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If you suffer from itchy, red or easily irritated skin you’re not alone. According to worldwide clinical studies there’s an increasing trend towards sensitive skin, with over 50% of people reporting some kind of sensitivity. And though people with allergies, pale complexions and dry skin are particularly susceptible, any skin type can become sensitized if its protective lipid barrier is disrupted by dehydration, over-exfoliation, environmental pollution or drastic changes in humidity. Stress, poor diets and bad skincare regimes don’t help either so if your skin is sensitive you’ll probably need to address all of these issues.
Sensitive skin is sometimes known as ‘reactive skin’ as it may show signs of allergic reaction when it come into contact with chemicals, fragrance or preservatives in skin care preparations. This reaction can be mild with just a slight dryness or stinging sensation, or severe, which includes inflammation, redness and skin peeling. Luckily reactions like this are rare.
It may also suffer from a reaction to certain foods, wine or medication. Some skin types also react to changes in temperature and to touch. This type of complexion is often prone to a red flushed appearance with broken capillaries and may even peel or chap.
Murad Corrective Moisturiser Redness Therapy SP15
Cold or windy weather is the worst enemy for flushed, sensitive skin. The blotchy, red appearance is caused by millions of tiny blood vessels, just under the skin's surface. If your skin is fair and sensitive these may have become distorted allowing them to carry more blood than normal, the result of which can be a red, blotchy face. If these vessels are damaged or broken the problem may be even worse.
Looking after skin prone to redness?
If your skin’s prone to redness there’s plenty you can do. For starters, always wear a protective sun cream with a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 in the summer (even on cloudy days) and use in the winter too if you work outside or play any kind of outdoor sport. It’s also worth using a face cream like Nickel Bonne Gueule (Anti-Redness Treatment) which is formulated specially for sensitive skin and is designed to help combat redness, encourage strengthening of the capillaries and instantly calm and soothe any sensitivity. As a final precaution, it’s also worth avoiding the most common triggers for redness such as red wine and spicy food so is you like your Chianti or love a good curry, it might be time to cut back on both (just think of the weight you’ll lose in the process!). The other bad news is that saunas are real enemies of the flushed face too. Bringing the body temperature up fast is a sure way to break capillaries so skip them if they’re currently part of your gym routine. |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | Looking after skin prone to sensitivity Sensitive type?
Then try these simple skin-calming strategies:
- wash with warm rather than hot water as the skin on your face isn’t as tolerant of high temperatures as the skin on the rest of your body. A gentle facial wash, like Dermalogica’s Ultra Calming Cleanser for Face and Eyes, is the best way to clean sensitive skin without causing irritation.
- steer clear of products containing alcohol (aftershaves and some toners for example), lanolin, mineral oil or added fragrances and colourants - all these can irritate the skin.
- avoid abrasive facial scrubs (which can break down the skin’s natural barrier), and avoid scratching itchy areas. The less friction applied to sensitive skin the better.
- always use moisturisers designed especially for sensitive skin (like Biotherm Aqua Sensitive Moisturiser) as these will the most common allergens removed, lessening your chance of a reaction. Protect skin at night by applying more moisturiser just before you go to bed.
- look for products formulated especially for sensitive skin or ones labelled “hypoallergenic”. Your skin could react to a multitude of different ingredients but products designed for sensitive skin have most known allergens removed so are usually a safe bet.
- keep well-hydrated to prevent the skin drying out and becoming ever more sensitive and protect against sun damage with an high SPF sunscreen.
- always test any new products on the back or your wrist and then on your jaw 24 hours before using them on the whole face. This way an allergic reaction can be spotted in time.
- streamline your grooming routine. Even men with sensitive skin need the basics like facial wash, moisturiser, aftershave balm and eye cream but if your skin is sensitive they may be all you need. Strip your regime to the basics and once you’ve found a brand that works for you stick to it.
- if you suffer more dramatic allergic skin reactions like welts, swelling or severe itching see your GP.
To see more products for sensitive skin click here.
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