If you’ve noticed your skin has become irritated lately, it could be due to various reasons. Many factors can contribute to skin irritation, from the food you eat to the products and environment you’re exposed to. In this blog, you’ll learn about some of the most common causes and what you can do about them.
Chemical exposure
Exposure to harsh chemicals can lead to skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. These chemicals could be found in cleaning agents, lotions, or cosmetics. To protect yourself from this kind of irritation, make sure that you read the ingredient list on all product labels before purchasing or using them.
Opt for natural ingredients instead. For example, instead of using store-bought cleaning agents, which commonly contain harsh chemicals, you could make your own cleaning products using simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. Likewise, you can opt for natural skincare products free of synthetic materials or perfumes, as these often contain harsh chemicals that cause irritation.
Allergens
Allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores can cause inflammation and allergic reactions on the skin. If this is the case for you, try reducing your exposure by keeping indoor air clean with an air purifier and wearing protective clothing outdoors.
You may also want to consider seeing an allergist if necessary. They can test for specific allergies and prescribe medications to help control your symptoms. They can also recommend over-the-counter medications and skin care products to reduce the effects of contact dermatitis.
Stress
Stress plays a major role in your overall health and skin health. Stress hormones can trigger breakouts or worsen existing conditions like eczema or acne. To reduce stress levels, make time for activities such as yoga or meditation every day to help relax your body and mind. To get started on these activities, consider downloading a meditation app to your phone or taking a yoga class.
Additionally, proper sleep is important for keeping stress levels low—aim for seven to eight hours per night. If you have trouble sleeping, lifestyle changes could help, including avoiding caffeine after 6 p.m., exercising regularly, and limiting screen time before bed. Spending time with loved ones can also help reduce stress, so consider scheduling more time for socializing in your day-to-day routine.
Diet
Eating processed foods high in sugar or trans fats can lead to inflammation throughout your body—including on the surface of your skin! Also, be mindful of any food allergies that might be causing a reaction on your skin; if it persists after eliminating certain foods from your diet, then it’s best to seek medical advice from a dermatologist or allergist immediately.
And if you already have food allergies that you’re aware of, you can do a lot to prevent allergic reactions that might cause skin irritation, such as avoiding known allergens and using allergy-safe products. But if you must eat food you’re allergic to, make sure to be extra careful when eating out or traveling and carry over-the-counter antihistamines with you in case of a severe reaction.
Environment
The environment around you plays an integral role in your overall health, from humidity levels to UV radiation exposure, which are known contributors to skin irritation and damage over time if not properly managed with sunscreen and other protective measures (like avoiding direct sunlight during peak times).
It’s important to take breaks from being outside whenever possible. You should also wear clothing appropriate to the current condition of your surroundings. For example, if it’s cold or rainy, cover up with a coat or an umbrella. And if it’s hot and humid, consider wearing breathable fabrics that allow your skin to breathe.
High pool pH
High pool pH levels are known to lead to skin irritation. If you notice your skin is affected by the pool, try investing in a home water testing kit and make adjustments accordingly.
If you’re unsure how, you can always contact professionals to handle it. They have advanced knowledge on how to lower the pH in your pool. They also have the tools to do so safely. Once they have completed the task, they can advise you on keeping the pH level constant over time.
There are many potential reasons why your skin has been irritated lately—from chemical exposure to diet changes and more! To ensure that you’re taking care of yourself properly, it may be worth talking with a dermatologist about any underlying issues contributing to the irritation, too; they will know best how to help diagnose/treat any underlying problems specific to you! Hopefully, with these tips in mind, you’ll find relief from whatever has been causing discomfort on your skin recently.
