Last Updated on July 17, 2023

Skin inflammation and redness can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and sometimes even painful. Fortunately, there are many easy and effective ways to reduce skin inflammation naturally.

From simple skincare tips and lifestyle changes to natural remedies for inflammation, this article will provide 20 of the best ways to reduce skin inflammation and redness, helping you to achieve a clearer, smoother, and more comfortable complexion.

What is Skin Inflammation?

Skin inflammation, also known as dermatitis, is a condition in which the skin becomes red, swollen, and painful due to the body’s immune response to an irritant or allergen. It can be acute or chronic and can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, infections, autoimmune disorders, sun damage, and other irritants. Common signs of inflammation include redness, swelling, itching, and flaking or scaling of the skin.

What Causes Skin Inflammation?

What causes inflammation? Skin inflammation can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Allergies: Allergic reactions to certain substances such as food, medication, or skin care products can cause skin inflammation.
  • Infections: Skin inflammation can also be caused by bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, such as cellulitis, shingles, and ringworm.
  • Autoimmune conditions: Certain autoimmune conditions, including psoriasis, lupus, and dermatomyositis, as well as other inflammatory skin conditions.
  • Environmental factors: Exposure to environmental factors such as sun, wind, and extreme temperatures can cause skin inflammation.
  • Other factors: Skin inflammation can also be caused by other factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and certain medications.

When to Call a Doctor

If you have skin inflammation, you should call a doctor if the inflammation does not improve with home remedies or over-the-counter treatments. If the inflammation is affecting a large area of the body or if you have a weakened immune system, you should consult a doctor. Lastly, if you suspect an underlying medical condition may be causing the inflammation, it is important to seek medical attention.

Severe symptoms of skin inflammation that require you to call a doctor include:

  • Difficulty breathing or wheezing.
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • A rash or hives that cover a large area of your body.
  • A fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C).
  • Rapid heartbeat or difficulty with your pulse.
  • A headache or confusion.
  • Vision problems.
  • Joint pain or swelling.
  • Severe pain or a feeling of tightness in the chest.
  • Dizziness or fainting.

Now, let’s get to our list of the 20 best ways to reduce skin inflammation and redness.

1. Moisturize Regularly

Moisturizing the skin can help get rid of inflammation in several ways. First, it helps to maintain the skin barrier, which can prevent irritants from entering the skin and triggering an inflammatory response. Second, it can help to soothe dry, itchy skin, which can reduce inflammation. Third, it can help to promote skin healing, which can reduce inflammation and prevent further damage.

2. Avoid Irritants

Avoiding irritants helps reduce skin inflammation by preventing the skin from coming into contact with substances that trigger inflammation. Irritants, such as chemicals in soaps, detergents, and other skincare products, can strip the skin of its natural oils, disrupt the skin’s protective barrier, and cause irritation, redness, and inflammation. Avoiding irritants and using gentle, fragrance-free products can help maintain healthy skin and reduce the risk of inflammation.

3. Protect Your Skin From the Sun

Sunscreen helps to reduce skin inflammation by blocking the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun that can cause skin damage and inflammation. This helps to prevent sunburn, skin aging, and other skin conditions that are caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. Sunscreen also helps to protect the skin from the oxidative stress that can occur due to exposure to the sun’s UV rays.

4. Avoid Hot Showers

Hot showers can cause the skin to lose moisture, leading to dryness and inflammation. When the skin is dry and inflamed, it is more susceptible to irritation and other skin conditions. Avoiding hot showers or limiting their duration can help retain skin moisture, reduce dryness, and prevent inflammation.

5. Use Gentle Skincare Products

Using gentle skincare products can help reduce skin inflammation by avoiding harsh ingredients that can irritate the skin. Gentle products, such as fragrance-free and hypoallergenic cleansers and moisturizers, can help maintain the skin’s natural barrier and prevent further irritation. Additionally, using mild and gentle skincare products can also help prevent other skin conditions and promote overall skin health.

6. Avoid Harsh Exfoliants

Avoiding harsh exfoliants helps reduce skin inflammation because these products can be irritating and damaging to the skin’s protective barrier, leading to inflammation. Instead, using gentler exfoliants, such as chemical exfoliants, can help to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores without causing damage or irritation. By avoiding harsh exfoliants, the skin’s natural barrier can be preserved, reducing the risk of inflammation and irritation.

7. Use a Humidifier

Using a humidifier can help reduce skin inflammation by adding moisture to the air and preventing dryness, which is a common cause of skin irritation. Dry air can cause the skin to become dehydrated, leading to inflammation and irritation. The added humidity can help the skin to retain moisture, which can reduce the severity and frequency of skin inflammation.

8. Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing

Wearing loose-fitting clothing can help reduce skin inflammation in several ways. Firstly, it reduces friction and pressure on the skin, which can exacerbate inflammation. Secondly, it allows the skin to breathe and stay cool, which can prevent sweating and irritation. Finally, it can help prevent the buildup of bacteria and other irritants on the skin, which can lead to inflammation and infection.

9. Take OTC Anti-inflammatory Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, help to reduce skin inflammation by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that cause inflammation. These medications work by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, which is involved in the production of prostaglandins. By reducing the levels of prostaglandins in the body, OTC anti-inflammatory medications can help to relieve pain and inflammation in the skin.

10. Apply a Cool Compress

A cool compress helps reduce skin inflammation by constricting blood vessels, which reduces the flow of blood to the inflamed area. This, in turn, helps reduce swelling and redness associated with inflammation. The cool temperature also provides a numbing effect, which can help to alleviate any pain or discomfort associated with inflamed skin.

11. Use Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce skin inflammation. It works by reducing the production of inflammatory mediators and free radicals in the skin. Applying aloe vera gel topically can soothe and cool the skin, while also promoting wound healing and cell regeneration.

12. Apply Honey

Honey has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties that can help reduce skin inflammation. Its natural antibacterial properties help fight off any bacterial infections that may be contributing to skin inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe and calm irritated skin, while its wound-healing properties can help repair and regenerate damaged skin cells.

13. Use Chamomile Tea Bags

Chamomile tea bags also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can lower skin inflammation. When applied topically, the tea bags can soothe irritated and inflamed skin by reducing redness and swelling. The tea bags can also help hydrate the skin, making it look and feel healthier.

14. Use Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce skin inflammation. Its high fat content can also help moisturize and nourish the skin. Applying coconut oil to the skin may help reduce redness, swelling, and irritation associated with skin inflammation.

15. Apply Oatmeal

Oatmeal can help decrease skin inflammation by acting as a gentle, natural cleanser. The proteins in oatmeal can help to soothe and moisturize the skin, reducing irritation and inflammation. Additionally, oatmeal contains compounds that can help to repair the skin barrier and improve its overall health, further reducing inflammation.

16. Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can trigger inflammation and worsen existing skin conditions by activating the body’s inflammatory response. By managing stress and anxiety, you can lower the levels of stress hormones in your body and reduce inflammation. Stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and exercise can all help to lower stress levels and reduce inflammation.

17. Getting Enough Sleep

Getting enough high-quality sleep is essential for the overall health of your skin. During sleep, your body repairs and regenerates damaged skin cells, and lack of sleep can lead to inflammation and skin aging. Good sleep hygiene, such as keeping a regular sleep schedule, reducing blue light exposure before bed, and creating a relaxing sleep environment, can help improve the quality of your sleep and reduce skin inflammation.

18. Drinking Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated helps to reduce skin inflammation by maintaining the skin’s elasticity, suppleness, and overall health. Water helps to flush toxins and waste from the body, promoting healthy skin. When the body is dehydrated, the skin can become dry and flaky, leading to inflammation and irritation.

19. Eating a Healthy, Balanced Diet

Eating healthy can reduce skin inflammation in several ways. First, a healthy anti-inflammatory diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can provide the body with the nutrients it needs to fight inflammation. Second, avoiding inflammatory foods, such as processed foods and added sugars, can help reduce the overall inflammation in the body. Finally, consuming foods that are high in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens, can help protect the body from the damaging effects of inflammation.

20. Take Dietary Supplements

Anti-inflammatory herbs and spices contain active compounds that can help reduce skin inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines in the body. For instance, turmeric contains curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce redness and inflammation and provide natural pain relief. Ginger, garlic, and cayenne pepper are other anti-inflammatory herbs and spices that can help improve skin health and reduce inflammation.

Here are three of the best natural anti-inflammatory products to start with.

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce skin inflammation. Its active compound, curcumin, can inhibit the activity of various enzymes that contribute to inflammation in the body. Turmeric can be applied topically as a paste or taken orally as a supplement or spice in food to help reduce skin inflammation.

Apple cider vinegar has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which helps to balance the skin’s pH levels, making it a great choice for treating skin inflammation. Additionally, apple cider vinegar contains antioxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

Elderberry has been found to help reduce skin inflammation due to its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to inhibit the release of histamines in the body, which can cause skin inflammation, and also contains compounds that help to fight against harmful bacteria and viruses that can further aggravate skin inflammation.

Skin Care to Reduce Redness: Final Thoughts

Reducing skin inflammation and redness can be challenging, but there are many simple and effective strategies you can implement into your daily routine. By taking a holistic approach that includes diet, lifestyle, and topical treatments, you can soothe your skin and reduce inflammation.

With these 20 easy ways to reduce skin inflammation, you can achieve healthier, calmer, and more radiant skin. Remember to always consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your skin.