Sensitive skin is perhaps the most difficult to maintain. What most people don't know is that there is a difference between 'sensitive skin' and 'sensitized skin'.
Sensitive skin is perhaps the most difficult to maintain. What most people don't know is that there is a difference between 'sensitive skin' and 'sensitized skin'. Many people think that they have sensitive skin just because certain skin care products or ingredients cause acne breakouts. However,
this is not the case. They just have sensitized skin which can be corrected by using the right type of products and ingredients.
Features of Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is characterized by the following features:
Flushed complexion
Skin irritation and itchiness
Burning sensation on the skin
Increased sensitivity to basically everything
Our skin has a protective layer that protects us from these symptoms. However, with time, the environmental stressors cause this barrier layer to wear down. This increases the skin's susceptibility to damage from external sources and it starts exhibiting signs of 'sensitive' skin.
Rosacea is another common vascular disorder that causes the skin to get inflamed and flake off. The skin becomes red and blotchy especially on the nose, cheeks and forehead. The redness is long lasting accompanied by inflammatory pustules and damaged blood vessels. Sebaceous glands get enlarged and skin becomes more coarse with Rrosacea.
Causes of Inflamed Skin
The prime cause of skin irritation is Arachadonic Cascade. Arachadonic acid is a fatty acid produced by our own body. However, when the skin is exposed to external stimuli like UV rays of the sun, smoke or pollution, the skin tends to overproduce this acid which further leads to irritation of the skin. Consequently, white blood cells move to the affected area in order to prevent the assault from spreading further. However, the enzymes that facilitate the movement of these white blood cells tear through the collagen and elastin fibers thus releasing inflammatory agents. As a result, the skin feels irritated and also undergoes premature aging.
Controlling Skin Sensitivity
To control the skin sensitivity, it is important to take good care of your skin and make sure you use ingredients that help to repair and protect the skin. Here are some ingredients that you need to look for in your skin care products:
Licorice (Dipotassium glycyrrhizate)
It helps to calm irritated skin with soothing isoflavonoid polyphenol. This is also a potent antioxidant and helps to eliminate damage caused by free radicals.
Pilewort (Ranunculus ficaria) Extract
It reduces the skin redness and helps in decongesting the skin tissues. In addition, it also reduces the blotchiness because of its phenol derivatives.
Sea Buckhorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) Oil
It helps to stimulate tissue regeneration and decreases inflammation of the skin. Also, it is rich in Omega-7 fatty acids, an important element of the skin lack of which causes the skin to become sensitized.
Dimethicone
This is a conditioning silicone that helps to improve the basic functioning of the skin.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)
It helps to calm the skin irritation.
Arnica, Calendula, Chamomlie, Echinacea, Lavender, Cucumber and Raspberry Extracts – All these extracts help to calm and soothe the skin.
Evening Primrose Oil
It helps to strengthen outer layer of skin and prevent future assault.
Mallow (Malva Sylvestris) Extract
This is a healing and softening plant gel that helps to reduce skin inflammation.
Apart from using these ingredients, also try to avoid common triggers like spicy foods, alcohol, hot showers, wind and high stress.
Product Suggestions:
Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Treatment Cream (formerly Obagi Night Eye Cream)
This is a very important part of anti aging skin care regimen. It improves the elasticity of the skin which makes it firmer which also adds a glowing youthful look to your skin. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and replenishes the lost elastin and collagen fibers on the body. Because it contains Licorice, it is safe to be used on sensitized skin.
Kinerase Cream
This is again an anti-aging cream that improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and increases the skin's capacity to retain moisture. Kinerase cream contains Kinetin, a plant based agent that helps the skin retain moisture. It also contains Dimethicone which helps condition sensitized skin.
Obagi Nu-Derm Toner
This is a unique combination of natural ingredients and herbs that tones the skin and restores its normal pH balance. It makes use of a natural astringent called 'alum' so as to adjust the skin’s pH levels so that the System’s treatment applications are able to penetrate easily.
