Solutions for sensitive skin

Webinar by Reviva Labs recorded January 31, 2023 - While there’s no official definition for sensitive skin, most doctors describe it as a skin that’s irritated by things that don’t bother most people. That irritation can cause itchy, rough or flaky skin. Redness, soreness and inflammation are also very common.  If you have any of these symptoms after applying a product to your skin, it’s safe to assume you have sensitive skin. The challenge is knowing what is causing it. In this session of Talking Skincare, we’ll review the top most common reasons skin becomes sensitive.

While there’s no official definition for sensitive skin, most doctors describe it as a skin that’s irritated by things that don’t bother most. That irritation can cause itchy, rough or flaky skin. Redness, soreness and inflammation are also very common. If you have any of these symptoms after applying a product to your skin, it’s safe to assume you have sensitive skin. The challenge is knowing what is causing it.

Let’s review the top most common reasons skin becomes sensitive:

Environmental dryness:

Skin can become overly dry in very cold or hot temperatures. It’s actually the lack of humidity in the air that contributes to this problem. The natural oils in our skin can’t keep up with the lack of moisture in the air that leads to dryness and skin sensitivity. The winter can be particularly hard since we’re spending more time indoors with forced air heating

Contact Dermatitis

According to dermatologists, contact dermatitis develops when the skin becomes inflamed when the body comes into contact with an irritant. Common irritants include fragranced laundry detergent, cosmetic ingredients, plants and adhesives. The classic symptoms of contact dermatitis are very similar to those experienced by very dry skin. They include an itchy, red rash that can be rough in texture or even cracking of the skin. Dry cracks in the skin indicate a compromised barrier that can lead to transepidermal water loss and make a person more prone to infection.

Eczema

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a condition that generally causes dry patches of skin that can become inflamed and rough though symptoms may vary from person to person. The term atopic refers to a collection of conditions that involve the immune system and dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin. Common areas for an eczema flare up include the face, elbows, neck, wrists and legs. Certain foods such as nuts, and dairy can trigger symptoms as well as smoke, pollen, soaps and fragrances.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by facial flushing, irritated skin and pimples. It is often mistaken for acne, eczema or an allergic skin reaction. Studies suggest that rosacea is associated with abnormalities of blood vessels and the immune system. Symptoms are triggered by heat exposure, spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol.

So what are some skin care solutions?

Switch to a soap and fragrance-free cleanser. Look for cleansers that are lotion based or have a creamy texture. Lotion or cream cleansers will help skin retain moisture and not wash away natural healthy oils.

To help lock in moisture and prevent flaky, red skin use products that contains hyaluronic acid as one of the key ingredients. Hyaluronic acid helps skin retain moisture and improves the overall appearance of the skin. It helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles and helps to improve skin elasticity.

Serums are a great way to infuse the skin with helpful ingredients that can boost the health of the skin barrier. In particular, natural oils like argan and hemp nourish and soothe the skin. It’s best to apply serums while the skin is still damp so they penetrate more easily.

Seek out calming ingredients that will soothe redness such as aloe vera, niacinamide, licorice and chamomile extracts. Soothing natural oils high in essential fatty acids will also help nourish the skin and help relieve discomfort. Bakuchiol is another plant based ingredient that’s great for sensitive skins. It is touted as the natural, less irritating alternative to retinol.

There are also lifestyle changes too…

Take lukewarm showers or baths and gently pat skin dry with a towel, rather than rubbing the skin dry after bathing or taking a shower
Stick to wearing natural fibers like cotton and soft fabrics
Avoid rough, scratchy fibers like wool and tight fitting clothing
Use a humidifier in dry or cold weather

So, to sum things up, identifying why your skin may be sensitive is a great first step. Followed by finding the best products to soothe your inflamed skin. And with a few lifestyle precautions you can be on your way to calmer, less sensitive skin.