Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago

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Everyone at some point in their lives will experience skin irritation. From overeager retinoid use to skin deciding to do a complete 180° just because. When skin is angry, troubleshooting your routine can start to feel stressful and overwhelming . The chemists review why skin reacts the way it does and best practices on how to appease unhappy skin and recalibrate back to your original healthy skin.

00:00 | Our experience with skin irritation
00:28 | Welcome to the Chemist Confessions Podcast
01:32 | My skin is red, itchy, and stinging... What should I do?
02:52 | What is a compromised skin barrier?
06:26 | The irritant potential of SLS on different skin types
10:42 | The psychology of itch and skin conditions
12:32 | Measuring flares and bumps on skin
14:05 | Cutting back on your skincare routine
16:54 | Which actives should you cut when your skin is irritated?
23:42 | How to know your skin is ready to add products back into your routine

Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season
*A small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist. (Thank you!)
shopmy.us/collections/1280514

Product Shoutout:
Aquafix Soothing Hydrating Serum
chemistconfessions.com/products/aquafix-hydrating-water-gel

Enrichment Content:
Navigating Plant Extracts: A Guide
chemistconfessions.com/blogs/botanicals-a-skincare-ingredient-jungle

EP136: Can You Just Use Water to Cleanse Your Face?
youtube.com/watch?v=8GDay3OeG7Q

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IG: instagram.com/chemist.confessions
INTERWEB: chemistconfessions.com
TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@chemistconfessions?lang=en

Skincare questions for the podcast?
Leave your question in the comments and it could be featured in our next episode! #chemistconfessions #skincarescience #chemistconfessionspodcast #skincarehack