What Actually Causes Inflammation in the Skin — And How to Calm It
Understanding the root of irritation, and how TWYG helps restore balance.
Redness. Sensitivity. Dryness. Flare-ups that seem to appear out of nowhere. These are all signs of inflammation — your skin’s way of signalling distress. But what actually causes it? And more importantly, how can you calm it without triggering further imbalance?
At TWYG, we believe that truly effective skincare starts with understanding your skin’s biology — not just masking symptoms. Here’s what you need to know.
Inflammation: Your Skin’s Alarm System
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to stress, injury, or irritants. When working properly, it’s a protective mechanism — a short burst of immune activity designed to repair damage. But when it becomes chronic or overactive, inflammation breaks down collagen, disrupts the skin barrier, and contributes to everything from acne and eczema to premature ageing.
In short: a little inflammation is useful. A lot is not.
What Triggers Inflammation in the Skin?
The modern world doesn’t do sensitive skin any favours. Some of the most common — and overlooked — triggers include:
+ Environmental stressors UV rays, pollution, blue light and climate shifts all produce free radicals that trigger oxidative stress and inflammation.
+ Overuse of actives While powerful ingredients like retinol or AHAs can improve skin, overusing them can disrupt the barrier and ignite inflammatory responses.
+ Harsh or stripping Foaming cleansers, alcohol-based toners, and overly aggressive exfoliants can erode the skin’s lipid barrier, leaving it vulnerable and inflamed.
+ Microbial imbalance Bacterial overgrowth — especially of acne-causing C. acnes — can send the skin’s immune response into overdrive.
+ Internal stress Cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, is linked to increased inflammation in the skin, reduced healing, and flare-ups in conditions like psoriasis and rosacea.
