Collection: Irritated skin

Healthy skin is unaffected by many external influences. This is due, on the one hand, to the stratum corneum and, on the other, to the acid mantle. So-called lipids, which are special fats, give the stratum corneum the necessary stability. This is covered by the acid mantle, which consists of sebum, sweat, and some of the stratum corneum cells. This ensures that bacteria and other harmful substances cannot enter the body. It also prevents moisture loss and the associated dehydration.

However, if this barrier is damaged or external stimuli are too strong, the skin becomes unbalanced. This results in reactions such as redness, itching, burning, or the formation of flaking. Such irritations can occur on the face, especially on the lips, scalp, hands, and the body in general.

Itching in particular poses a certain danger. Scratching the affected areas sometimes even happens unconsciously. This further damages the already stressed skin. This makes it easier for pathogens to overcome the protective barrier and penetrate the skin. This can result in infections that cause new problems such as redness or eczema. Because the itching intensifies, the vicious circle mentioned above is often mentioned. This clearly shows how important it is to care for irritated skin. With the right products, it is soothed, moisturized, and supported in its regeneration.

There can be many causes for irritated skin. A fundamental distinction is made between external and internal factors. External influences are also referred to as exogenous. These include weather conditions. Cold weather causes the skin to dry out more rapidly, simply because the glands secrete less at lower temperatures. Strong UV radiation is another example. Air conditioning and heating systems should also not be neglected. Heat initially causes increased sweating – when the body fluids evaporate, this also dries out the skin.

Many people also have sensitive reactions to soaps and other skin cleansing products. Detergents – so-called surfactants – attack the skin's acid mantle, disrupt the pH balance, and cause irritation. Even jewelry can damage the skin, with nickel being particularly problematic.

Endogenous factors are more complex than one might initially assume. They have an internal cause. They begin as early as infancy: A newborn's skin doesn't yet have the full protective function it will later develop. This makes it even more susceptible to irritations, such as chemical or physical ones. Later, hormonal fluctuations may lead to skin problems – this is especially likely during phases such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.

As we age, the body produces fewer of the substances that ensure a stable acid mantle. The skin dries out as a result and is more prone to irritation. Allergies and intolerances are also internal triggers. They cause rashes or inflammation. Chronic stress and lack of sleep also negatively impact the skin's appearance.

Often, choosing the wrong cosmetics turns out to be the cause of irritated skin. Various components found in these products, such as fragrances or preservatives, cause these unwanted effects. The Dermaplan brand name was created for a very specific reason: The products were all developed in collaboration with dermatologists and systematically support skin care. One of the most important principles is the avoidance of all ingredients that could harm the largest organ in the human body. Therefore, the products do not contain any emulsifiers, fragrances, perfumes, mineral oils, silicones, dyes, preservatives, or PEGs (polyethylene glycols).

Dermaplan Tonic Sensitive promises gentle facial cleansing. Urea, panthenol, and allantoin combine to regenerate affected skin areas and provide them with increased moisture. Wash Balance is recommended as a gentle shower gel. Since it contains no emulsifiers, this lotion doesn't foam. Instead, it thoroughly cleanses sensitive, irritated skin and impresses with its moisturizing properties.

The products in the Lipid Balance series also ensure sufficient moisture and regeneration. They differ in their respective lipid content. The drier the skin, the higher the lipid content. This allows for optimal tailoring of care to individual needs. Dermaplan Itch Acute Care also relieves itching. All products are suitable not only for generally stressed skin, but are also suitable for the treatment of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

All DERMAPLAN products for irritated skin are available in our online shop and in your pharmacy.

Irritated skin can manifest itself in a variety of ways. It is often dry, itchy, red, burns, and may also develop flakes or wrinkles. How strongly it reacts to external influences depends on the type of irritation and the individual skin type. It's even possible for blackheads or pimples to appear without any identifiable cause. The face, in particular, is considered the area where the effects become apparent most quickly. On the one hand, the skin there is already thinner than on other parts of the body, and on the other, it is exposed to the environment unprotected year-round.

Two parallel approaches can be pursued to soothe irritated skin. On the one hand, the factor(s) that caused the irritation in the first place must be eliminated. Incorrect cosmetics as triggers should be avoided in the future and replaced with a product that is completely dermatologically compatible. In the case of an allergic reaction, the cause must be determined. On the other hand, the skin should be allowed to recover. A cream with soothing and moisturizing properties can help with this, as it promotes the healing process. Products with natural ingredients are ideal, as they prevent further irritation.

There are many triggers that can cause irritated skin. One is a general genetic predisposition, whereby the protective barrier is generally more sensitive to external influences. Excessive UV exposure is another frequently cited cause. Overdoing personal hygiene also puts a strain on your skin. Washing too often unnecessarily removes moisture, and harsh ingredients in cleaning products can cause even more damage. Using cosmetics that are not tailored to your skin type can also be a problem. Jewelry also irritates the skin—nickel, in particular, is one of the metals to which many people are allergic. Even friction from clothing can potentially cause skin irritation.

Proper treatment for irritated skin begins with cleansing. The cleanser used should not contain surfactants or emulsifiers. If it doesn't foam, it's a sign that these ingredients have been omitted, as they only further irritate the damaged barrier. For the same reason, the cream applied afterward should not contain any harmful or allergenic components. It's also important to ensure that it's not overly moisturizing or watery – these could cause redness or burning. Instead, a rich, oily cream, ideally based only on natural ingredients, is better.