Anti-Inflammatory Skin Care Ingredients

No matter the time of year, sensitive skin may experience inflammation and irritation — but these reactions are exacerbated in extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold. Inflammation can be frustrating because it’s not only uncomfortable, but is also a sign of irritation and if left untreated, can significantly harm your skin’s protective barrier. This can lead to long-term damage, creating a seemingly endless cycle of irritation and discomfort.

What causes skin inflammation?

Skin inflammation, which can appear raised, red, and often bumpy, is a symptom of a deeper problem. The cause could be an allergic reaction (such as to food ingested or products used), the presence of bacteria or infection, extended sun exposure without protection, or even an immune system dysfunction like psoriasis. The irritation can present as blistering, itchiness, and swelling of the skin. Topical products can help soothe the skin, but it’s imperative that the underlying causes are addressed in order to eliminate the inflammation.

Acute inflammation vs. chronic inflammation

It is important to note that there are two types of inflammation. If there’s a specific trigger, such as an allergic reaction, the irritation should subside after the irritant is eliminated; a few weeks of treatment is typically enough to resolve the problem. However, if there is long-lasting, repeated irritation, this is known as chronic inflammation. Rather than an external trigger, this is caused by immune system conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea. One may experience flare-ups triggered by another source, but while these can be treated and sometimes even prevented, the underlying condition can’t be totally eradicated.

How can it be soothed?

Whether you’re treating a one-time reaction or soothing the effects of chronic inflammation, there are anti-inflammatory ingredients that can be added to your skincare routine to inhibit the body’s response to the trigger. The best ingredients for inflamed skin can even block the enzymes that contribute to inflammation, soothing the existing irritation and preventing further inflammation. Treating this also helps repair the skin’s compromised barrier, helping the microbiome protect the skin from other conditions and concerns.

Anti-inflammatory ingredients

If you’re experiencing this type of irritation and looking for the right anti-inflammatory ingredients to add to your skin care, there are a variety of key ingredients to look out for. We’ve selected 10 of the best anti-inflammatory ingredients and have listed them here, in no particular order.

Chamomile

You may be thinking of a soothing cup of tea at bedtime, but did you know Chamomile is also a great topical skin care ingredient for inflammation and more? Antioxidants in this flower make for a gentle astringent that clears the skin of bacteria, while flavonoids help prevent the reactions that cause redness. Chamomile encourages a more even, bright skin tone and can even address the root causes of chronic inflammation like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a gel that’s found in the leaves of the Aloe plant. This ingredient is universally soothing and moisturizing thanks to the many vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and acids it contains. Its most common use as a sunburn remedy is proof of its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This ingredient also plays well with others — all of our products, other than the Firming Vitamin C Treatment, have Aloe Leaf extract.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant nutrient that fights off free radicals and boosts the immune system. Consumed through food, vitamin supplements, and topical ingredients, Vitamin C is crucial to the body’s healing process. Because of this, it’s a great anti-inflammatory ingredient due to it speeding up the restoration of the skin’s protective barrier. Several of our products contain Vitamin C, such as the Softening Hydra-Whip moisturizer and our new Firming Vitamin C Treatment.

Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is a natural astringent, or drying agent, that helps soothe inflammation by gently cleaning the skin of bacteria and infections. It also dries out acne without the addition of harsh alcohols. Witch Hazel is proven to reduce the appearance of redness and soothe the uncomfortable side effects of inflammation. Our Balance Restoring Serum contains Witch Hazel Leaf, making it a great source of this gentle but powerful ingredient.

Niacinamide

You may have noticed a sudden explosion of skin care products containing Niacinamide, and for good reason — this nutrient, also known as Vitamin B3, is a powerhouse ingredient that corrects inflammation by repairing the skin’s barrier, soothing irritation, and reducing the body’s response to chronic conditions like rosacea. The best part is that while incredibly effective on its own, this vitamin can also be combined with almost any other ingredient (like natural Vitamin C).

Colloidal Oatmeal

Colloidal Oatmeal is a mega-moisturizer that helps address extremely dry, irritated skin, particularly if it is itchy or uncomfortable. It’s incredibly gentle, making it great for sensitive skin, and reduces redness and inflammation by soothing the skin and reducing its reaction to irritants. 

Calendula

Calendula is a category of flowering plants, particularly Marigolds, and it has been used throughout history. Once thought of as a truly magical ingredient (as in, for spells), this flower is now thought of as a magical skin care remedy. The oil extracted from these flowers is antiseptic, clearing up breakouts and infections, reducing dermatitis, and promoting healing. Our Balance Restoring Serum contains Calendula flowers and other calming ingredients.

Green Tea

A cup of Green Tea contains antioxidants that are great for the body, but did you know it’s also a highly effective topical ingredient? Not only does this leaf provide antioxidant benefits that reduce inflammation, but it also helps reduce the amount of sebum on the skin, which clogs pores and causes acne. Green Tea extract is becoming more and more common in skin care thanks to its gentle but mighty anti-inflammatory properties.

Licorice Root

While this ingredient may make you think of candy, Licorice Root is a natural ingredient that contains a particular antioxidant, glabridin. This helps both soothe and protect the skin, particularly with eczema and other chronic conditions. Licorice Root not only soothes and prevents signs of irritation, but brightens the skin’s appearance as well.

Cucumber

Cucumber is more than a refreshing vegetable — it’s packed with Vitamin E, Potassium, and water, making it a soothing ingredient that hydrates the skin while also acting as an astringent. There’s a reason there’s the cliche of Cucumber slices over the eyes at the spa. Cucumber particularly helps to reduce swelling and redness. Our Balance Restoring Serum contains Cucumber extract which, as the name implies, restores balance in the skin.

Soothe your skin with natural ingredients today

Remember that inflammation is a response to irritants, and soothing and treating the inflammation is imperative to keeping your skin healthy and comfortable. The best ingredients both treat the root cause and also soothe the skin in the meantime, and there are plenty of our products that can provide relief to existing inflammation and prevent further flare-ups. Add any of these to your skin care ritual today and experience calm, clear skin.