What is Skin Inflammation? What Causes it

4 min read

THE ONESKIN TEAM
January 23,2023
SKIN SCIENCE

What is Skin Inflammation? What Causes it

4 min read

THE ONESKIN TEAM
January 23,2023
SKIN SCIENCE
Inflammation is a key tool in our immune system’s toolkit, helping our bodies to heal, prevent infection, and fight foreign invaders. Our skin, being the first defense against our external world, works closely with the immune system to alert it to potential threats and take action against foreign invaders such as microbes or even cancerous cells.
Inflammation is a key tool in our immune system’s toolkit, helping our bodies to heal, prevent infection, and fight foreign invaders. Our skin, being the first defense against our external world, works closely with the immune system to alert it to potential threats and take action against foreign invaders such as microbes or even cancerous cells.

Inflammation is the immune system’s response to external threats and kicks off the healing process. In skin, inflammation can have many feelings and appearances, such as skin rash, redness, or warmth in response to external and internal conditions, such as infection, allergens, or abrasions. [1]

Inflammation is the immune system’s response to external threats and kicks off the healing process. In skin, inflammation can have many feelings and appearances, such as skin rash, redness, or warmth in response to external and internal conditions, such as infection, allergens, or abrasions. [1]
01

What does skin inflammation mean?

Inflammation is a sign that that body’s immune system has been activated and is working to fight off foreign entities. The skin harbors an elaborate network of defenses designed to protect the body against outside invaders. As well as acting as a physical barrier against the outside world, skin contains immune cells that are crucial for preventing skin infection and restoring damaged skin tissue. These immune cells promote tissue function and can initiate immune responses in case of injury to the skin or infection. [2]When an immune response is initiated, the body produces inflammatory cells and cytokines (substances that stimulate the inflammatory response) to remedy the issue that initiated the immune response. These cells then work toward restoring the health of the skin by trapping bacteria and pathogens, or by rebuilding the tissue structure. This can result in visible signs of inflammation, such as bruising, swelling, and redness. [3]
01

What does skin inflammation mean?

Inflammation is a sign that that body’s immune system has been activated and is working to fight off foreign entities. The skin harbors an elaborate network of defenses designed to protect the body against outside invaders. As well as acting as a physical barrier against the outside world, skin contains immune cells that are crucial for preventing skin infection and restoring damaged skin tissue. These immune cells promote tissue function and can initiate immune responses in case of injury to the skin or infection. [2]When an immune response is initiated, the body produces inflammatory cells and cytokines (substances that stimulate the inflammatory response) to remedy the issue that initiated the immune response. These cells then work toward restoring the health of the skin by trapping bacteria and pathogens, or by rebuilding the tissue structure. This can result in visible signs of inflammation, such as bruising, swelling, and redness. [3]
02

What types of skin inflammation are there?

Some types of inflammation, especially acute inflammation, can be beneficial. Acute inflammation occurs when there is an immune response initiated by an injury to the skin or the presence of pathogens. The inflammatory response then works toward healing the injury or eliminating the pathogens to restore the body back to health. [3] However, inflammation can also be problematic when the response is being initiated without an injury or pathogen present, and remains for a sustained period of time. This is known as chronic inflammation, when the body continues to produce these inflammatory cells without cause. These cells can attack healthy tissue and cause sustained damage to the body. [3]
02

What types of skin inflammation are there?

Some types of inflammation, especially acute inflammation, can be beneficial. Acute inflammation occurs when there is an immune response initiated by an injury to the skin or the presence of pathogens. The inflammatory response then works toward healing the injury or eliminating the pathogens to restore the body back to health. [3] However, inflammation can also be problematic when the response is being initiated without an injury or pathogen present, and remains for a sustained period of time. This is known as chronic inflammation, when the body continues to produce these inflammatory cells without cause. These cells can attack healthy tissue and cause sustained damage to the body. [3]
03

What are common causes of skin inflammation?

Some common causes of inflammation in the skin include extreme temperatures, allergens, and stress. Rashes are a sign of inflammation and can be triggered by exposure to poison ivy, poison oak, or other irritants. Medicinal drugs can also trigger inflammation, typically in the form of rashes. [4]Allergens that cause inflammation often cause reactions in the skin such as eczema (atopic dermatitis) or hives. These skin conditions can be caused by plants, latex, or personal care products such as soaps, laundry detergents, or makeup. [5]Photosensitivity is another immune response to sun exposure, which can cause inflammation in the skin. This occurs when the body responds to the sun as if it is a foreign invader, and can be induced by some medicines, skin products, or immune conditions. This is separate from sun damage, or sunburn. [5]
03

What are common causes of skin inflammation?

