Skin inflammation: types, causes, and treatments

Inflammation is nothing more than the immune system’s response to an invasion of foreign particles. Inflamed skin usually indicates that it has been irritated by intrinsic or extrinsic causes, and this can lead to redness, itching, swelling, warmth, and sensitivity. It often causes itchy rashes to develop, as well as marks or spots that are difficult to fade.

To treat this condition properly, it is necessary to identify its type:

• Acute inflammation, confined to a period ranging from a few minutes to a few days;
• Chronic inflammation, which persists over time, lasting for months or years;
• Inflammaging, a latent and silent inflammation that works in the deeper layers, promoting an increase in free radicals and oxidative stress, among the causes of premature cellular aging.

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What is skin inflammation?

Also often known as dermatitis, skin inflammation is an immune system reaction to an external or internal agent. It may be caused by genetic factors, bacteria, or allergic reactions to foods or medicines. Some types of inflammation appear after using cosmetics or perfumes containing ingredients that the skin cannot tolerate.

The causes vary from person to person. Acute inflammation often appears as simple redness that may then leave dark spots.

Chronic conditions such as psoriasis are autoimmune. Skin inflammation is often acute and temporary, but if it lasts for more than two or three weeks, it is best not to ignore it and to consult a dermatologist.

Acute inflammation

This type of inflammation generally lasts a few hours or a few weeks, resolving quickly when properly managed. It is temporary, does not cause permanent tissue damage, and often appears in the form of acne, sunburn, blisters, hives, and allergic reactions.

It is often a reaction to a harmful external stimulus, such as unprotected sun exposure. Known as photo-inflammation induced by UV rays, it can cause excessive dilation of the capillaries.

To soothe it, calming products containing soothing ingredients such as panthenol and vitamin E, or natural ingredients such as witch hazel, mallow, and chamomile, can be used. Hyaluronic acid also supports repair processes thanks to its ability to retain water.

How to respond to acute inflammation

Acute inflammation should be treated with topical calming and soothing agents. Nutralight Sensitive is a face cream designed to soothe the skin, especially after unprotected sun exposure. It contains a blend of natural oils, including carrot oil, which are rich in antioxidants.

In addition to soothing the skin, it is essential to prevent inflammation. Using good sun protection is indispensable both at the beach and in the city, in summer and during the other seasons. Spot Defence 50 SPF is a non-greasy face sunscreen that, in addition to protecting against the sun’s rays, contains vitamin C, maritime pine, and active ferments.

Acute inflammation may also be caused by daily exposure to air pollution. For this reason, it is useful to use serums capable of minimizing oxidative effects.

Blue Defence is the ideal lifting serum for those who live in the city. It also protects against blue light thanks to its microalgae complex.

Lycoglow, on the other hand, is the brightening serum that helps reduce flaking thanks to its complex of mullein and lycopene.

Chronic inflammation

As the term suggests, this type of inflammation persists for more than six weeks. It may indicate an immune disorder, and over time, the immune system’s continuous response can damage tissues. Chronic inflammatory conditions include eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, vitiligo, and rosacea.

They can be divided into several groups:

• Erythrosis, a condition that should be assessed by a dermatologist. It often has genetic traits and may result from inadequately treated erythema, which compromises the skin barrier.
• Telangiectasia or couperose, permanent vasodilation in which the capillaries are visible to the naked eye. The skin appears thin and transparent.
• Rosacea, widespread inflammation often associated with couperose.

The differences between these three conditions are explained in detail in the article on erythrosis, couperose, and rosacea.

How to treat chronic inflammation

In these cases, medical advice is essential. Dermatological treatments can be complemented with topical cosmetic products. Couper Relief is the serum designed for reactive skin prone to couperose: it acts on the microcirculation with thermal water, ceramides, and extracts of centella asiatica, turmeric, and helichrysum.

Supporting fibroblast activity helps stimulate collagen synthesis where the skin is compromised. Regular use of hyaluronic acid also helps strengthen the barrier by limiting water loss.

Inflammaging: when inflammation accelerates aging

Aging is a natural phenomenon and, at the same time, a complex process in which low-grade inflammation plays a recognized role.

Inflammaging refers to the acceleration of skin aging caused by factors that create oxidative stress: genetics, psychophysical stress, inherited capillary fragility, or an excessive immune response. Diet, lifestyle, medicines, and exposure to the sun and pollution also contribute.

Inflammation is therefore considered a biomarker of accelerated biological aging: preventing chronic and acute inflammation helps maintain healthy, visibly younger-looking skin.

The 7 key factors for youthful skin

1. Combat oxidative stress: products containing antioxidant ingredients interrupt the mechanism that triggers it. Ferulic + HA is the serum with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid that, thanks to the action of ferulic acid, supports collagen synthesis and combats free radicals.
2. Slow down protein glycation: sugars form non-enzymatic bonds with proteins and lipids, generating glycotoxins (AGEs).
3. Protect yourself from pollution with anti-pollution active ingredients.
4. Use an SPF on your face in every season to prevent photoaging.
5. Avoid sudden temperature changes, which dilate blood vessels and cause redness on the face, neck, and décolleté.
6. Support the immune system with regular exercise and consistent sleep.
7. Follow a balanced diet rich in naturally antioxidant foods.

You can also find LeLang products at partner pharmacies throughout Italy.