1 in 2 people now have sensitive skin, making it a major modern day skin concern. We’ve all heard of sensitive skin, but what exactly is it?
First of all, sensitive skin is not a skin type. In fact, sensitivity can affect all skin types from oily and acne-prone teenage skin all the way through to dry and mature skin.
Secondly, sensitive skin shows no signs of skin diseases (like eczema or psoriasis) and usually looks normal… But it can feel anything but normal.
If you have sensitive skin, you need a moisturizer formulated for this skin type free of common “nasties” such as fragrance, colorant, lanolin and alcohol, and with soothing ingredients such as Neurosensine and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water. Finally, it should also contain prebiotic ingredients to rebalance your skin’s microbiome, aka. its friendly bacteria.
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In dermatology, the term sensitive skin refers to a cluster of symptoms such as stinging, burning, itching and tingling which skin feels in response to trigger factors - temperature changes, hard water, unsuitable cosmetics and many more. In other words, the skin sets off alarm bells as though “in danger” in response to harmless stimuli.
So, what are the nuts and bolts of sensitive skin? For a long time, sensitive skin was something of a medical mystery, but advanced research has revealed some of the factors at play.
In the subsections below, we’ll help you determine whether you have sensitive skin and talk you through how to best keep your skin in its comfort zone with smart lifestyle tips and product recommendations.
You’ll also discover make-up specifically designed to help shield and soothe sensitive skin.
Don’t forget to look at our overview of sensitive scalp and hair, with information on key topics such as shaving sensitive skin plus how to care for sensitive scalps prone to conditions such as dandruff and hair loss.
When it comes to sensitive skin, two elements go hand in hand. Patients come to us complaining about unpleasant skin sensations such as tightness, tingling, burning, itching etc. In reality, dermatologists observe negligible symptoms such as a slight redness and inflammation of the skin. These symptoms are mainly caused0 by temperature changes cold or windy weather, air conditioning, skin dryness etc. but can also be caused by rubbing to remove make-up or to apply moisturiser. Patients do not understand why the skin suddenly becomes reactive and red. We now have a better understanding of the causes of reactive and sensitive skin. The skin contains sensory receptors. When these receptors overreact the slightest touch can trigger very unpleasant reactions causing the patient to suffer, and subsequently complain.
We now have a better understanding of the mechanisms that can cause reactive or sensitive skin. Neurotransmitters present in nerve endings located on the skin’s surface play a role; active ingredients such as neurosensine, act on these neurotransmitters to decrease or eliminate the uncomfortable sensations experienced by women. Sensitive skins should of course be handled gently. When removing make-up for example, when using a Dermo Cleanser apply it to the hand and spread it over the face then gently remove make-up using a cotton pad. Thermal spring water will also help to relieve any inflammation. Recommended products have been specially formulated for sensitive skin dermatologically tested, and adapted to suit specific skin types.
Safety standards beyond international cosmetics regulations.
