Navigating the world of skincare for redness, irritation and sensitivity can be overwhelming. You want a product that tackles the problem without creating a new one. So, seeking a brand that not only addresses your concern but also supports your overall skin health with its products can be a challenge.
Dr Spiller is committed to using scientifically proven ingredients in exclusive formulations that mirror the skin’s natural mechanisms, through its biomimetic delivery system. Central to its innovative skincare approach is the HY-TEC™ Emulsion system, ensuring optimal absorption of active ingredients. Addressing concerns like anti-redness, anti-inflammation, and sensitivity, Dr. Spiller embodies a gentle yet effective philosophy rooted in a deep understanding of the skin’s structure and functions.
Understanding Redness in Skin
Paul Fister (B.Bus (Mktg), Dip. Form. Chem., Member ASCC) is, aligned with Dr. Spiller’s skincare philosophy and emphasises that “redness (medical term ‘rubor’) of the skin is invariably a sign of underlying inflammation.” He further explains that the appearance of redness is due to the “the formation of new capillaries to deliver nutrients and oxygen vital to the ongoing healing process”. These capillaries can be seen through the skin, causing the typical ‘red appearance’. In medical circles, this is known as angiogenesis.
Understanding inflammation is crucial, with acute inflammation being the body’s rapid response to tissue injury, and chronic inflammation being a more prolonged, persistent form. Acute inflammation in the course of the healing process is to be welcomed. Chronic inflammation is undesirable and in fact damaging to the structures of the skin.
Graphic showing what happens if there is inflammation of the skin. Source: www.carecreations.basf.com BASF Personal Care and Nutrition GmbH
Characteristics of Irritated Skin
Red or irritated skin manifests in various ways, each indicative of underlying inflammation and skin sensitivity.
These characteristics include:
- Visible Redness:
The most visible sign is that very sensitive and irritated skin takes on a red or flushed appearance due to increased blood flow, indicating inflammation.
- Increased Sensitivity:
Irritated skin is often more sensitive to external factors. These include skincare products, environmental factors and temperature changes.
- Dryness and Flakiness:
Inflammation and a disrupted skin barrier go hand in hand. They lead to increased water loss, resulting in dryness and flakiness.
- Burning or Stinging Sensation:
Irritated skin can be a source of discomfort – it can often feel like a burning or stinging sensation.
- Papules on Skin:
Inflammatory reactions from the use of products with ingredients that are too strong for the skin can lead to the development of papules (small, raised bumps).
Skin Care’s Role in Redness:
In order to adopt a preventative and corrective approach, it is crucial to understand how skincare can contribute to redness. The regular use of aggressive ingredients can result in ongoing insult or injury, leading to low-level chronic inflammation. This is an important consideration as inflammation-inducing ingredients can produce self-destruct enzymes such as “collagenase,” “elastase,” and “hyaluronidase”. These will damage collagen fibres, elastin fibres, and hyaluronate.
Paul Fister also points out that common skincare practices, like daily forced exfoliation, “disturb the skin barrier and are one of the main causes of inflammation.” This increased misuse of aggressive ingredients can result in skin irritation, heightened sensitivity, barrier disruption, and accelerated ageing. The obvious signs are redness and inflammation.
Addressing Redness
Tips for Red Skin
When faced with skin redness a thorough analysis will lead to greater understanding. Oftentimes the issue will be resolved if the cause – possibly an aggressive product or ingredient – is removed.
- Gentle cleansing:
Gentle cleansing creams and milks help to preserve the skin’s natural oils and at the same time to effectively cleanse the skin.
- Moisturisation:
Hypoallergenic moisturisers with ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol are great for strengthening the skin’s lipid barrier, which is essential for managing redness.
- Avoiding harsh exfoliants:
Avoid harsh, physical and chemical exfoliants as they can increase redness and irritation through damage to the skin. Constand upregulation of the skin’s renewal process has been identified as a major cause of sub-clinical inflammation.
- Look out for anti-inflammatory ingredients:
Look for products with topical anti-inflammatory ingredients such as azulen, niacinamide, aloe vera, and green tea extract to soothe and calm irritated skin.
- Invest in products that combine semi-occlusive agents with emollients
Occlusive agents like plant-based oils create a protective layer, preventing moisture loss and aiding in redness reduction. Emollients give the skin a smooth, soft feeling.
Dr Spiller Skin Solutions for Anti-Redness
This revitalising cleanser with Royal Jelly cleanses and softens the skin without stripping, drying, or irritating.
Formulated with Aloe Vera, this cleansing milk gently cleanses and smooths reactive and irritated skin while effectively removing makeup and impurities.
A refreshing toner formulated with Aloe Vera and Arginine, restoring the skin’s optimal pH level while providing a smoothing and moisturising effect.
A soothing serum designed to nurture and visibly repair stressed, reactive, and irritated skin, instantly reducing the appearance of redness.
A 24-hour repairing cream with powerful polyphenols and antioxidant-rich green tea to visibly soothe, repair and protect moisture levels in sensitised skin prone to irritation and discomfort.
A corrective 24hr cream containing Vitamin K. It targets telangiectasia, flushing, and diffused redness, and promotes a more uniform tone and renewed appearance.
Visibly repairing anti-redness 24hr creams with skin-smoothing emollients to hydrate and restore moisture balance to sensitised and irritated skin.
Rinazell Lacteal Active Substance Cream is a rich repair cream that is ideal for use after IPL treatments, chemical peels and microdermabrasion. It visibly enhances the skin’s repair process.
Final Thoughts
Made in Germany and distributed in Australia by Paul Fister of Omniderm, Dr Spiller’s commitment to gentle skincare shines through in its comprehensive approach to addressing redness and irritation.
By understanding the characteristics, conditions, and benefits of red or irritated skin, individuals can make informed choices in their skincare routine. Dr. Spiller’s range of products, designed to soothe, nourish, and protect, exemplifies the brand’s dedication to promoting healthy, radiant skin while respecting its natural balance.
Dr Spiller is available through trained and qualified skin clinics, Australia-wide. For more visit: https://www.dr-spiller.com.au/
Dr. Spiller is distributed in Australia by OmniDerm Pty. Ltd
51-53 Tinning Street, Brunswick VIC 3056
T: 03 9645 0200
E: admin@omniderm.com.au
