Inflammation and inflammatory responses are at the root of many skin issues, including dullness, acne breakouts, and general aging. But the good news is that there are ways to combat inflammation and its damaging effects.

What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is our body’s natural response to damage or trauma. In certain amounts, it’s actually a good thing, as it acts as our body’s built-in defense system against invading bacteria, irritants, pathogens, and further bodily injuries.

When it detects something threatening, the body sends antibodies to the affected area, which results in swelling, redness, heat, or pain as it heals.

However, when the body is chronically inflamed, the process becomes destructive. In these chronic cases, the inflammation doesn’t go away like it is supposed to. The results of this can affect your complexion and the overall appearance of your skin.

3 Common Effects of Inflammation on the Skin

 

1. Skin Aging

As chronic inflammation persists, the more signs of aging you will see. Inflammation increases cortisol levels, causing the collagen in our skin to break down. Skin will begin to look lackluster, sag more, and start to wrinkle. 

 

2. Acne Breakouts

Acne breakouts are an inflammatory response, and the more breakouts you get, the more likely you are to have elevated levels of inflammation. Increased levels of cortisol from this inflammation slow the wound healing process, contributing to a persistent, vicious cycle of breakouts.

 

3. Rosacea 

Rosacea is another condition that’s worsened by the presence of chronic inflammation. Whether from stress, sun exposure, hormones, or dietary choices, the redness experienced by rosacea sufferers on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and other areas of the face are only exacerbated by inflammation. 

What Causes Inflammation?

There’s no single cause of inflammation, but rather a combination of internal and external factors. Some of the biggest culprits include stress, lack of sleep, pollution, sun damage, or an unhealthy diet.

Here are some of our favorite ways you can combat inflammation:

 

Choose the right skincare products.

By switching to a skincare routine that supports your skin’s overall cellular health with anti-inflammatory agents and cell-protecting actives, you will nourish your skin and speed up the healing process. 

 

Antioxidants also play a vital role in the overall health of our skin, helping to fight off damaging free radicals. Skincare products rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, have great benefits for the health and radiance of your complexion.

 

Pay Attention to Your Diet

The foods you eat play a big role in inflammation. Inflammatory foods - especially those that contain caffeine, alcohol, dairy, gluten, and refined sugars - can cause chronic low-grade inflammation when overconsumed. 

Instead, introduce anti-inflammatory foods into your diet, like green leafy vegetables, blueberries, walnuts, and coconut oil.

 

Engage In Stress-Reducing Activities

Stress is one of the biggest causes of inflammation, so try focusing on stress-reducing activities, like exercising and sleeping more. Your body needs these activities to properly heal and fight inflammation.

Exercising is a great stress-reducing activity as it releases endorphins, which are anti-inflammatory hormones that are able to heal and repair the skin while you sleep.

Heal Inflammation and Protect Your Skin With Tête-À-Tête

At Tête-À-Tête, all of our skincare products are formulated with the express goal of fighting inflammation. Our ingredient lists include powerhouse antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and essential fatty acids, that work to fight inflammation, neutralize free radicals, replenish moisture, and boost your overall skin radiance.