Skin Poll: A Holistic Esthetician’s Advice for These Top Inflammatory Skin Conditions
As a holistic esthetician, I love providing tangible advice for your skin conditions. Every so often, our team does a skin poll with our community. Here are some of your latest requests:
- Eczema: including the body and eyelids (ouch!)
- Acne: hormonal breakouts and back acne (aka “bacne”)
- Scarring + Texture
- Aging: specifically, wrinkles
- Dry Skin + Scalp dryness
- Rosacea + Redness
- Keratosis Pilaris, also called “KP”
(If you’re currently experiencing any of these skin concerns, I see you, friend.)
But as I dug into the research, I found a startling connection. Almost all of these skin conditions could be classified as an inflammatory skin condition.
And while we talk about inflammation a lot at Primally Pure, I still felt I’d made an eye-opening discovery. Paired with my experience and knowledge from the last 15+ years, I realized that creating customized plans for each skin condition didn’t really make sense for this post.
→ Why?
Inflammation truly is at the root of almost every skin condition – minor or major.
So, it’ll be way more impactful to start at the foundational level. I want to uncover how and why these skin concerns are linked to inflammation.
It all originates with a problem called oxidative stress.
Free Radicals → Oxidative Stress → Inflammatory Skin Conditions
You guys! I seriously couldn’t believe how frequently oxidative stress (a precursor to inflammation) popped up. I kept seeing it while researching and reflecting on how I’d address each of these skin conditions.
But before we get to oxidative stress, you need to know what free radicals are + how they affect cellular health. (I’m taking you back to the basics – and it doesn’t get more basic than our cells!) Free radicals are a type of molecule in your body that’s missing an electron, making them “unstable.”
Here’s the thing, though. Free radicals aren’t inherently bad (similar to our conversations about the omegas in seed oils or direct sun exposure). Free radicals are actually a natural byproduct of your body’s energy production. They just need to be kept in check.
Here’s why.
Free radicals scavenge other molecules in your body to replace their “missing” electron. And they aren’t considerate about it. ;) These free radicals don’t care where they get the electron as long as they find one.
Best case scenario, your body has a ready supply of antioxidants, which also have a missing electron – perfectly designed to counteract the free radicals!
(Side note: Unlike free radicals, antioxidants don’t steal from other molecules to complete their electrons – the body’s intricate design is truly amazing!)
But without enough protective antioxidants present, free radicals pull electrons from skin cells, blood cells, and more. As you might guess, this causes a cascade of cellular damage and a clear path toward inflammation and skin concerns.
Oxidative Stress
Your body experiences oxidative stress when too many free radicals float around, creating damage. In other words, there’s an abundance of free radicals and a lack of antioxidants to combat their effects.
Your body’s natural response to oxidative stress is inflammation. While inflammation is often the underlying cause of skin conditions, it also has a catalyst. Yup, this means there's a deeper root cause that creates inflammation, too. (But don't stress – addressing the inflammation is still a foundational step in healing.)
You don’t want to mess with oxidative stress and the inflammation it creates. Oxidative stress effects extend beyond skin concerns. It also contributes to more serious conditions in the body, like:1
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Kidney disease
- Neurological diseases
- Respiratory diseases
- Rheumatoid arthritis
(Yikes.)
And on the skin side of things, oxidative stress also drastically impairs skin function. Skin function is paramount to healthy, thriving skin and avoiding inflammatory skin concerns. Oxidative stress will do a number on your skin, including:
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Microbiome imbalances – Similar to gut health, your skin microbiome depends on a delicate balance of bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc. Your skin is your body’s first line of defense. So without a healthy barrier to provide protection, pathogens, bacteria, and other unwanted compounds have an easy-in.
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Decreased moisture levels – moisture levels in your skin play an important role in your skin’s microbiome function. They especially help protect and prevent water loss and premature aging.
Basically, oxidative stress creates a compromised skin barrier, and this makes your skin farrrr more prone to inflammatory skin conditions, irritations, and sensitivities. Others have made this connection too! Check out this quote from a study on oxidative stress:2
“The role of oxidative stress has been demonstrated in the pathogenesis of more than 100 disorders such as allergic diseases, inflammatory skin disorders, acne vulgaris, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, Behcet's disease, and skin cancers.”
