If you experience skin irritation, excessive redness, burning or itching after using a skincare product, stop using it immediately.

This is a sign that your skin has had an adverse reaction to the product.

In the majority of cases the reaction is due to an ingredient in the product (usually a fragrance or preservative), but not always.

The following five steps will help you identify the culprit and get your skin care back on track:

1. Discontinue use of all products for about a week to allow your skin to recover.

2. Wash your face with only water twice daily for 3-4 days until you can comfortably apply moisturizer again. If you notice any improvement in your symptoms, continue this regime for at least another week. If symptoms are completely gone you can assume that one or more of the products you were using was causing the problem.

3. Once your skin has recovered, begin applying moisturizer again and start reintroducing products into your routine one at a time, waiting three days before adding another one to see if any reactions reoccur. If they do, discontinue use of that product and return to step 1 above until symptoms are gone before trying again.

Step 1: Bathe in lukewarm water. Hot water can strip the skin of natural oils and exacerbate dry skin. Also, try to avoid bubble baths or heavily fragranced soaps which can irritate the skin. Short showers (10 minutes or less) with a gentle cleanser are the best way to bathe.

Step 2: Apply moisturizer after bathing. Be sure to apply the moisturizer when your skin is still damp. The moisture will seal into your skin and provide a protective barrier. You should also use a humidifier at night to help moisten the air, especially if you live in a dry climate.

Step 3: Wear cotton clothes, socks, and gloves. Wool, polyester and other fabrics can be irritating to the skin and cause itching and inflammation. Cotton absorbs sweat and allows it to evaporate, keeping you cool and comfortable. If you need to wear sweaters or jackets, wear cotton underneath so that your skin is protected from the fabric directly touching it.

Step 4: Avoid allergens that can trigger itching such as dust mites, certain foods (dairy products, wheat), pet dander, alcohol and smoking cigarettes.

Step 5: Do not scratch irritated areas! It is important to keep your fingern

The human skin is a very delicate and sensitive organ, therefore, it is prone to damage and irritation. Some major causes of skin irritation include:

Exposure to extreme temperatures

Excessive dryness (or) excessive sweating.

Exposure to environmental irritants (ex: soap, detergents, etc.)

Dry skin can be caused by a number of different factors such as weather condition, hot water, cosmetics and genetic predisposition. Dry skin can be further irritated by itching which can lead to infections if the scratching breaks the skin.

Here are some simple steps that you can take to improve your skin and reduce irritations:

The best time to use the product is after you shower, as your pores will be open.

Be sure to dry the skin thoroughly before using an over-the-counter medication.

If the skin is still irritated after three days of treatment, call your doctor.

If you experience symptoms such as fever, pain, or swelling, stop treatment immediately and contact a physician.

1. Wash your face using a gentle soap.

2. Pat or blot your face dry with a clean towel. Rubbing can irritate skin.

3. Apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp.

4. If you must use soap, apply moisturizer after each wash and at bedtime to help keep your skin from getting too dry.

5. Avoid over-washing and over-drying your skin, because this tends to make the problem worse.

Step 1: Wash the skin with a gentle cleanser

Step 2: Apply a moisturizer immediately after cleansing.

Step 3: Moisturize twice a day, but especially at night.

Step 4: Use plain bath soap without dyes or perfumes.

Step 5: Maintain a healthy diet filled with Vitamin D and Omega 3 fatty acids.

1. Wash your face daily with a gentle cleanser and apply a moisturizer.

2. Limit your time spent in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the rays are strongest.

3. Apply at least SPF 15 sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside, even on cloudy days, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

4. Wear protective clothing when possible (long-sleeved shirts, pants and hats).

5. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps; use self-tanners instead of tanning beds to achieve an even complexion if you have a skin disease that makes you more prone to skin cancer.