Everything you need to know about sensitive skin
Whether your skin is genetically sensitive, or you are experiencing a sensitisation of your skin, caring for your skin will come from a place of nurture and a less is more approach.
In times of skin sensitivity, we may experience redness and blotching of the skin, dehydration, itchiness, tingling, small red like bumps and/or heat.
All of which are signs of a disruption in our skins' barrier.
Our skins barrier, also known as our epidermal barrier, is made up of skin cells, natural moisturising factor and ceramides.
It is in this composition that we have a bilipid layer protecting us from external environments and skin aggressors such as pollutants, chemicals and pathogens.
Looking after our skins barrier is ever so important for a healthy functioning skin, especially when one is sensitive or experiencing sensitisation.
So, what is the difference between sensitive skin and sensitised skin?
A sensitive skin is part of our genetic make-up. It is what we are born with and will be looking after and managing for our lifetime.
A sensitized skin is whereby anyone can experience a reactivity on their skin from tingling to inflammation. Some common examples of why this type of reactivity comes to surface are: over exfoliation, incorrect product and ingredient use, over cleansing and stress.
Caring for a sensitive skin begins by looking after our skins barrier, followed by appropriate use of skincare that is formulated to hydrate, strengthen and protect your skin; additionally being aware of what your triggers are would also help to keep flare ups at a minimum and keep your glowing radiant skin strong.
Looking after our skins barrier means we need to work with our skins barrier. Our skincare plays a vital role here. Your choice of products will dictate how your skin responds to ingredients and formulations that are applied onto your skin.
With this in mind, lets have a look into how some of these ingredients and formulations work on a sensitive skin and why they would be a good fit for you.
Lets begin with our first step of our routine, cleansing. Using a cleanser for a sensitive skin doesn’t have to be plain and boring.
The good news is you can have a cleanser that has amazing skin benefits and will still be suitable for a skin that is prone to sensitivity.
Look for a cleanser that is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, polyphenols and skin hydrators – all wonderful ingredients that will protect, brighten, hydrate and reduce redness.
Our Uplifting Cleanser ticks all the boxes with additional benefits of deep cleansing without stripping and drying your skin of its natural oils. Remember, we need those oils for our skins barrier!
You can then follow with our Calming Toner of witch hazel, a multifaceted ingredient that helps to restore, hydrate and balance leaving your skin glowing and soothed.
Now that you have cleansed and toned, it is the perfect time to layer your treatment-based moisturiser. Using a moisturiser will help to nourish, hydrate and lock in moisture that is imperative to a healthy and strong skin barrier.
Skin loving oils such as Jojoba and Rosehip Butter will melt gently into your skin, while Green Tea, Kakadu Plum and Tasmanian Black Pepper provide powerful antioxidant protection.
Last but not least, finish off with applying your SPF for ultimate protection from UV, free radicals and inflammation – all known triggers to a sensitive skin.
And remember, drink your water, eat your essential fatty acids and make sleep a priority – all important elements to a healthy strong skin barrier.
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About the author:
Sandra is a educator and a Professional Skin Therapist with 16 years experience within the Beauty and Wellness industry.
You can find Sandra connecting with industry professionals and continuing her education in different areas of the industry to further support her clients and fellow skin therapists with empowering them on their skin journey.
Sandra believes in a holistic approach to skin health encompassing skincare, mindset and nutrition.