The components/causes of oxidative stress are personal to you and quite complex, but here are some things we know play an impact:
- Chemical skincare products
- Pesticides
- Environmental pollution + Toxins inside your home
- Free radical damage
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Too much alcohol
- Excessive UV exposure
And more…
If you’re one of our beloved community members in our polls with the conditions I listed above, you’re not alone. Many people suffer from inflammatory skin conditions. Unfortunately, the modern world predisposes us to oxidative stress.
And though a range of traditional treatment options exist (i.e., steroid creams and pills), these are a mere bandaid fix. Not to mention, many come with dangerous side effects that could potentially be wayyy worse than the skin condition you’re experiencing. True healing has to come from within.
Now that we’ve discussed the foundations of free radicals and the oxidative damage they’re responsible for, let’s look at how you can naturally address inflammatory skin conditions.
Animal-Based Ingredients = Healing for Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Since oxidative stress and inflammation go hand-in-hand, we can use what we know about both processes to mitigate their effects. It might not be an overnight fix, but trust me. When you put in the work to help your body find homeostasis and support its innate healing capacity, the benefits multiply.
This truly is my biggest topical skincare secret for unlocking healing: animal-based ingredients. Just by switching to our products with tallow/emu oils daily, you can create a positive response in the skin.
It really is that simple! Animal-based skincare is hands down one of the best ways to directly address inflammatory skin concerns. Here’s why.
→ The biocompatible nature of animal-based ingredients allows for seamless absorption, meaning your skin can actually use the nutrients it receives. These ingredients are also rich in fatty acid compounds – essential building blocks that support healthy skin function from the inside out. Together, these qualities help repair and protect from oxidative stress while reinforcing barrier function. And as we now know, a strong barrier means more resilient, less reactive skin. ;)
Here are a few of the best animal-based ingredients I have to highlight before we dive into the customized skincare routine.
- Ethically-Sourced Emu Oil – emu oil is loaded with antioxidants, flavonoids, carotenoids, omegas, and essential fatty acids. Studies show that emu oil has various beneficial properties for inflammatory skin conditions. Emu oil can:3,4,5,6
- Significantly improve wound healing
- Provide strong anti-inflammatory effects
- Reduce TEWL (Transepidermal water loss)
- Thicken the epidermis skin layer.
(How’s that for skin healing?)
-
Grass-fed + Finished Tallow – The fatty acid profile makes this ingredient so beneficial for virtually any skin condition. During a conversation with our direct supplier of tallow, they educated our team on all the fatty acids it contains. And the list is truly astounding! It has an unmatched profile of nutrient-dense fats for your skin, including oleic acid, stearic acid, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and palmitic acid – just to name a few. These fatty acids:7,8
- Nourish your skin
- Regulate oil production
- Soothe inflammation
- Improve moisture and elasticity
- Help balance pH in the skin barrier
Bringing these two workhorse ingredients together = the ultimate protection (and repair) from oxidative stress. Add that to the positive effect on barrier function, and you’ll see skin healing as a beautiful ripple effect. ;)
Rest assured, there’s a unique root cause for your particular skin condition. But the good news is that we can still focus on repairing oxidative stress to address a systemic inflammatory response manifesting in your skin.
My Tried and True Skinimalism Routine for Inflammatory Skin Conditions
I’m so excited to share this routine!
Topical treatments for inflammatory skin conditions can make a huge impact. You just need the right protocols in place. I put together this anti-inflammatory routine to specifically address inflammation caused by oxidative stress.
For me, a big focus is products rich in animal-based nourishment + polyphenols with strong antioxidant activity. Antioxidants (both topical and internal) are going to be your best friend if you want to fight oxidative stress and free radical damage.
I like to keep things simple. In fact, the simpler your skincare routine, the better.
I’ve also added a few personal notes and real-life examples from our customers along the way. The proof is in the pudding. ;)
AM Routine
*First things first: Skip the morning cleanse. Over-cleansing the skin (aka, twice a day) can dry and strip your skin’s moisture barrier.
01 | FACIAL MIST: Replenish water content in the skin and rebuild a balanced moisture barrier.
→ Plumping Mist: Rose and peppermint provide cooling, regenerating properties.
*Tip: For an extra-refreshing boost, store it in the fridge – perfect for extra cooling properties + starting your day with a rejuvenating pick-me-up.
02 | FACIAL SERUM: Repair skin with antioxidants, polyphenols, and nutrient-dense ingredients.