Some common causes of inflammation in the skin include extreme temperatures, allergens, and stress. Rashes are a sign of inflammation and can be triggered by exposure to poison ivy, poison oak, or other irritants. Medicinal drugs can also trigger inflammation, typically in the form of rashes. [4]Allergens that cause inflammation often cause reactions in the skin such as eczema (atopic dermatitis) or hives. These skin conditions can be caused by plants, latex, or personal care products such as soaps, laundry detergents, or makeup. [5]Photosensitivity is another immune response to sun exposure, which can cause inflammation in the skin. This occurs when the body responds to the sun as if it is a foreign invader, and can be induced by some medicines, skin products, or immune conditions. This is separate from sun damage, or sunburn. [5]
04

What does skin inflammation look like?

Inflammation in the skin often appears as a rash, which can change in appearance depending on the cause of the inflammatory response. These rashes can appear smooth or scaly in texture, and have bumps and/or have a red appearance. Blisters or pimples may also appear in the affected area, and skin can appear raw or cracked. Skin may also thicken in the affected area. [1] Inflammation can also cause skin to be dehydrated, leading to cracks due to dry skin and may bleed. [6]
04

What does skin inflammation look like?

Inflammation in the skin often appears as a rash, which can change in appearance depending on the cause of the inflammatory response. These rashes can appear smooth or scaly in texture, and have bumps and/or have a red appearance. Blisters or pimples may also appear in the affected area, and skin can appear raw or cracked. Skin may also thicken in the affected area. [1] Inflammation can also cause skin to be dehydrated, leading to cracks due to dry skin and may bleed. [6]
05

What does skin inflammation feel like?

When an area of skin is inflamed, it might feel itchy, dry, or have a stinging or burning sensation. The area may also feel warm to the touch. [1] Hives are raised, red bumps that feel itchy, and can swell, especially when located on the face. Psoriasis is a type of skin inflammation that is characterized by raised red skin with white scaly patches. Eczema is another common skin condition that has a dry, itchy feeling with a red appearance. [7]
05

What does skin inflammation feel like?

When an area of skin is inflamed, it might feel itchy, dry, or have a stinging or burning sensation. The area may also feel warm to the touch. [1] Hives are raised, red bumps that feel itchy, and can swell, especially when located on the face. Psoriasis is a type of skin inflammation that is characterized by raised red skin with white scaly patches. Eczema is another common skin condition that has a dry, itchy feeling with a red appearance. [7]
06

What are 3 symptoms of inflammation?

The top 3 symptoms of inflammation in skin include:
  • Redness: Extra redness in inflamed skin is caused by an influx of red blood cells to the area. These extra blood cells will fight infection and encourage healing. [8]
  • Rash: A skin rash can often be caused by skin inflammation. These rashes can be smooth, scaly, or bumpy, and can be flat or raised off the skin. [1]
  • Pain: Inflammatory chemicals can stimulate nerve endings, which can lead to an inflamed area feeling painful. These areas can feel sensitive to touch.[9]
06

What are 3 symptoms of inflammation?

The top 3 symptoms of inflammation in skin include:
  • Redness: Extra redness in inflamed skin is caused by an influx of red blood cells to the area. These extra blood cells will fight infection and encourage healing. [8]
  • Rash: A skin rash can often be caused by skin inflammation. These rashes can be smooth, scaly, or bumpy, and can be flat or raised off the skin. [1]
  • Pain: Inflammatory chemicals can stimulate nerve endings, which can lead to an inflamed area feeling painful. These areas can feel sensitive to touch.[9]
07

What foods cause skin inflammation?

At the intersection of gut health and skin health, there are several highly inflammatory foods that can further contribute to deterioration of the gut lining, which can ultimately impact our immune system’s response that eventually shows in our skin.
  • Fried foods: Fried foods often contain high levels of compounds such as advanced glycation end products, which over time can cause acute inflammation and lead to chronic disease. [10]
  • Sugar and high fructose corn syrup: High fructose corn syrup has been shown to increase several inflammatory markers in both mice and human studies. Sugar can also be harmful because it contains excess amounts of fructose. [10]
  • Alcohol: Consumption of more than two alcoholic beverages in a day may lead to large increases in inflammation markers. Therefore, limiting alcoholic beverage consumption can help lower symptoms associated with acute skin inflammation [10]
  • Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pastries, and foods with high sugar contents: [3] These carbs have had their healthy fibers stripped away during processing, and therefore have a higher glycemic index than unprocessed carbs. These refined carbohydrates raise blood sugar quickly and can increase inflammation markers. [10]
07

What foods cause skin inflammation?

