Nothing impacts our confidence quite like a breakout. Or feeling like our skin is so out of control, we can’t fix it. Red blotches or any type of influx in hormones or bacteria can spur inflammation—a blanket term that defines our body’s reaction to something. Or as dermatologist and clinical faculty Heather D. Rogers, MD explains, it’s how our immune system fights against a perceived threat, to protect from further injury. While it can be cumbersome and frustrating, inflammation lets us know something is wrong and challenges us to utilize the best methods and products to alleviate our symptoms and get our pores back to their healthiest state. Here is what you need to know about inflammation, along with recommended products.
What Are the Different Types of Inflammation?
Though some people occasionally experience inflamed skin or other symptoms (more on this later), there are others who experience this more frequently. As Dr. Rogers explains, the first type of inflammation, aka acute inflammation, is our body’s immediate response to an injury. This type could happen to almost anyone and usually has a rapid onset that lasts a few days before passing. If you experience the symptoms more frequently, what you have could be chronic inflammation, in which the culprit is usually viral infections, autoimmune disease, a foreign body, gluten sensitivity or a slew of other factors. If you’re worried, it’s best to talk to your trusted physician or dermatologist for a clearer diagnosis or treatment plan.
What Are the Symptoms?
Board-certified dermatologist Jeanette M. Black, M.D. explains that redness, swelling, overheating and pain are all symptoms of an inflammation. And for some, acne spots or breakouts could pop up, too. “When our bodies are exposed to infections, the inflammatory pathway results in symptoms such as fevers, fatigue and drainage. When the skin is subjected to trauma from injuries or UV radiation, the inflammatory cascade can result in redness, pigmentation, scar formation and dysregulation of collagen and elastin fibers,” she says.
Dr. Black also explains that our skin will react to inflammation with an increase in blood flow to the skin, making our faces red, sometimes causing swelling, pain or itchiness. “The dilated blood vessels also make it easier for your body to absorb the chemicals you are putting on your face, increasing the risk of further irritation. This is why it is so important to be incredibly selective about what you are putting on inflamed skin,” she explains. And of course, she adds, be mindful of your diet.
How Does What We Eat Impact Inflammation?
Dr. Rogers shares that because our gut and our skin are the two largest organs in our body and have exposure to possible irritants that could lead to inflammation, our digestion directly impacts the condition of our pores. Once the inflammatory pathway is activated, our immune system is turned on everywhere! “What this means is, if your gut is inflamed, your immune system is revved up, making skin more sensitive, more likely to become inflamed. The opposite is also true; if your gut is calm and your immune system is quiet, your skin will be less sensitive,” she explains.
For those who battle inflammation, an anti-inflammatory diet is suggested, since it avoids foods that commonly irritate the gut to prevent activation of the immune system and inflammatory pathways. “There are some standard foods to avoid but also, everyone is different and what inflames one person may not do the same for another,” she shares.
What types of food will work against inflammation? For starters, Dr. Black suggests stocking your daily meals with picks high in vitamins and minerals, like fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and whole grains, fatty fish and oils. You’d also want to avoid anything processed, as well as any food that’s high in sugar, gluten, diary and other inflammatory ingredients.
How to Reduce Skin Inflammation?
If you want to go the topical route with skin care products or add a supplement to your diet, there are many effective ways to reap their benefits. Dr. Black says that since we can’t all eat 100 percent clean all the time, anti-inflammatory skin care products and supplements can be beneficial and helpful, too. “Supplements with vitamins and minerals can be beneficial for those [who] find it difficult to keep up a diet rich in all food groups including vegetables and fruits. Topical cosmeceuticals with various ingredients have also been formulated to help fortify the benefits of a healthy diet and lifestyle,” she raves.
Here are a few ingredients to look for in your skin care products and supplements:
1. Ginger
Why It Works: Dr. Rogers raves about this root, since it is bioactive. This means this chemical can stimulate changes in the body including settling the inflammation by inhibiting the synthesis of pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body like prostaglandin and leukotriene.
Lindsay Tigar is a travel and lifestyle journalist who contributes to a myriad of publications—from Travel + Leisure and Vogue to Glamour and countless others. She's a digital nomad who works from every corner of the globe, scoping out the best coffee, collecting artisan crafts and testing every beauty product she can find. You can find a collection of her work at LindsayTigar.com.
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