→ Clarifying Serum: Turmeric and grapeseed oil promote skin repair + reduce redness.
*Note: Studies show that curcumin (found in turmeric) can prevent and reduce oxidative stress-induced skin inflammation!9
“I had terrible acne scarring due to hormonal acne and getting off BC. This serum completely changed my skin, got rid of my dark spots and scarring, and brightened my skin. I recommend this product to all my friends who have had the same results. I use this every night, 2 drops, and press it into my skin, especially my difficult spots. Love love love! ” – Lindsey on Clarifying Serum03 | FACIAL CREAM/BALM: Promote barrier function with fatty acids from animal-based formulas.
→ Antioxidant Balm: Astaxanthin and tallow protect skin from oxidative damage.
*Note: Astaxanthin is known as nature's most potent antioxidant, making it a clear choice for oxidative stress and inflammation.
Community Love:
“Keeps rosacea & eczema under control! I use this balm as a spot treatment for any areas on my face that feel like they’re starting to flare up (which is extremely rare now that I’m using Primally Pure products).” -Laura on Antioxidant Balm“I had perfect skin until my 30s, and now, at 37, I get #blessed with atopic dermatitis. This baby is my holy grail. Melasma gone. Weird red bumps all up in my eye bags are gone. Compliments on my glowing clear skin are now my usual.” – Rebecca on Antioxidant Balm
PM Routine
*I recommend only cleansing at night because, throughout the day, your skin experiences the most exposure to environmental toxins and bacteria.
01 | CLEANSING OIL: Protect your skin barrier with the first step of your routine.
I love our cleansing oils for so many reasons, but here are a few of my favorite ingredients for inflamed skin conditions:
→ Jojoba Oil: A powerhouse ingredient for bringing balance back to the skin, mirroring your skin’s natural sebum. This lightweight oil mimics your skin’s sebum production, helping to regulate oil production, minimize breakouts, and provide nourishing moisture. Not only that, it’s also full of fatty acids that build a strong barrier against environmental stressors and help support elasticity.
→ Castor Oil: Rich in vitamin E, antimicrobial properties, and fatty acids, this is one of the best ancient beauty secrets for plumping skin, preventing dehydration, and maintaining youthful skin. It soothes, repairs, and delivers deep hydration.
*A note on double cleansing: While this technique can be incredibly nourishing, your skin is currently in repair-and-rebalance mode – so it’s best to keep things simple for now. Once your skin feels calmer and more resilient, you can slowly reintroduce double cleansing a few nights a week.
02 | FACIAL MIST: Replenish water content in the skin and rebuild a balanced moisture barrier.
→ Clarifying Mist: Provides skin with the potent polyphenols in green tea.
Community Love:
“I have terrible acne with this pregnancy, and this is truly helping and clearing up old acne scars.” -Allison on Clarifying Mist
03 | FACIAL SERUM: Repair skin with antioxidants, polyphenols, and nutrient-dense ingredients.
→ Regenerative Hemp Serum: Whole hemp flower floods skin with polyphenols.
Community Love:
“It has really decreased my acne! I’ve struggled with acne for 7+ years, and this cleared my skin right up!” -Sarah on Regenerative Hemp Serum
04 | FACIAL CREAM: Promote skin barrier function with fatty acids from animal-based formulas.
→ Soothing Cream: Emu oil, tallow, and blue tansy provide antioxidant protection.
My personal testimony on Soothing Cream:
My husband Jon has eczema on his eyelids/eye area and used topical steroid cream for 10+ years. I got him the Soothing Cream, and he started using that instead – his eczema flared up for about 1-2 weeks, and after that, he hasn't had any issues and completely stopped using topical steroids and is just using the Soothing Cream!! It's my new favorite testimonial. :)
05 | FACIAL BALM: Prevent transepidermal water loss and restore a balanced skin barrier.
→ Everything Balm: Emu oil and marshmallow root rebuild moisture and repair damage.
Community Love:
“Helping to heal my dermatitis under my eyes! This Everything Balm is one of our all-time faves from PP. Has dramatically helped and does not irritate.” -Rachel on Everything Balm
Weekly Skincare Additions
*These are simple additions to your routine to maximize your results.
01 | FACIAL MASK: Botanical actives target inflammation and redness for more resilient skin.