At the intersection of gut health and skin health, there are several highly inflammatory foods that can further contribute to deterioration of the gut lining, which can ultimately impact our immune system’s response that eventually shows in our skin.
  • Fried foods: Fried foods often contain high levels of compounds such as advanced glycation end products, which over time can cause acute inflammation and lead to chronic disease. [10]
  • Sugar and high fructose corn syrup: High fructose corn syrup has been shown to increase several inflammatory markers in both mice and human studies. Sugar can also be harmful because it contains excess amounts of fructose. [10]
  • Alcohol: Consumption of more than two alcoholic beverages in a day may lead to large increases in inflammation markers. Therefore, limiting alcoholic beverage consumption can help lower symptoms associated with acute skin inflammation [10]
  • Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pastries, and foods with high sugar contents: [3] These carbs have had their healthy fibers stripped away during processing, and therefore have a higher glycemic index than unprocessed carbs. These refined carbohydrates raise blood sugar quickly and can increase inflammation markers. [10]
08

How do you treat skin inflammation?

So, how can you reduce skin inflammation and redness? There are several foods that have anti-inflammatory properties and can lower inflammation responses when included regularly in a diet. These foods include oily fish, leafy green vegetables, olive oil, and tomatoes. Also, limiting alcohol consumption, exercising, and reducing or quitting smoking are ways to lower inflammation throughout the entire body. [3] Specific to an inflammatory skin condition, medicines such as antihistamines can be beneficial for reducing chronic inflammation and managing symptoms from conditions such as an allergic reaction. Lastly, managing stress and utilizing relaxing practices can help lower skin inflammation such as the use of cold compresses, phototherapy, and dry skin treatments. [1] Using the right topical skin care products regularly can also help decrease inflammation caused by skin dryness.
08

How do you treat skin inflammation?

So, how can you reduce skin inflammation and redness? There are several foods that have anti-inflammatory properties and can lower inflammation responses when included regularly in a diet. These foods include oily fish, leafy green vegetables, olive oil, and tomatoes. Also, limiting alcohol consumption, exercising, and reducing or quitting smoking are ways to lower inflammation throughout the entire body. [3] Specific to an inflammatory skin condition, medicines such as antihistamines can be beneficial for reducing chronic inflammation and managing symptoms from conditions such as an allergic reaction. Lastly, managing stress and utilizing relaxing practices can help lower skin inflammation such as the use of cold compresses, phototherapy, and dry skin treatments. [1] Using the right topical skin care products regularly can also help decrease inflammation caused by skin dryness.
Key Takeaways:
  • Inflammation can manifest on skin in many ways, including in rashes, skin redness, dryness, and soreness of skin.
  • Many different conditions such as allergies, stress, sun exposure, and poor diet can lead to inflammation throughout the body and skin.
  • Inflammation can feel itchy, dry, and painful.
  • Several lifestyle changes such as reducing fructose and alcohol intake, and managing stress can lower inflammation and its symptoms.
Key Takeaways:
  • Inflammation can manifest on skin in many ways, including in rashes, skin redness, dryness, and soreness of skin.
  • Many different conditions such as allergies, stress, sun exposure, and poor diet can lead to inflammation throughout the body and skin.
  • Inflammation can feel itchy, dry, and painful.
  • Several lifestyle changes such as reducing fructose and alcohol intake, and managing stress can lower inflammation and its symptoms.

Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin

Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.

Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin

Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.

