Inflammation in the skin is a complex response triggered by various internal and external factors, each disrupting the skin's natural balance and causing redness, swelling, and irritation. Environmental stressors, such as UV exposure, pollution, and harsh weather conditions, can compromise the skin barrier, allowing toxins and allergens to penetrate more easily and cause an inflammatory response. Lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of sleep, and chronic stress also play a significant role by impacting the immune system and elevating stress hormones that can exacerbate skin sensitivity. Additionally, certain skincare ingredients, when overused or improperly applied, can irritate the skin, while underlying health issues such as autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, and even gut health problems often manifest as inflammation on the skin’s surface. Together, these factors create a cascade of reactions that disrupt healthy skin function, leading to chronic inflammation, accelerated aging, and a compromised barrier, which is why understanding and addressing the root causes is essential for maintaining calm, balanced skin.
Waking up with puffy skin is often caused by a combination of lifestyle habits, environmental factors, and physiological processes. Fluid retention is a common culprit, often influenced by consuming high-sodium foods or alcohol the night before, which can cause the body to hold onto water, especially in delicate facial areas. Sleep position also plays a role; lying flat or on your stomach may cause fluids to pool around your eyes and face overnight. Hormonal changes, such as those related to menstruation or stress, can lead to puffiness as well. Allergies and sensitivities to products or environmental factors like pollen and dust mites can also cause inflammation and puffiness, particularly around the eyes. Additionally, dehydration can prompt the body to retain water, leading to swollen skin. Lastly, poor sleep quality or a lack of restful sleep can impair lymphatic drainage, further contributing to morning puffiness.
While inflammation often begins with internal health, certain skincare products can also help address skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.
For inflamed skin, choosing soothing and restorative ingredients is essential to calm irritation, support barrier repair, and reduce redness. Aloe vera and chamomile are natural anti-inflammatories that offer instant calming effects and are gentle on sensitive skin types. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is widely recommended for its ability to reduce inflammation, strengthen the skin barrier, and improve moisture retention, making it ideal for sensitive or reactive skin. Ceramides help rebuild and fortify the skin's protective barrier, crucial for preventing further irritation and locking in hydration. Additionally, centella asiatica (or "cica") is known for its regenerative properties, promoting skin healing while reducing inflammation. For hydration, hyaluronic acid is excellent as it draws moisture to the skin without causing irritation. Colloidal oatmeal is another gentle ingredient that soothes redness and itchiness and works to alleviate conditions like eczema. Green tea extract provides antioxidant benefits that protect against environmental damage while also calming inflammation. Together, these ingredients provide a holistic approach to treating inflamed skin, ensuring it is both soothed and supported in the long term.
Embryolisse Smooth-Active Cream: In a single step, it moisturizes, soothes, reduces, redness, revives the complexion's radiance and protects against daily aggressions, thanks to licorice extract combined with Patagonia root with anti-stress and antioxidant properties. $30.00
Replenix Acne Wash BP 10%: Acne Wash + Aloe Vera is an advanced, medical-grade Benzoyl Peroxide cleanser that helps to unclog pores, kill acne-causing bacteria and prevent future blemishes from forming. $22.00
Murad Heartleaf Soothing Cleanser: Cleanse away sensitive skin. Non-foaming, gel-cream texture glides gently over skin to gently remove sunscreen, makeup and impurities that can exacerbate sensitivity, redness and inflammation. $29.00
Eminence Organic Calm Skin Cleanser: Gently remove impurities from your skin with our Calm Skin Chamomile Cleanser. Infused with chamomile, arnica and rosemary, this calming cream cleanser is perfect for sensitive skin that is prone to redness. $48.00
SkinBetter Science Mystro Active Balance Cream: Designed to improve visible skin quality by addressing the global appearance of redness, rough skin texture, dullness, pore size and/or uneven pigmentation. $115.00
Eltamd PM Restore Moisture: Good for: Sensitive Skin. Contains a blend of antioxidants, peptides and ceramides to help diminish the visible signs of aging. Formulated with a ceramide and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and strengthen skin’s moisture barrier. The result is skin that looks softer, smoother and brighter $44.00
Murad Heartleaf Gentle Resurfacing Serum: Sensitive skin usually means exfoliation is a no-go. But now, you can relieve signs of sensitivity—and even fortify your skin against future sensitivity triggers—with this ultra-gentle, hypo-allergenic, fragrance-free serum. It delivers a slow-release microdose of glycolic acid (Dr. Murad's favorite AHA) to help maintain healthy skin turnover that’s notoriously difficult to achieve in sensitive skin. $65.00
PCA Skin Anti-Redness Serum: The PCA Skin Anti-Redness Serum is a unique formulation that helps to calm, soothe, and improve the appearance of redness and irritation on the skin. Ideal for sensitive skin types, the serum works quickly and efficiently to reduce the appearance of redness and blotchiness on the skin.$70.00
Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask: This ultra-gentle gel helps soothe, hydrate and de-tox™ the look of skin with botanical extracts of Cucumber, Papaya, Chamomile, Pineapple, Sugar Maple, Sugarcane, Orange, Lemon, Bilberry and Aloe Vera. $55.00
iS Clinical Hydra Intensive Cooling Masque: COOLMINT REVITALIZING MASQUE is a rich, luxurious cooling treatment designed to reinvigorate, refresh and provide soothing hydration. This professional-strength formula features natural botanical antioxidants centella asiatica, green tea, aloe vera, and rosemary extracts. $95.00
Jan Marini Rosalieve Redness Reduction Complex: RosaLieve is an innovative formula with azelaic acid, an anti-redness peptide and multiple antioxidants and extracts shown to reduce the appearance of redness and visible flushing. $105.00
Eminence Organic Yellow Sweet Clover Anti-Redness Masque: Reduce the appearance of fine lines with jojoba oil, while sweet clover and stone crop reduce the appearance of redness and irritation to leave your skin looking radiant and youthful. $52.00
