Reckon you’ve got sensitive skin? Think again. Emma Hobson, Education Manager of The International Dermal Institute, gave us the run-down on the big difference between sensitive and sensitised skin, and ways to treat it.
- Sensitive skin is a skin condition that burns very easily in sunlight, has less than optimal natural defence barrier of lipids and natural moisturisers, and often feels dry and irritated.
- It’s likely for someone who has very fair and fine skin to have genetic sensitive skin, where their genetic background usually stems from Northern Europe or have Scottish heritage.
- People with sensitive skin generally have a more reactive blood and circulatory system.
- The tell-tale signs of sensitive skin are redness or blushing (when reactive to external and internal factors), hotness, irritation and even soreness. Skin can also feel itchy when dehydrated.
- You can reduce the symptoms of sensitive skin with beauty products that reduce neurogenic and immunogenic inflammation – that is, of the nervous and immune system.
- Sensitised skin is different to sensitive skin – it occurs when you become overactive from external factors, and can affect anyone of any race, age, or skin type. Today, asian skin has shown to have one of the highest percentage of sensitivity, particularly in the cheek area due to issues like pollution.
- Other environmental factors that can contribute to sensitised skin are adrenal stress, medications, artificial fragrance, incorrect product use, over-exfoliating, using soap, and poor diet.
- Did you know that you can develop sensitised skin as you age? As you get older, the skin’s natural barrier functions decrease, which lead to skin dryness and dehydration. On top of that, an ageing nervous and immune system can also contribute to increased skin sensitivity.
- Climate can also trigger sensitised skin, such as low or high humid weather, or hot and cold weather.
- Yes, you can improve sensitised skin with beauty products that are free from soap, alcohol, lanolin and artificial fragrance. You can also see a skin therapist to get a professional treatment that incorporates yellow and green LED lights.
- For sensitive and sensitised skin, it’s important to use anti-inflammatories with soothing ingredients. Cream cleansers, calming toners and any products with antioxidants help protect the skin from environmental damage.
- The more sensitive the skin, the less you should exfoliate – keep it to once to twice a week. A gentle option for this skin type is a ‘microfoliant’ which lightly polishes the skin’s surface without being too abrasive.
- Ginger and bisabolol (from chamomile), cucumber, wheat germ extract, vitamin e, panthenol and rose oil are good ingredients to look for in skincare as they help to reduce inflammation to normal sensitivity levels.
How do you look after your sensitive or sensitised skin? Tell us in the comments below.
