Tips For Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is a common skin complaint among men and women (some reports state up to 50-70% of adults have experienced it). The unpleasant sensations often associated with it include stinging, burning, itching, tightness, and tingling. Such discomfort provides constant feedback, which can be a powerful tool in understanding our skin's needs.
Gaining a deeper understanding of sensitive skin can help you learn to control the signs of irritation, learn what your skin may be telling you, and how to find skincare products that heal rather than harm your skin’s condition.
Understanding Sensitive Skin: What Is It and What Causes It
Sensitive skin doesn’t discriminate. It can affect individuals of all ages, genders, ethnicities and skin types. Sensitive skin does not tolerate harsh environmental conditions or exposure to certain chemicals well. This often manifests in physical ways including redness, dryness, scaling, peeling, bumps, and hives.
Some forms of skin sensitivity are linked to environment or genetics while others can be triggered by certain chemicals, cosmetics or even diet.
When it comes to sensitive skin, it’s helpful to know the various types of skin sensitivity, as well as the causes that might trigger a reaction.
- Naturally sensitive skin
Some people seem to have a genetic predisposition to sensitive skin, which can be associated with certain inflammatory skin conditions including eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. - Environmentally sensitive skin
This type of skin sensitivity is a response to the surrounding environment. Common triggers include sun exposure, air pollutants, cigarette smoke, and sudden shifts in temperature and humidity. Certain chemicals and fabrics can also exacerbate the stinging, itching and irritation caused by external environmental factors. - Reactive skin
Also known as sensitized skin, this type of skin can also become irritated due to environmental irritants, as well as exposure to cleaning and cosmetic products, especially fragrance and harsh detergents and acids. The result is red, inflamed skin that can be warm to the touch, and may even result in papules or pustules forming where skin was exposed to the irritant. - Thin skin
As we age, our skin naturally becomes thinner, primarily due to a decrease in collagen and elastin production, leading to a loss of skin elasticity and firmness. The outer layer of the skin (epidermis) becomes thinner, less firm and more translucent and can become more easily irritated. Skin may become more fragile and prone to tearing, and bruising may occur more easily. The body may also produce less sweat and oil.
Tips For Cleansing Sensitive Skin
When dealing with sensitive skin, it’s best to select a gentle, irritant-free cleanser. Cleansers with harsh surfactants or heavy fragrance can strip your skin of its natural oils, so look for cleansers with nourishing ingredients like ceramides or oat extract that function as cleansers but also aid in maintaining your skin’s natural lipid barrier. Oil cleansers and micellar water are also gentle options for removing makeup and cleansing skin. Keep on the lookout for labels with terms like, “gentle”, “hypoallergenic,” or “for sensitive skin” to identify suitable options.
Proper cleansing techniques are also essential for sensitive skin types:
- Water temperature: lukewarm to cool water is ideal. Using hot water can further irritate and dry out the skin by stripping it of its natural oils.
- Gentle approach: Avoid harsh acids or manual exfoliating ingredients as this might exacerbate existing skin irritation. Exfoliation should be avoided altogether wherever there are active sites of irritation.
- Frequency: Cleansing too frequently will disrupt your skin’s delicate balance and lead to dryness and sensitivity. It’s best to cleanse once or twice a day, depending on your skin’s needs.
The Importance of Moisturizing Sensitive Skin
Moisturizing is a vital step in any skincare routine, but it's especially important for those with sensitive skin. Often, sensitive skin is prone to dryness, which leads to itching, flaking, and a compromised lipid barrier. Using the right moisturizer not only helps alleviate some of these issues but strengthens your skin and its natural defenses against environmental stressors.
Selecting the Right Moisturizer
Choosing the right moisturizer for sensitive skin can be tricky. We recommend looking for formulas that contain hydrating ingredients like sunflower and avocado oils, hyaluronic acid and ceramides. These ingredients help lock in moisture and support the skin's barrier function. Stay away from moisturizers with heavy fragrances, dyes, or potential irritants like drying alcohols (including ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, and SD alcohols). Be mindful of your skin type and choose a moisturizer with ingredients that cater to your specific needs.
Protecting Sensitive Skin from Environmental Stress
Various environmental factors can trigger or exacerbate sensitive skin conditions. Pollution, harsh weather, and certain household products can all contribute to skin irritation. Pay attention to potential triggers and try to avoid or minimize exposure to them. Beyond these everyday factors lies the sun, one of sensitive skin's biggest enemies.
Sun protection: The Power of Broad Spectrum Protection
Sensitive skin is more susceptible to the damaging effects of UV radiation, making sun protection an essential part of any skincare routine. That’s why we recommend a broad spectrum sunscreen like our SPF 35 Sun Therapé lotion, which utilizes UVA and UVB filters to protect skin from both kinds of UV light. It’s important to choose a sunscreen that offers protection from both the UVB rays that burn the skin, and UVA rays that age skin and contribute to formation of skin cancers. In addition to sunscreen, consider wearing protective clothing and hats, and staying out of the sun during peak sun hours.
Diet and Nutrition for Sensitive Skin
Diet has a huge impact on your skin's health, including its sensitivity. Adding more antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats to your diet can help reduce inflammation and support the skin's natural healing processes. Processed foods, sugary treats, and certain dietary triggers like dairy or gluten may intensify sensitive skin issues for some individuals.
Stress Management
Stress is the driving force behind many skin conditions, including sensitive skin. When the body is under a lot of stress, it produces hormones like cortisol, which can disrupt the skin's barrier function and lead to inflammation. Embracing stress-management techniques like meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in relaxing activities can help calm the mind and body, potentially reducing the impact of stress on sensitive skin.
Pharmagel Has Got You Covered: Our Answer to Sensitive Skin
Pharmagel's curated collection of skincare products is meticulously crafted using the best of science and nature, making it a safe and gentle answer for most sensitive skin woes. We offer something for everyone, whether you need a gentle cleanser, hydrating moisturizer, skin-loving serum or a broad spectrum susnscreen.
At Pharmagel we remain dedicated to the philosophy of producing the finest quality skin care solutions at an affordable price.
When to Seek Professional Help
While sensitive skin is not a medical condition in itself, it can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying skin disorder. If you experience persistent redness, severe itching, scaling, or other severe symptoms that do not improve with a gentle skincare routine, it may be time to seek professional help. Conditions like eczema, rosacea, or contact dermatitis can all present with sensitive skin as a symptom. If you suspect that your sensitive skin may be related to a deeper issue, we recommend running your concerns by a board-certified dermatologist.
Conclusion
Sensitive skin needs extra love and attention, but it doesn't have to be a constant struggle. By following a gentle, tailored skincare routine and adopting a holistic approach that addresses both internal and external factors, you can effectively manage your sensitive skin and achieve a more radiant complexion.
We believe that everyone deserves to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. We remain committed to providing safe, effective, and affordable solutions for all skin types and age ranges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sensitive skin a skin type or a condition?
Sensitive skin is often referred to as a skin type, but it is more commonly thought of as a skin condition characterized by underlying symptoms including a predisposition to irritation.
Can sensitive skin be cured?
While sensitive skin itself cannot be "cured," it can be managed and controlled through a consistent, gentle skincare routine and by identifying and avoiding triggers.
What ingredients should be avoided with sensitive skin?
Common ingredients to avoid include fragrances, drying alcohols, sulfates, retinoids, and harsh exfoliants like scrubs or peels.
Is it better to use natural or synthetic products for sensitive skin?
The natural vs. synthetic debate is ongoing, but the most important factor is choosing gentle, hypoallergenic products formulated for sensitive skin types, regardless of their origin.
