Sensitive Skin or Sensitized Skin?

Do you suspect you have Sensitive Skin? Does it seem to react to everything? Does your skin burn, sting, itch, or become inflamed when you apply cosmetics or skin care products? Do you flush, or turn red easily? Perhaps you burn in moderate sunlight? Do you have thinner, fairer skin, Northern European ancestry? Is there a family history of hay fever, asthma, or eczema?

If you answered yes to these questions you probably have Sensitive Skin which is an actual inherited skin type.

Then again you may have environmentally Sensitized Skin – not a type but a condition brought on by environmental triggers. Sensitized Skin is in fact the most rapidly growing concern among those seeking advice from a Skin Care Therapist, It can affect any age or race, and any skin type, from dry skin to acne.

Our skin, quite literally, is under attack from environmental pollutants and chemicals in the atmosphere, from irritants found in many cosmetics and skin products, from harsh scrubs, and from improper cleansing habits at home. With continued assault the skin’s natural defense barrier (comprised of lipids and natural moisturizers) begins to break down and skin becomes more permeable to potential irritants.

Whether sensitive or sensitized, treatment is very much the same. And in either case the “less is more” principle applies. It is essential that proper, gentle home care be established. Avoiding certain irritants and triggers, and habits that damage the skin is critical.

Cosmetic ingredients such as fragrances, D&C color, preservatives, S.D. alcohol, and formaldehyde cause irritation and are often potentially harmful to the skin.

Harsh scrubs and over-exfoliating can weaken the skin’s barrier function. And for men, incorrect shaving can do the same. Be wary of home dermabrasion kits and nut shell or apricot kernel scrubs; they have the potential to irritate and damage your facial skin. Enzyme microfoliants are much gentler, removing dead surface cells while keeping the barrier in tact.

Hot water and soap are damaging to the skin’s barrier function. Instead use lukewarm water and a pH balanced, ultra calming cleanser, with a soft facial chamois to cleanse your skin.

Certain foods can stimulate blood flow, causing the skin to flush or become red. These include alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and sometimes dairy.

Hormonal changes such a puberty, pregnancy, and menopause may also trigger sensitivity.

Long periods of stress can disrupt the immune system, impairing the immune function of the skin.

Outdoor and indoor environmental pollution, including household chemicals, can cause a free radical cascade. Antioxidant Vitamin E is naturally found in the skin’s membranes but it is often unable to keep up with continuous exposure.

So what is a person to do??!!

Always moisturize! Moisturizers help lock in critical hydration and protect your skin from the environment. Adjust your moisturizer to changing weather and climatic conditions. During winter a more emollient moisturizer may be needed. If your skin is sensitized you may need to use products formulated to rebuild the health of the skin, or provide an artificial barrier when the skin’s own barrier is compromised.

Throughout the year, every day, use chemical free sun screens that block UVA and UVB rays.

Avoid triggers that cause your skin to redden or flush. Stay away from hot tubs, saunas, and tanning beds.

Consult with a Skin Care professional to help identify the issues, treat your concerns, and provide education to help you improve your skin’s health.

Use high quality professional skin care products prescribed for the unique needs and conditions of YOUR skin.

Regular Facial Treatments also help to repair and heal damaged skin. During your treatment a highly active, deeply penetrating serum concentrate reduces redness and inflammation and helps prevent subsequent irritation. When combined with painless galvanic current the benefit is even longer lasting and redness is reduced even more. (link to electrotherapies article from previous newsletter) Lymph Drainage Therapy (link to LDT information page on Mirabella web site) detoxifies and purifies the skin, improving the overall health of the skin, as well as the immune system.