Chronic skin inflammation can be a consistent struggle for those who suffer from it. Many people won’t know that they are suffering from chronic skin inflammation or that their rosacea, breakouts, or eczema is actually being caused by chronic face skin inflammation.
It's more than just a temporary irritation; it's an ongoing battle that can significantly affect one's quality of life. So, what exactly triggers this relentless cycle? Let's delve into what causes chronic inflammation.
Acute Inflammation versus Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury, infection, or irritation. It's a defence mechanism orchestrated by the immune system to combat harmful invaders and promote healing.
Acute inflammation is when your body sends inflammatory cells to the injury site. This type of inflammation usually only lasts a few hours or even days. For example, if you cut yourself.
However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it transforms from a protective mechanism into a persistent problem. Your body continues sending inflammatory cells even when there is no outside danger.
Skin conditions and Chronic Inflammation
How do you know if you have chronic inflammation?
It might be interesting to understand that the majority of skin conditions are actually caused by three main triggers: lack of hydration, gut inflammation and an impaired skin barrier.
There are many conditions that are associated with chronic inflammation from auto-immune diseases to diabetes. But common skin conditions caused by chronic inflammation are acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis. Realising what causes these conditions can help you target them effectively.
Key Factors That Cause Chronic Inflammation
There are several factors that can cause chronic inflammation of the body; these are:
- Immune Dysfunction: At the core of chronic inflammation lies an imbalance in the immune system. When the immune system is dysregulated, it can mistakenly identify harmless substances as threats, triggering an inflammatory response. This immune dysfunction can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, environmental triggers, and lifestyle choices.
- Environmental Aggressors: Our skin serves as the first line of defence against external threats, but it's constantly bombarded by environmental aggressors such as pollution, UV radiation, and harsh weather conditions. These assaults can compromise the skin's barrier function, leading to increased inflammation and sensitivity.
- Microbial Imbalance: The skin is home to a diverse ecosystem of microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiome. When this delicate balance is disrupted, harmful bacteria can proliferate, triggering inflammatory responses. Factors like excessive cleansing, antibiotic use, and dietary habits can disturb the microbiome's equilibrium, exacerbating chronic inflammation.
- Lifestyle Factors: Our daily habits play a significant role in modulating inflammation levels within the body. Poor dietary choices, lack of exercise, inadequate sleep, and chronic stress can all contribute to systemic inflammation, which manifests on the skin's surface as redness, swelling, and discomfort.
Role of the gut in battling Chronic Inflammation
The link between gut health and skin condition cannot be overstated. A healthy gut is essential for overall well-being. An imbalance can manifest on the face as inflammation. Improving your gut health through a balanced diet, reducing ultra-processed foods and refined sugar intake, and incorporating daily pre and probiotics can significantly impact your skin's reaction.
The concept of gut–skin axis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many chronic inflammatory diseases. It suggests that the gastrointestinal system directly affects skin homeostasis through interactions between the immune, metabolic, and nervous systems.
Role of the skin barrier in battling Chronic Inflammation
The skin barrier is your body’s frontline defence against environmental aggressors. A poor skin barrier can manifest as inflammation and various skin conditions. Many skincare products target conditions like acne or rosacea but are filled with harsh chemicals that damage your skin barrier over time.
How do I target Chronic Inflammation?
Now that we understand what can cause chronic inflammation and how this can manifest itself on your skin and in your body over time, we want to help you effectively target it, leading to a happier and healthier version of yourself!
1. Gentle skincare routine
It’s essential to look for gentle skincare products that help to strengthen the skin barrier while soothing inflamed skin. Our Red Algae Cleansing Soap and Recovery & Repair Gel are designed with sensitive, inflamed skin in mind. They can help you target inflammation, strengthen the skin barrier, and give you a beautiful glow. You can read one of our customer success stories here.
2. Nutrient-rich diet
Fuel your body with anti-inflammatory foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. Our Red Algae Collagen Glow Shots are incredible at adding extra nutrients to your diet while tackling gut inflammation.
3. Stress management
Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness to keep inflammation in check.
Red Algae and Chronic Inflammation
Red Algae, rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, is a super-hydrator and is nature’s most potent antioxidant. Seacra Skincare utilises an innovative cold-pressing technique to isolate the bio-active compound of Red Algae, creating products that nourish the cells, strengthen the skin barrier, and tackle inflammation.
Discover our groundbreaking red algae-infused products and see the difference for yourself.
Featured products for combating Skin Inflammation
- Red Algae Cleansing Soap Bar: Offers intense hydration while addressing inflammation and dry skin.
- Red Algae Recovery & Repair Gel: Targets blemishes, redness, pigmentation, and dry skin with a blend of Chamomile, Calendula, Jojoba Oil, and Red Algae.
- Red Algae & Collagen Glow Shot: A collagen shot infused with Red Algae to boost gut health, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory levels, tackling skin conditions from the inside out.