Itching

Itching and an unpleasant feeling of tightness on the skin: probably all of us have experienced this from time to time. Either we have the urgent need to scratch ourselves or we have the constant urge to put cream on our skin. The causes for both symptoms can be manifold. For example, itching can indicate a skin disease (for example neurodermatitis or psoriasis), an intolerance to medicines or detergents, or an allergy. Sometimes, however, the itching also has psychological or psychosomatic causes.

In many cases, however, the skin is simply too dry. With very dry skin, the so-called itch threshold is significantly lower than with normal, well-moisturised skin. In any case, the suffering of those affected is great. Constant itching can be extremely agonising, nerve-racking and even unbearable. Sleepless nights and restrictions in everyday life are not infrequently the result. The endless sequence of itching and scratching becomes a real vicious circle for those affected.

Not quite as agonising, but still very unpleasant, is the feeling of tightness of the skin. It triggers a massive discomfort in us and also makes us more sensitive emotionally and – in the truest sense of the word – more thin-skinned. And indeed: dry skin, the main cause of the feeling of tightness, is almost always thinner than normal skin. But heat, cold, water and sun can also cause a feeling of tightness on the skin. And if we drink too little, eat an unbalanced diet or have hormonal fluctuations, this can also lead to a feeling of tightness.

Fortunately, nowadays no one has to put up with annoying itching or a feeling of tightness. There is a whole range of active ingredients that help quickly and effectively to bring the skin back into balance.

Find below a selection and short description

One of these active ingredients is urea. Urea has been produced synthetically since 1828 and can be used as a moisturiser to relieve itching and feelings of tightness. Unlike many other moisturisers, urea is a natural component of our body because the substance is an end product of the breakdown of nitrogen compounds. The skin therefore recognises urea as a natural substance, which contributes to its optimal absorption and effect.

However, urea not only relieves the skin’s feeling of tightness, but is also considered antibacterial in a certain concentration. In addition, it stimulates the production of linoleic acid. This in turn contributes to the maintenance of a healthy skin protection barrier. And another important advantage: urea is free of side effects.

Fact Sheet Urea

INCI: Urea

CAS number: 57-13-6

Definition: a crystalline, odourless and colourless solid

Solubility: very good in water

Melting point: 133 degrees Celsius (decomposition)

Effect: relieves feelings of tension and itching, moisturises, acts as a keratolytic agent

Oat extract is rich in avenanthramides, strongly acting antioxidants that are able to protect the skin matrix from free radicals. In addition, the substances also have exceptional soothing properties, which means that they help to reduce itching, a feeling of tightness and skin irritation. Studies have shown that avenanthramides act directly at the source of inflammation and inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators. Their effect as histamine receptor blockers has also been demonstrated.

Oat extract fact sheet

INCI: Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract

CAS number: 84012-26-0

EINECS/ELINCS number: 281-672-4

Effect: helps against skin irritation, tightness and itching.

Micro-silver has a sponge-like enlarged surface that binds bacterial, viral and fungicidal germs and renders them harmless. At the same time, silver has a soothing effect on irritated skin, so that itching or a feeling of tightness quickly disappears. Micro-silver has therefore been used successfully against neurodermatitis and psoriasis for some time. It is obtained physically from pure silver.

Silver fact sheet

INCI: Silver

CAS number: 7440-22-4

EINECS/ELINCS number: 231-131-3

Effect: soothes itching and feelings of tension, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal

Ceramides are components of the epidermal lipids of our skin’s own horny layer. Their task is to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier in order to prevent moisture loss, which can trigger a feeling of tightness. An intact protective barrier also prevents the penetration of irritants that can cause itching. Ceramide NP has the same stereochemical structure as human skin. The proven active ingredient is able to maintain the skin’s moisture balance.

Fact Sheet Ceramide NP

INCI: Ceramide NP

CAS number: 100403-19-8

EC number: 309-560-3

Effect: strengthens the natural lipid barrier of dry, itchy and ageing skin.

In order to relieve a feeling of tightness of the skin as well as itching, it is also important to supply the skin with natural lipids. Almond oil is very suitable in this context. It is extremely mild and can even be used for gentle baby care. It is frequently and very successfully used for itching, dry irritated skin and neurodermatitis.

Borage oil is no less effective. It promotes the immune system, has an anti-inflammatory effect and also helps against itching.

Shea butter has a soothing and healing effect on skin irritations. It is very well absorbed by the skin and ensures that the feeling of tension is reduced. Avocado butter also has a soothing effect. It provides a lot of moisture and can even be used to treat chapped skin.

Olive oil should also be mentioned. It immediately softens the skin, relieves the feeling of tension and provides moisture.

Itching does not have to be a fate

There is a whole range of active ingredients for itchy skin and unpleasant feelings of tightness. They provide quick relief and help the skin to recover. We at Cosmacon are happy to develop modern and innovative products for you.

Literature:

Physiology and Pathophysiology of Itch.

Cevikbas F, Lerner EA.Physiol Rev. 2020 Jul 1;100(3):945-982

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: The Devil’s Itch.

Saini SS, Kaplan AP.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2018 Jul-Aug;6(4):1097-1106

Itching for Knowledge About Wound and Scar Pruritus.

Parnell LKS.Wounds. 2018 Jan;30(1):17-36.

Pathophysiology and Treatment of Pruritus in Elderly.

Chung BY, Um JY, Kim JC, Kang SY, Park CW, Kim HO.Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Dec 26;22(1):174.