Why are anti-inflammatory ingredients important in skin care
The skin performs a dual function. On one hand it protects us from the harsh external environment with its chemicals, pollutants, germs, microbes and weather.
On the other hand, it also sounds the alarm bells if there is something amiss inside in our body.
Sometimes the skin gets inflamed due to-
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allergic reactions to chemicals in skincare like preservatives, parabens or even some plants like nettle or poison ivy
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frequent use of dish washing liquids like detergents or bleaching agents
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sunburn or exposure to extreme weather conditions which may cause heat rash
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abrasions with tight clothing
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insect bites
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fungal infections
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bacterial infections
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or even more severe conditions like psoriasis or eczema which may be on account of an internal immune response
This leads to local inflammation like redness, pimples, blisters, thickening or cracked skin, rash, burning, itchy or scaly skin, sometimes even bleeding.
Several measures can be taken to soothe these like cold compress, ice, lotions, herbs and cooling oils with anti-inflammatory properties. If problems persist, doctors should be consulted for taking anti-histamines or applying corticosteroid creams.
These anti-inflammatory agents provide soothing to the skin in times like this, and prevents further worsening with itching, especially in the areas where there can be a spread of the infection.
Turmeric, ginger, coconut, sesame and kokum have strong anti-inflammatory properties. They are very powerful in skincare. They act on the surface and also penetrate deep into the layers of the skin to soothe inflammation.