When it comes to the causes of irritated skin, clinical aesthetician and co-founder of Mortar & Milk, Pamela Marshall reveals there are plenty of daily irritants around. “Pollution can take its toll on the skin, I have many clients that really struggle in London—the skin can only handle so much. Irritated skin can also just come down to having dirty sheets, so wash them weekly in hot water,” she says.
Very commonly, however, irritated skin can just come down to overusing actives—something I can be very guilty of. In my job, I try countless skincare products a year for research purposes, and you better believe a whole bunch of them will irritate my skin. “The number of times I’ve had to completely hone down someone’s routine and it’s solved the problem is uncountable,” says Marshall. “Remember the directions on the box are not the boss of you. Pull back on your actives if you’re feeling a bit inflamed. Underlying redness is a sure sign of inflammation,” she adds.
It is for this exact reason that some of my most cherished skincare products are ones that aim to reduce irritation. “The best way to treat it is to remove the irritant and your exposure to it. You can then use emollients to moisturise the irritated area and barrier creams to help restore some of the skin’s barrier function until the skin heals,” reveals Kelly. So, whenever my skin is feeling a little irritated, whether that be as a result of friction, overuse of actives or just London-living, these are the products I always reach for…
Tagged: skin