Discover More

Sun Sensitivity And Menopause: Protecting Your Cha...
Peptides Vs Growth Factors: Which is Better For Sk...
Hyperpigmentation and Menopause: Understanding and...
Skin Care is Health Care: Why Skin Care is the Key...
Full OneSkin Regimen
How Do Our Products Work Together?
Older man smiling
The Connection Between Mental Health, Age Percepti...
OneSkin launches MolClock, the first skin-specific molecular clock to determine the biological age of human skin - One Skin Technologies
MolClock: Using Epigenetics to Measure The Biologi...
How OS-01 BODY Pauses Biological Aging For Overall...
Woman holding stomach
Biohacking Healthy Aging: The Organs of Longevity
5 Reasons Why Zinc Oxide Is Our Preferred UV Filte...
6 Common In-Office Skin Treatments to Complement y...
What is Microneedling & Are There Alternatives?
How to Protect Against and Reverse Collagen Loss
Why Your Neck, Décolletage, and Hands Need Extra C...
What's the Connection Between Dehydration and Dry ...
How to Tighten Facial Skin Without Surgery
Exploring Alternatives to Botox
Best Practices for Moisturizing After Exfoliating
Recognizing Signs of Over-Exfoliated Skin
Healing Over-Exfoliated Skin: How to Treat Over-Ex...
OS-01 BODY SPF and OS-01 BODY: Even Better Togethe...
Introducing OS-01 BODY SPF: Triple power protectio...
Is Talc Bad for Skin? 7 Things You Need to Know
How Do We Know the OS-01 Peptide is Safe?
What Is Lanolin and Is It Bad for Your Skin?
Non-Comedogenic vs Comedogenic Skin Care Products
Mineral Oil: Facts, Myths, and Effects on Skin
The Problem with Paraffin for Skin
Petrolatum: Is it Safe or Harmful for Your Skin?
How Much Sunscreen to Apply
What Do Antioxidants Do For Skin and Why Should Yo...
Making Sense of SPFs: What’s the Difference Betwee...
How to Relieve Itchy Skin: Tips for Soothing Skin ...
What is The Difference Between UVA and UVB Rays?
Decoding the Connections Between Intrinsic & Extri...
Causes of Skin Itching
Causes of Skin Itching: Understanding the Reasons ...
How to Protect Your Skin from UVA and UVB Rays
Morning vs. Night Exfoliation: Determining the Bes...
How to Tell if Acne is Hormonal or Bacterial?
How to Know if Your Skin Barrier is Damaged
Tips for Managing Hormonal Breakouts
Understanding Hormonal Acne and Its Triggers
How to Repair & Restore Your Skin Barrier
How To Get Rid of Crepey Skin: 7 Solutions
When to Apply Sunscreen: Before or After Moisturiz...
How Alcohol Impacts Your Skin’s Health
The Effects of Alcohol on Your Skin's Aging Proces...
OS-01 FACE: Clinically Validated to Support Your S...
Can Alcohol Cause Breakouts?
The Proof is in the Peptide: 12-Week Clinical Stud...
Why Is My Neck Aging So Fast?
6 Factors That Contribute to Slow Skin Healing
6 Tips and Tricks for a Youthful Neck
Woman applying sunscreen
Addressing the Need for Indoor Sun Protection
Sunburned skin
The Science of Sunburns: How to Treat and Prevent ...
Get to Know OneSkin’s Topical Supplements:
OS-01 F...
Pollution
Can Air Quality Affect Skin? Exploring the Impact ...
Close up of eye
Understanding the Relationship Between Sleep and U...
Woman not sleeping in bed
Exploring the Effects of Quality Sleep on Your Ski...
Gut microbiom illustration
How to Improve Gut Microbiome
Woman holding bowl of food
Exploring Caloric Restriction and Its Effects on A...
woman stretching in bed
What’s the Connection Between Quality Sleep and Lo...
Healthy foods
Unlocking the Skin Benefits of Intermittent Fastin...
woman exercising
Why Exercise is a Game-Changer for Longevity
The Microbiome Diet and Its Effects on Skin
The Microbiome Diet and Its Effects on Skin
cold water
Cold Exposure: Hype or Longevity Boosting?
healthy foods
Eat Better, Live Longer: Top Foods for Longevity
How Environmental Stressors Affect Skin
How to Protect Your Skin from Everyday Environment...
How Does Sunscreen Work? How Long Does it Last?
How Does Sunscreen Work? How Long Does it Last?
OS-01 BODY
Pressing the Pause Button on Aging Skin: OS-01 BOD...
How to Brighten Eyes and Under-Eyes
lip treatment
Lip Balm Ingredients: What to Look for and What to...
earth
Exploring Blue Zones: How Can We Optimize Our Heal...
Lips
Nurturing Your Lips: How to Keep Them Moisturized ...
Lips
Uncovering the 9 Causes of Dry Lips: Why Do Lips G...
