Skin Irritation on Face: 5 Non-Treatments That Will Give You Relief

Redness, flaking, small bumps, and itchy skin can be signs of skin irritation on the face. Even if you're not overly diligent with your grooming, you shouldn't take these lightly. Check out these non-treatments that might give you relief.

Are you still using soap to wash your face? It’s time to quit doing that, especially if you have skin irritation. Regular soap has a pH of 9 to 10 while the skin has a natural pH of 4 to 5. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, soap increases the skin’s pH, leading to dryness and itching.

The skin is naturally on the acidic side to keep moisture in and harmful bacteria out. When it’s thrown off balance, problems ensue. If it gets too alkaline, as in the example above, your skin becomes dry, flaky, and itchy. If it gets too acidic, your skin becomes at risk of inflammatory issues like eczema and acne.

Instead of soap, wash your face with POND'S Men Facial Wash Energy Charge, which is specifically formulated to cleanse the face. It’s infused with coffee bean extracts that repair skin damage from stress, late nights, and UV exposure.

Stop rushing when you shave, no matter how busy you are. Think about it: you’re taking a blade to your skin to scrape your facial hair off. That’s not a process that you’d want to be careless with. Prepping your skin before shaving is essential in preventing shaving-related irritation such as folliculitis. The simple act of wetting your skin with warm water and applying shaving cream or gel can help make it soft and moist enough.

Hot showers feel amazing, but your skin hates them. The water and hot steam can strip your skin of natural oils that keep it protected from irritants. It can also inflame the skin and cause itching and redness, according to the UPMC Department of Dermatology. If you want to calm itchy skin, switch to a cold or lukewarm shower.

Lack of moisture in the skin and particular allergies such as dermatitis, and skin conditions like eczema, can make it extra dry and irritated. At its worst, it can develop flakes and scales, not to mention intolerable itching and sometimes even pain. Aside from applying moisturizer to these areas, you can also give your indoor air a moisture boost with a humidifier.

According to the National Eczema Association, stress is a common trigger for skin irritation on the face, such as itching, flakes, and rashes. If you notice that your flareups usually coincide with anxiety or stressful situations, it’s time to make an extra effort to improve your well-being. 

The U.S. Center for Disease Control recommends taking breaks from media consumption, engaging in activities you enjoy, taking up new hobbies, and avoiding alcohol.

Skin irritation on the face is usually a sign that something needs to be adjusted, whether in your skincare routine or your lifestyle. These adjustments can help relieve your symptoms and protect your skin from further stress.