Reducing Irritation

Dear Reader,

Welcome to part 5 of the program and it’s time to focus in on the skin itself and we start by finding way’s to reduce irritation.

Why Irritation Needs to Be Addressed

Various inflammatory skin conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis, are accompanied by overall skin sensitivity. This heightened sensitivity increases the chances of symptoms worsening due to even the slightest irritation by external factors.

These external factors can come in a variety of forms:

• Temperature and humidity changes
• Abrasive physical contact
• Exposure to harsh cleansing agents
• Environmental pollutants

Understanding these (and other) possible sources of irritation and what you can do to reduce their negative effects, can go a long way to stabilizing your symptoms and reducing the amount of flare ups.

Expected Outcomes

By eliminating external sources of irritation you should notice:

• Reduced skin sensitivity and local inflammation
• Improved skin barrier stability

Objectives in Focus

Reducing skin irritation does not necessarily have to be restricted to the objectives presented in the module. The ones presented are one’s that I’ve found to be the most common, however, taking the time to think about possible sources of irritation in your own individual case may prove to be even more rewarding.

Utilize

Sensitive Skin Care

Using formulations designed for sensitive skin can help prevent further barrier disruption and provide the conditions required for the repair process.

Eliminate

Physical Interaction

Repetitive interaction with the skin can lead to further damage of the skin barrier, lead to secondary infection and prevent the healing process. Controlling these behaviors is essential for restoring healthy skin.

Known Irritants

Many skin care products contain ingredients known to cause irritation and skin barrier disruption. Reducing exposure to these ingredients can give the skin a chance to repair and restore it's natural barrier stability.

Excessive Cleaning

Over washing and cleansing of the skin can degrade the skin's natural barrier function, reduce it's moisture holding ability and result in negative alterations in the skin flora. Reducing the frequency and amount of cleansing agents used can help soften the blow and give the skin a chance to repair.

Soap

Regular use of soap can drastically raise skin surface pH and lead to further worsening of skin barrier abnormalities. Reducing soap usage on sensative/irritated skin can aid normal barrier recovery, reduce unwanted inflamattion and allow for more stable skin repair.

Press forward. Do not stop, do not linger in your journey, but strive for the mark set before you – George Whitefield