods (spicy food, coffee, alcohol), can cause your body to react adversely and eventually take it out on your skin’s performance, resulting in sporadic breakouts and irritations.
