What is sensitive skin, and do I have it?
No other skin condition is more misunderstood than sensitive skin. In fact,
almost 90% of the population report having sensitive skin at one time or
another! To understand whether you have sensitive skin, you first have to
understand what causes it.
Sensitive skin is a genetically-inherited condition that predominantly affects
very fair-skinned individuals, usually of Northern European ancestry. Someone
with truly sensitive skin is highly prone to blushing, has a very fine
complexion and may experience bad hay fever, allergies or asthma.
What most people suffer from is in fact sensitized skin. Rather than a result of
genetics, sensitized skin is a reflection of your environment, lifestyle and
physiology. Pollution, stress, hormonal imbalance, cosmetic allergies, alcohol,
a poor diet and over-exfoliation can all trigger the sensitized skin condition.
The good news is that sensitized skin can be treated. The bad news is that, left
untreated, the skin’s response can actually result in permanent cellular damage,
which can lead to premature aging. How can I avoid trigger factors?
A few lifestyle modifications can usually solve most people’s skin
sensitization. Maintaining the skin’s barrier function is vital, so remember to
always apply your Dermalogica moisturizer after cleansing, and whenever your
skin feels tight or dry – our Barrier Repair was developed with this specific
goal in mind. Skin Hydrating Booster is the ideal addition to your skin care
regimen to optimize the water level of your skin. Also, always avoid
over-exfoliating your skin – remember, more exfoliation is not better! If you
notice redness or tightness that lasts more than a few hours, you should
discontinue the use of your exfoliant for a few days.
Sun protection is also critical because sensitized skin is even more vulnerable
to UV damage. Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive FaceBlock SPF25 is a chemical-free sun
shield that was developed specifically for sensitized skin. Lastly, avoiding
trigger factors such as hot drinks, spicy foods. msg, alcohol, caffeine and
cigarettes can help your skin recover and rebuild its normal resistance.
Rosacea is a skin condition as misunderstood as sensitive skin, and as
frequently misdiagnosed. In its early stages, Rosacea exhibits the same symptoms
as skin sensitization – redness, blushing and tightness – as well as the same
trigger factors. However, the similarity ends there. A disorder of the facial
blood vessels, Rosacea is a progressive inflammatory disorder that, when
untreated, develops additional complications that include burst capillaries,
facial swelling and spots on the face that look like acne breakouts, causing
people to confuse Rosacea with acne.
One in twenty people – mostly women – are affected by this misunderstood
disease. See your professional skin care therapist and receive a FaceMapping to
determine if you are experiencing Rosacea or a sensitized skin condition.
Fortunately, Rosacea is manageable. Avoiding trigger factors is critical, as a
Rosacea attack begins the same way skin sensitization does. For milder Rosacea,
we recommend our sensitized skin care regimen of Environmental Control products.
There are also an increasing number of prescription medications recommended by
your dermatologist that can halt the progression of this disorder.
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