Exploring The Science of Calming Ingredients—Here Are Soothing Ingredients Aiding Redness on Skin
Calming and soothing ingredients have been one of the biggest trends in the skincare industry for the past year, and up until now, they are still having their moment as the champions in taking down redness on skin and inflammation.
Protecting and maintaining skin barrier health is one reason for the rise of these ingredients because calming formulas could help rebuild a damaged barrier.
If you’re struggling with skin redness and sensitivity, keep reading to discover science-backed calming ingredients that can soothe your skin and reveal a healthy, even complexion.
What Causes Redness on Skin?
Aside from an impaired skin barrier, many other factors cause skin redness, whether a skin condition, disease, or environmental factors. Some of the most common culprits are:
- Skin Conditions. Skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, or eczema are some common causes of redness on skin.
- Rosacea is a skin condition characterising facial redness that often looks like flushing or blushing.
- Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder where hair follicles under the skin get clogged.
- Eczema is a condition that causes your skin to dry, itch, and develop bumps, weakening your skin barrier function.
All of these skin troubles must be addressed as early as possible to limit further damage.
- Skin Irritation or Allergic Reaction. Contact dermatitis develops when the skin is exposed to an irritant, causing allergic reactions or irritation. The face is a common place where the condition can occur, and harsh soaps, hair dye, etc., are the frequent triggers.
- Sunburn. Sunburn is one of the most common causes of skin redness. It is typically triggered by spending too much time under the sun without sufficient SPF protection. Harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays damage the skin, making it appear red.
How to Reduce Skin Inflammation and Redness? Science Says, Soothe Your Skin With These 7 Ingredients
1. Aloe Vera
One of the most popular skincare ingredients for redness is Aloe vera.
Aloe vera is a plant extract mainly used for its anti-inflammatory, calming, and fast-healing properties. Thanks to its rich and beneficial components, such as amino acids, antioxidants, and saponins, it can relieve sunburn and wounds and soothe irritated skin.
More so, its hydrating and antibacterial effects can help reduce skin redness and inflammation caused by acne and irritant dermatitis.
But aloe vera’s versatility makes it more than a ‘skincare to reduce redness’. This plant’s richness in antioxidant ingredients makes it a good moisturiser and age-defying agent as well.
2. Evening Primrose Oil
Another skincare ingredient that helps reduce redness on skin is Evening Primrose Oil.
Evening Primrose is a yellow wildflower that is a common sight worldwide. It is also known as Oenothera biennis, night willow herb, or fever plant. Although initially used for wound healing, it has evolved into a treatment for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Additionally, it works as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce redness on face, especially for those who struggle with acne, rosacea, and eczema. This ingredient is also used as a moisturiser, an anti-ageing promoter, and a corrector of dark spots.
3. Niacinamide
Adding niacinamide to your skin care regimen may be a good idea if you suffer from skin redness. It contains anti-inflammatory properties while improving skin barrier function. Also called Vitamin B3, niacinamide enhances skin texture and strengthens the barrier by increasing natural lipids on your skin’s surface.
Aside from easing inflammation, it can also soothe irritation and calm redness caused by a strong exfoliation that removes dead cells from the skin’s surface.
Other benefits of this ingredient include boosting hydration and locking moisture, reducing the appearance of pores, treating dark spots, and decreasing fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Bisabolol
Bisabolol is a powerful skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory agent often derived from chamomile. Its relaxing and calming properties help appease sensitive and irritated skin and promote healing.
This ingredient can benefit individuals with reactive and sensitive skin types, especially those with rosacea and eczema. Its non-irritating nature makes it a safe choice for these people.
Moreover, it can mend burning and stinging sensations, lessen the visibility of scars, and prevent bacterial growth on the skin, making it useful for people with acne-prone skin as well.
Other benefits it brings to the skin include helping to enhance the penetration of other skincare products, supporting the skin barrier, and acting as a moisturiser and antioxidant.
5. Ginger Root Extract
Ginger Root Extract is a skincare ingredient known to reduce redness on skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Combined with Bisabolol, the pair works together to fight redness, ultimately providing a calming effect.
This natural ingredient contains vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds essential in promoting healthier skin. It is characterised by the ability to conquer inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially addressing acne and upholding a more youthful skin.
For individuals battling acne, ginger root extract can help ease inflamed skin and reduce swelling and redness. It also has antimicrobial properties that prevent acne-causing bacteria from causing future breakouts.
6. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance in the body, specifically in joints, eyes, and skin fluids. It is commonly abbreviated as HA and is essential for elasticity and moisture. This ingredient is an anti-inflammatory worker that assists in calming any redness and swelling.
Oftentimes, dry skin causes redness and sensitivity. With hyaluronic acid being a great soothing and hydrating ingredient, it can undoubtedly help ease redness on skin, irritation, and soreness. This acid also aids in skin barrier health, helping to keep moisture in and keeping skin healthy and functioning correctly.
Additionally, this ingredient provides anti-ageing powers by lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and evens out skin tone and texture.
7. Ceramides
A study in 2021 showed how skincare products with ceramides guard the skin against UV damage, improve hydration, and help fight redness and hyperpigmentation.
Ceramides are naturally found in the topmost layers of the skin, making up more than 50% of its composition. They help maintain the skin’s barrier to shield the skin against environmental stressors. However, ceramide levels in the skin are reduced or diminished in people with inflammatory skin conditions like acne or rosacea.
Skincare products with this ingredient strengthen the barrier. They also keep the skin hydrated, reduce inflammation, protect it from environmental damage, and generally improve skin appearance.
Our Redness Solutions from Brands Backed By Science
Skin redness can truly be a frustrating concern, but our science-forward brands offer ‘redness antidotes’ that will allow you to deal with this issue, making you feel more comfortable and confident in your skin.
Our partner brands leverage cutting-edge research and clinically proven ingredients to create effective formulas.
This anti redness serum from PCA Skin calms and comforts sensitive, redness-prone skin, promoting a healthy, balanced appearance.
The redness corrector from Colorescience instantly neutralises redness, calms and soothes sensitive skin, and provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection.
Colorescience All Calm® Redness Corrector
Science offers a fascinating glimpse into calming ingredients and their power to combat redness. Understanding these ingredients and how they work can help you make informed choices for your skincare routine.
Start your skincare healing and calming journey with Zoe Nissi. Explore our collection of trusted brands and innovative products–we may have the perfect solution to meet your specific needs.