What is sensitive skin? Surprisingly, more than half of people claim that they have sensitive skin to some degree or other. Dermatologists’ point of view for sensitive skin may be quite different from the opinion of others and they say:
You have sensitive skin if you’re prone to rashes, have dry patches and broken capillaries, and your skin is sensitive to UV rays, reacts to bad weather and beauty products, and feels itchy.
Sensitive Skin – Five Things To Know
So, here’s what you need to know to determine if you have sensitive skin.
1. Sensitive Skin Is More of an Expression than a Clinical Term
Sensitive skin is more reactive than other types of skin. Various environmental factors like sun, polluted air, rainwater, wind, heat, dryness, and external things like fragrances, soap, skincare products, perfumes, lack of sleep, certain foods, etc. can act as irritants to aggravate the problems of sensitive skin.
When sensitive skin is exposed to any of these irritants, it is likely to react in the form of burning, itchiness, stinging, redness, and general discomforts.
In most cases, people have no clue what irritates their skin. A dermatologist needs to partake in a deep conversation with the patient to have a better understanding of the skin and its irritants.
2. Anyone Can Have Problem with Certain Irritants
A product that’s good for your friend can be reactive for your skin. A night’s insufficient sleep and certain foods can also make your skin sensitive. This does not necessarily indicate that you truly have sensitive skin. However, ongoing sensitivity can be indicative of an underlying condition such as eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, etc.
According to skin experts, people with sensitive skin may get persistent symptoms of rashes, itching, blistering, scaling, pus-laden bumps, extreme redness, and painful burning when they use skin products. These symptom scan even get worse, if not treated. What’s more, it’s important that those with sensitive skin choose their skin care products very carefully, and test products out on a small area (such as just under the jawline) for a few days before applying to the whole face.
At Skin Elegance, we have a full line of clean beauty products from Synergie Skin in Australia. Synergie’s clean skincare products are made by combining laboratory synthesized cosmeceutical ingredients with the finest naturally derived ingredients.In addition to cleansers and serums, we have the best moisturizers for sensitive skin that – like all Synergie products – do not contain potentially harmful ingredients such as parabens, SLSs, phthalates, PEGs, propylene glycol, synthetic fragrances or colors, and more. Synergie’s moisturizers provide the ultimate in protection and hydration for all body areas to those who have sensitive skin. You can also find a non-irritating cleanser and the right serum to boost your skin’s immunity at Skin Elegance. Click here.
3. Your Immune System Can Also Tell That You Have Sensitive Skin
Yes, that’s right! Many people ignore this, but the immune system can play a significant role in determining your skin’s sensitivity. The reason why you have sensitive skin could be an inflammatory response from the immune system. When your immune system gets hyperactivated, you are more likely to experience the symptoms of sensitivity. According to dermatologists, a perceived threat to your body can cause your immune system to go into overdrive and make your skin more reactive to some of the irritants mentioned above.
Also, if your skin is repeatedly exposed to certain irritants or substances like nickel, rubber, and formaldehyde, your immune system may be triggered, producing symptoms of skin irritation like redness and itching.
4. It’s Normal to Have Sensitive Skin with Increasing Age
As you know, your skin doesn’t stay the same as you age. You’re likely to have dry, oily, normal, and sensitive skin at different points of your life. Therefore, you may notice skin sensitivity at a certain phase of your life, too.
In particular, you’re more likely to experience dry and more sensitive skin as you age. Your skin’s protective lipid barrier is less able to replace itself with increasing age with two effects: your skin starts to feel dryer with age and it may become irritated more easily. Products that you used with no problems in the past may suddenly start to cause problems. Sensitivity and dryness with increasing age can go hand-in-hand.
5. Dry Skin Can Be Sensitive Too
Some people have dry skin all their lives – not just as they get older. These people are more likely to also have sensitive skin issues. The best way to avoid dry skin’s sensitivity is to select one of the best moisturizers for dry skin with active ingredients to maintain its well-being. Synergie’s daily moisturizer, ÜberZinc, with the added benefit of broad-spectrum sun protection, is a great choice for everyday use, and for extra dry skin, Hydrolock provides even more moisturizing benefit.
How to Deal With Sensitive Skin:
Having sensitive skin is not a punishment; however, it needs more care than other types of skin. Below are some easy and effective methods of taking care of your sensitive skin:
- Use a mild cleanser with no SLSs, or artificial fragrances or colors
- Drink plenty of water and eat water-rich food
- Wear sunscreen every day – including cloudy days
- Avoid toners that may dry your skin out
- It’s important to nourish your sensitive skin with essential vitamins A, B and C, but you need to be careful using retinoid (Vitamin A) and vitamin C products. Be sure to choose ones that are less likely to aggravate your skin – for example, lipid-encapsulated forms of retinol like Ultimate A and non-irritating SupremaC+. If you’re on a budget, make Vitamin B serum your go-to product. Amongst other effects, these vitamins reduce inflammation, boost the skin’s immunity, and regulate its oil (preventing dryness).
- Moisturize! Every day, morning and night. By reducing dryness, you’re likely to also reduce irritation in sensitive skin.
- Don’t use physical exfoliators (containing scrubbing particles or microbeads) or chemical exfoliators with AHAs or BHAs. Instead, look for non-acid exfoliators. Synergie’s Luciderm is an acid-free exfoliator especially formulated for sensitive skin.
Synergie has specific recommendations for treating sensitive skin, which you can find here. It lists ideal product choices and those for people on a budget. It also has instructions for your morning and evening sensitive skin care routines. And for even more information on sensitive skin, feel free to contact us!
