Dermclass

If you have skincare questions, we have answers. From acne, to eczema and sensitive skin, we are looking at some of the most common questions and associated myths, as well as providing dermatologist advice on what works and what doesn’t.

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Why is my skin so itchy?

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Apart from being painful and bothersome, itchy skin is also difficult to decode. There are many causes for itchy skin - dry winter weather and seasonal changes, allergies, sensitive skin, or even skin conditions such as eczema. The secret to finding the cause is through the process of elimination. Isolating the problem to a skincare product you have introduced to your routine, or a fabric that makes your skin go into inflammation mode will help you in avoiding them in the future and get rid of itchy skin once and for all. For more information on sensitive skin, watch our videos on how to get rid of swollen eyes and how to get rid of red skin.

What causes itchy skin?

Itchy skin can be caused by a multitude of factors, and can vary from an individual to another. One of the most common causes of itchy skin is dry skin, which can be a result of climate and environmental changes, especially winter weather. Low humidity levels in the air pull the moisture from the skin into the air, making your skin feel dried out, tight, and more sensitized and itchy. Another common cause can be having a sensitive, more reactive skin type. Certain ingredients, formulas, and even allergens can make your skin dry and thus itchy.

What to avoid when you have itchy skin?

Don't over-moisturize? Avoid exfoliating your skin? Drink a lot of water? There are many questions when it comes to reducing the chances of experiencing itchy skin, especially itchiness on the face. So what should you really look to avoid? Although it's important to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized, it's even more important to check out what is in your skincare. Any ingredients that could be making your itching worse? Any fragrances, alcohols that could be sensitizing your skin and possibly causing your skin to itch in the first place? Finding out what could be triggering the itch for your skin is key so that you can avoid it. Try pairing back the products you are using and adding them back to your skincare routine one by one to find a potential culprit. Besides potentially irritating products, another common trigger is fabric; do a quick scan of your clothing and linens to see if something is causing your skin to act up and become sensitive.

How to soothe itchy skin?

Step 1: Gently Cleanse Sensitive, Itchy skin

If you are suffering from sensitive, itchy skin, it's important to start off your face care routine on the right foot - with a gentle cleanser that won't cause irritation. Stick to a cleanser that is soft on the skin and won't strip the skin further, ideally non-foaming if you see that your itchiness is caused by dryness. Look for formulas that are soap-free, alcohol-free and fragrance-free to ensure you're not disturbing or disbalancing the health of your skin. La Roche Posay's Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser is a cleansing and makeup-removing milk that is fragrance-free and preservative-free.

Step 2: Hydrate your skin to reduce sensitivity and itching

Following a gentle cleanse, hydration is definitely the most critical part of your routine. Using a moisturizer specifically dedicated to helping reduce sensations of irritation such as itching, inflammation, and overall sensitivity will help to manage and prevent any further itchiness. A gentle soothing moisturizer will provide a protective barrier for your skin and lock in hydration. Again here, try to look for products that are alcohol-free, fragrance-free and have soothing active ingredients. To hydrate your itching skin, try La Roche Posay's Toleriane Ultra, an intense soothing moisturizer with no fragrance, no alcohol and no preservative.

Step 3: Reduce itching around the eye area

If you find that the itchiness on your face is specifically acute in the eye area, look for a soothing eye cream that is tailored to hydrating and calming the extremely delicate skin around the eyes. Try Toleriane Ultra Eye Contour, an anti-discomfort, anti-puffiness soothing eye moisturizer formulated without fragrance, without alcohol and without preservatives.