Yahoo Lifestyle How To Treat Inflammation At Every Age
20s
Any inflammation experienced in your teens - acne, blotchiness and redness - may still be present, and may be due to a number of factors. These include oily skin, "hormones, overactive sebaceous glands, bacteria or abnormal skin formation", explains Dr Manoharan.
What to do: Start with soap-free, oil-free/non-comedogenic products. "For persistent acne, there are a number of things that may work - certain contraceptive pills [some may exacerbate acne, so check with your doctor], oral and topical antibiotics, vitamin A and benzoyl peroxide creams, or a prescription oral retinoid," says Dr Manoharan.
Try: Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser, $49.50; La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP, $39.95.
30s
Rosacea often presents or worsens now. "It is a genetic condition due to a hyperactivity of the facial skin's small vessels, and can result in a tendency to blush/flush, pimples, fixed redness on the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin, dilated capillaries and even thickening of skin on the nose and other parts of face," explains Dr Manoharan.
What to do: You can't cure rosacea, but you can control it. "These patients often have extremely sensitive skin, so use a soap-free wash and a light moisturiser and avoid precipitating factors [spicy foods, alcohol, sun exposure]," advises Dr Manoharan. Also, don't rub, irritate or exfoliate sensitised skin.
Try: First Aid Beauty Anti-Redness Serum, $36.95; Avene Eau Thermale Anti- Rougeurs Fort, $40.95.
40s
"The presence of chronic micro inflammations, triggered by factors including lack of sleep and daily stress, is widespread in this age bracket and can accelerate ageing," explains Mauvais-Jarvis. "Inflammatory signs, such as redness or blotches, even though less frequent in this age group, are often caused by conditions like food overload, harsh treatments and pollution."
What to do: More sleep, less stress and a balanced diet is easier said than done. In the meantime, detoxifying products help neutralise environmental toxins that cripple skin's self-regenerating capabilities.
Try: Jurlique Calendula Redness Rescue Calming Mist, $55; QV Face Rescue Gel, $20.35.
50+
Skin naturally becomes drier over time, which can lead to inflammation, particularly in the colder months (and on the lower limbs). "Conditions such as discoid eczema and venous stasis eczema are not uncommon in this age group during drier and cooler weather," says Dr Manoharan.
What to do: Your best line of defence is regularly moisturising with a rich, sensitive-skin approved cream. Flare-ups require topical steroids, so see your doctor.
Try: Ella Bache Sensibeautics Intensive Recovery Serum, $105; Josie Maran Pure Argan Milk Intensive Hydrating Treatment, $69.
