Five Anti-Inflammatory Superstars You Need to Try

As the cooler weather approaches, your client's skin may be heating up. Our experts outline their go-to methods and ingredients for calming things down.

“I’ve found bromelain, turmeric, willow bark, aloe vera, ice packs, and laser treatments to be most effective, and topical creams and oral medication with a doctor’s consult.”—Natalie Aston, international trainer and licensed esthetician, FarmHouse Fresh

“Something very clean and simple, like calendula oil derived from marigold flowers, can be quite helpful, especially when applied prior to LED treatment. Studies have demonstrated that LED light therapy has the ability to down regulate certain inflammatory mediators and resolve inflammation quickly, which makes it a very useful tool to have available in the treatment room.”—Amy Gardner, director of education, LightStim

“A lot of botanicals have natural anti-inflammatory agents in them. Also, keep the skin hydrated with a moisturizer that helps plump it from within, such as hyaluronates and different types of seaweed.”—Gül Ç. Zone, CEO and founder, DermAware Bio-Targeted Skin Care

“Avoid harsh surfactants or foaming agents that strip the skin, re-apply sun protection often, and use natural, organic, or biodynamic products that are free of artificial fragrances, colors, and additives. Artificial ingredients or even active, natural ingredients may create more inflammation and/or damage the barrier function of the skin.”—Brian Goodwin, international trainer, Eminence Organic Skin Care

“Cryogenic facials are becoming more popular right now, utilizing a controlled beam of vaporized liquid nitrogen to soothe inflammation, and oxygen facials also help. Inflammatory conditions, whether from stress or injury, all benefit from a therapeutic dose of oxygen. Not only does oxygen feed the cells, but healthy blood flow also carries away waste products like cellular debris and dangerous free radical toxins.”
—Lisamarie Garguilo, VP of spa sales and education, Luzern

“If the skin begins to have a negative reaction during treatment, remove the product, and apply calming ingredients like hydrocortisone and willow herb, and gently roll ice globes over skin. At this point, it’s best to just let the skin be. Other great anti-inflammatory ingredients include arnica montana, turmeric, mandelic acid, epidermal growth factors (EGF), omega-6 essential fatty acids, thermus thermophilus ferment, zinc, and resveratrol.”—Shannon Esau, CEO and director of education, Rhonda Allison Cosmeceuticals

 

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