Do you suffer from compromised skin?
It’s not always easy to tell. When your skin suddenly turns red, dry, or inflamed, you may blame that new product you tried first, or the fact that your allergies are flaring up.
But what if your sensitive or compromised skin isn’t reacting to the obvious triggers?
At CV Skinlabs, we often hear from customers who feel like they’re doing everything “right” for their skin, yet it still reacts. It can be confusing and frustrating when you’re trying to take care of your skin and it continues to misbehave!
Unfortunately, figuring out what’s going on isn’t always straightforward. Many underlying causes of compromised skin fly under the radar. They’re not always found on an ingredient list or label, yet they can still wreak havoc on your skin barrier.
Today, we’re digging deeper into this issue. Here are some lesser-known but very real reasons your skin may be struggling, along with some steps you can take to help your skin look and feel better.
Hidden Causes of Compromised Skin 1: Emotional Stress
You probably already know that stress impacts your body, but it’s important to remember that it can affect your skin too. When you experience chronic or ongoing stress for any length of time, your body produces more of the hormone cortisol. This is a hormone that, among other things, can impair your skin’s ability to retain moisture, making it dry. It can also reduce the production of healthy fats in your skin that normally keep it healthy and strong.
In addition to these effects, cortisol may increase inflammation, leading to flare-ups in conditions like eczema, rosacea, and acne.
A study published in the Archives of Dermatological Research found that psychological stress could delay skin barrier recovery after damage, making skin more sensitive and vulnerable to environmental irritants and allergens.
What You Can Do
Build in small daily rituals that support both emotional wellness and skin recovery. You could try just 10 minutes of deep breathing exercises, morning or evening journaling to get your feelings out, or just taking a daily walk outside. Then be sure to choose products that help soothe stressed skin like our Rescue + Relief Spray, which calms irritation and inflammation.
Hidden Causes of Compromised Skin 2: Poor Sleep
Your skin does most of its repair and healing work overnight. While you’re lost in dreams, blood flow to the skin increases and cells get busy rebuilding collagen and repairing damage from UV exposure and inflammation.
If you’re not getting enough rest, though, your skin misses out on this important repair time, leaving the skin in worse shape.
Research published in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology showed that people who slept well had a 30 percent better skin recovery rate than those who were sleep-deprived.
What You Can Do
Try to make sleep a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Create a calm, screen-free bedtime ritual that includes a relaxing activity, such as reading, listening to calming music, stretching, or taking a warm bath or shower. If you’re struggling with insomnia, check with your doctor to rule out any underlying health issues that may be causing the problem.
Then be sure to thoroughly wash your skin before bed, and use our Calming Moisture to deliver nourishing ingredients like beta-glucan and aloe to support the skin’s overnight healing process.
Hidden Causes of Compromised Skin 3: Indoor Air Quality
You often hear about pollutants outside, but what about inside? Turns out the air in your home or office may be irritating your skin more than you thought.
Dry indoor heat, air conditioning, and pollutants from cleaning products, fragrances, or even new furniture can lower humidity and introduce chemicals into the air that irritate the skin. Poor ventilation also raises the level of allergens and irritants in the air that you breathe and that your skin absorbs.
One longitudinal study of a newly constructed daycare center found that children with atopic dermatitis experienced worse symptoms linked to indoor exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air, as well as formaldehyde. When researchers used improved ventilation and a “baked out” process to lower the exposure levels, symptoms improved significantly, and measures of skin barrier function (including moisture loss) were also better.
What You Can Do
If you live in a dry climate, use a humidifier to maintain healthy indoor moisture levels, particularly during the colder, drier months. Open windows as often as you can for fresh air, and consider investing in an air purifier. Choose fragrance-free, non-toxic household cleaners, and if your skin feels tight indoors, mist with our Rescue + Relief Spray throughout the day.
Hidden Causes of Compromised Skin 4: Microbiome Imbalance
Your skin is home to trillions of microorganisms that play a key role in keeping your barrier healthy. When that balance is disturbed with things like antibiotics, harsh products, over-cleansing, or even dietary changes, it can lead to more inflammation and sensitivity.
In a recent study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science found that women with sensitive skin showed a significant decrease in the abundance of beneficial bacteria compared to women with normal skin. The loss of protective microbes makes skin more prone to irritation.
What You Can Do
Simplify your skincare routine to avoid over-cleansing and stripping the skin. Support your natural microbiome by using products with calming ingredients like chamomile, turmeric, and oat extract. CV Skinlabs products are formulated with these and other ingredients to help nurture the skin’s natural defenses without disrupting its delicate ecosystem.
Hidden Causes of Compromised Skin 5: Trendy Skincare
Beauty influencers are often talking about “clean” or “natural” skincare options, particularly on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. They can be very convincing, as normally their skin looks beautiful and flawless. But some of the most popular natural trends can be harmful to the skin and only increase irritation and redness.
DIY masks, apple cider vinegar toners, raw essential oils, and even using straight aloe or lemon juice may seem harmless or even healing. Still, they can also strip the skin barrier, disrupt pH levels, and even introduce allergens. Even well-meaning recommendations, such as “slugging” or “double exfoliating,” can backfire on delicate or sensitive skin.
What To Do
Don’t follow trends, no matter how attractive they may seem! Natural doesn’t automatically mean gentle. Instead of relying on what’s viral, look to brands that are grounded in research and formulated specifically for reactive or medically challenged skin. CV Skinlabs, for instance, was developed with input from oncology nurses and dermatologists to create products that are safe, effective, and soothing for most sensitive skin.
Healing Starts with Awareness
Compromised skin doesn’t always come from obvious causes. Usually, it’s a combination of factors that chip away at the skin’s resilience over time. When you understand what’s really going on, you can start to choose habits and products that help your skin feel better.
Explore Our Skin Barrier Repair Favorites:
Do any of these causes sound right for your sensitive skin?
Featured image by Freepik.