→ Clarifying Mask: Turmeric and white willow bark lower inflammation levels.
→ Regenerative Hemp Mask: Whole flower hemp and raw honey improve hydration.
02 | FACIAL TOOLS: Improve lymphatic drainage to lower inflammation and expedite healing.
→ Facial Cupping: Flush out stagnant lymph fluid and impurities to detoxify skin.
→ Ridged Facial Roller: Keep in the fridge for a cooling, calming effect.
*Note: Avoid working directly over areas of active irritation or inflammation. Instead, gently work around them to open pathways of healing and support the area without disrupting the skin’s natural recovery process.
While I deeply believe this routine would benefit anyone experiencing any of the specific skin concerns in our poll (or really any inflammatory skin condition!), it’s still important to keep one thing in mind. Despite these products' positive impact on skin conditions, topical treatments are only part of the healing process.
Your day-to-day choices are also paramount to healing from within. It’s a powerful way to address the damage and inflammation from oxidative stress.
Practices + Lifestyle Choices to Help Lower Inflammation
The good news is, you have sooo much control over lifestyle choices to reduce inflammation. I’m going to guide you through some of my top holistic/lifestyle factors to minimize free radical damage and target inflammation at the root.
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Emotional health – this is a HUGE factor in oxidative stress. This is something I speak about a lot, but studies confirm that psychological stress = oxidative stress.10
→ Try some stress-reducing practices
→ Learn about somatic movement to release trapped emotions
→ Start a gratitude journal
→ Try some vagus nerve stimulating activities to stimulate the rest/digest state
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Improving gut barrier – there’s a clear link between the gut and skin. Often called the gut-skin axis, we know that a compromised gut barrier = compromised skin barrier. This is especially prevalent with acne.
And this connection flows the other way, too! If there’s an inflammatory response in the skin, a compromised gut could also be at the root. (And oxidative stress can create imbalances in the gut. It’s all connected!)
We see this in inflammatory skin responses connected to gut issues. There are links between SIBO and rosacea, lupus and butterfly rash, and gas/constipation and psoriasis.
→ Check out this guide to learn about the gut-skin axis approach to skincare.
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Protection from pollution + pesticides/chemicals – this one is a non-negotiable! You have to start thinking about what your skin is exposed to – through diet and direct application. Start with diet and skincare upgrades.
→ DIET: focus on organic or regenerative foods, less processed foods, sipping bone broth, and adding in skin superfoods.
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Sip green tea throughout the day for more polyphenols and flavonoids.
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Astaxanthin can be taken internally for antioxidant support. (Of course, consult your healthcare provider.)
→ SKIN: organic, non-toxic skincare – free from pesticides, xenoestrogens, and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
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Facial massage/movement – Regular massage and movement – for your skin and your body, helps you detox from environmental exposures. The repetitive movement not only creates a parasympathetic response but also kickstarts lymphatic drainage to clear out stagnant waste.
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Ancestral practices – when you live closer to nature’s design, the body is not only less exposed to toxins and stressors. Your body begins to recalibrate and function optimally. Tried, true, and simple – these things really work to address oxidative stress.
→ Grounding is proven to dramatically reduce inflammation throughout the body.
→ Circadian fasting/rhythms improve sleep, help regulate hormones, alertness, satiety, and more.
→ Better sleep hygiene supports skin repair/regeneration overnight (Check out our Sleep Spray for an added magnesium boost. ;))
These practices will help mitigate the effects of oxidative stress, and they’ll also help you feel better, enabling you to live life to the fullest.
Healing Skin Conditions, Naturally
I know how it feels to navigate painful, embarrassing, or uncomfortable skin conditions. It’s hard to know where to start. But let me be the one to encourage you: you don’t need a super complex regimen for your unique skin condition.
We tend to overcomplicate things (myself included!). When you aren’t sure where to turn, bring it back to minimalism + simplify to address inflammatory skin conditions. Being mindful of oxidative stress and inflammation in how you care for your body and skin will truly make a foundational difference.
When things get overwhelming, don’t forget to zoom out and remember the bigger picture. Even in the process of painful skin conditions, your identity is not found in the state of your skin, and holistic healing is possible.
XO,
Courtney
Sources:
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Oregon State University | Essential Fatty Acids and Skin Health
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National Library of Medicine | Oxidative Stress and Psychological Disorders
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