How to Travel with Skin Care
How to Travel with Skin Care Products
Why is my Skin Peeling on My Face?
SHIELD on arm
The Importance of Sunscreen: Why Should You Wear I...
Lip sunscreen
Lip Sunscreen: Do Lips Need SPF Protection?
heart hands
The Science of Gratitude
prep on shoulder
Removing Sunscreen: Tips for Clean and Healthy Ski...
freckled skin
Skin Explained: Is Skin An Organ?
UV Light and Skin
UV Light and Skin: Effects and Protection Strategi...
What is Epidermis
Understanding The Epidermis: Functions, Compositio...
Diving into dermis
Diving into Dermis: Functions and Significance
Why Do We Get Wrinkles
Unlocking the Science of Wrinkles: Causes, Formati...
Back skin
Why Skin Barrier is Important
bentonite clay
Ingredient Spotlight: Bentonite Uses, Benefits, & ...
hypodermis function
Hypodermis: Exploring Its Vital Functions
oil-dropper-background-pink-dripping-cosmetic-product
The EU is Limiting Retinol in Skincare: Here’s Eve...
face+shield
Why You Should Use OS-01 FACE & OS-01 SHIELD Toget...
Ceramides For Skin: Everything You Need to Know ne...
Age Gracefully: How to Manage Neck Wrinkles and Ac...
Discover Why Our New SPF Outperforms the Rest
How to Preserve Your Feet
How to Preserve Your Feet: 5 Strategies for Wrinkl...
Hands and Dermal Elasticity: Understanding and Man...
The Lip Lineage
The Lip Lineage: Exploring the Why Behind Wrinkled...
How to Address Stomach Wrinkles
How to Address Stomach Wrinkles For Smoother Skin
How to Get Rid of Wrinkly Skin on Arms
A Scientific Approach to Addressing Wrinkly Skin o...
What is Skin Cycling
What is Skin Cycling? Understanding, Embracing, an...
How to Skin Cycle: A Guide to Optimize Your Skin C...
Do You Know What Clinical Claims Really Mean?
What is Tinted Sunscreen?
What is Tinted Sunscreen?
two types of face wrinkles
2 Types of Wrinkles and Tips for Treating Them
Marionette Lines
Understanding Marionette Lines: Causes and Prevent...
How to Help Your Skin Act Younger
how-much-sunscreen-to-use-on-face
The Science of Sunscreen: Understanding the Optima...
Better Elasticity, More Firmness: Discover OS-01 E...
Symptoms and Causes of Melasma on Face
Navigating Anti-Aging Skincare: The industry, the ...
How to Prevent Skin Aging Before It Starts
Thick Skin vs Thin Skin
A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Differe...
How to Strengthen Your Skin
How to Strengthen Your Skin: A Guide to Thicker, H...
what-is-glycerin
An In-Depth Look at Glycerin: What is it and What ...
Glycerin Benefits for Skin
Exploring the Benefits of Glycerin for Skin Health
Difference Between Hydrating and Moisturizing
Exploring the Difference Between Hydrating and Moi...
3 Natural Ways to Keep Your Skin Hydrated and Glow...
How To Create A Hydrating Skin Care Routine For Dr...
Senotherapeutics, Senolytics, and Senomorphics -- ...
Cleansing 101: How to Wash Your Face the Right Way...
Scientific Breakthrough: OneSkin’s scientists show...
Dry Skin 101: How To Identify This Skin Type
How OS-01 Can Help Your Collagen Levels As You Age...
Developing a Skin Care Routine for Normal Skin: 4 ...
What is Normal Skin & Do I Have This Skin Type?
Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin
A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating the Perfect Skin ...
Understanding Oily Skin: Causes & Characteristics
Menopause and Skin Changes
7 Keys to Understanding Menopause and Skin Changes
Is This The Root Cause of Aging?
UV Damage Increases Cellular Senescence. Here's Ho...
Our Research Has Been Published in npj Aging
How To Reduce Hyperpigmentation by Targeting Cellu...
Perfect Skin Care Routine for Combination Skin
4 Steps to Crafting the Perfect Skin Care Routine ...
Managing Combination Skin
A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Managin...
Benefits Of Moringa Oil
An In-Depth Look At The Benefits Of Moringa Oil Fo...
How to Tighten the Skin Under Your Eyes
How to Tighten the Skin Under Your Eyes
7 Causes For Crepey Skin Under Eyes
Restoring Dry Skin Around The Eyes
101 Guide To Restoring Dry Skin Around The Eyes
How is OS-01 EYE different from OS-01 FACE?
Woman washing her face
How to Remove Lingering Dead Skin Cells On the Fac...
Safe Beauty, Validated: Why OneSkin trusts SkinSAF...