If your skin irritates, reddens, or tingles just by looking at it in the mirror, chances are it's sensitive. She is so common, but it can be difficult to recognize her!
What is sensitive skin?
“More than 60% of my patients rate their skin as sensitive,” says Ellen Marmour, MD, dermatologist. - Hypersensitivity is a complex condition characterized by various symptoms: dryness, redness, rashes. Skin irritation can be caused by allergic reactions, improperly selected beauty treatments or sunlight."
While many people may experience skin reactions to a certain product or ingredient in cosmetics at some point in their lives, sensitive skin is constantly in trouble. She responds to almost everything!
“Sensitive skin is more reactive than normal skin. She is easily irritated by exposure to wind and sun, hot air or cold. She often reacts to the use of cosmetics and topical products. Its triggers include lack of sleep, hormonal changes and even air pollution,”adds dermatologist Jesse Chung.
On a note!
Sensitive skin easily loses moisture, so you need to moisturize it at least twice a day using products with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, peptides, dimethicone and niacinamide. Additionally, once a week, it should be pampered with a soothing moisturizing mask.
4 types of sensitive skin
Just as there are different degrees of severity of the course of acne, there is a classification for those with sensitive skin. According to dermatologist Amy Lewis, it can be conditionally divided into 4 types:
Naturally sensitive skin. Most often, it is due to the presence of inflammatory diseases that are inherited. It can be psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, etc. Environmentally sensitive skin. As the name implies, the skin is irritated by environmental factors: air pollution, solar radiation. Reactive skin. Her negative reaction is caused, first of all, by skin care products. It turns red, tingles, becomes noticeably hot, rashes form on it. “Patients often notice the formation of papules and pustules where the irritant was applied,” says dermatologist Amy Lewis. Thin skin. As we age, the skin naturally becomes thinner, and thin skin is more likely to respond to possible triggers. On a note!
People with fair skin and red hair are more likely to experience skin sensitivities.
5 mistakes in caring for sensitive skin
Regardless of the cause of the skin's increased susceptibility, avoiding these 5 mistakes can significantly improve skin condition.
Mistake 1: Using conventional cleansers
In cosmetology, the rule is: "Do not irritate the irritated!" When cleansing sensitive skin, use the lightest, most gentle products possible. Gentle cleansing milk or acid-free foam are the perfect choice!
Avoid 100% irritating agents for sensitive acids: alpha hydroxy acids, surfactants, and cosmetics with artificial or natural exfoliating particles.
On a note!
The use of soap in the care of sensitive skin is unacceptable, as it washes away natural oils, thereby further weakening its protective barrier.
Mistake 2: Ignoring retinoid cosmetics
Retinoids are derived forms of vitamin A that have pronounced anti-aging properties. They are considered the "gold standard" in skin care.
When applied to the skin, they stimulate cell renewal, elastin and collagen production, tone and firmness, remove age spots and reduce wrinkles, according to a study published in Clinical Interventions in Aging. But they have an unpleasant side effect - during the first few applications, they cause redness and tingling of the skin.
"It usually goes away when the skin adjusts to therapy," says Mona Gohara, MD, dermatologist. - Don't give up the benefits of retinoids just because you have sensitive skin. Try a form like retinaldehyde! " A 2019 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that this substance works in a similar way to retinol, but is associated with a lower risk of side effects.
Fact!
When caring for sensitive skin, it is better not to use cosmetics containing alcohol, fragrances, glycolic acid and L-ascorbic acid, they can irritate delicate skin and cause blemishes.
Mistake 3: using only natural cosmetics
Some marketers urge owners of sensitive skin to switch to natural cosmetics, explaining that the "gifts of nature" do not harm sensitive skin. But this is not the case!
"Many natural ingredients, including organic ingredients in cosmetics, are strong irritants or allergens," explains MD, dermatologist Emmy Graber. - For example, tea tree and lavender oils are less likely to cause unpleasant reactions, but they may contain added fragrance that will provoke them. Therefore, carefully study the labels of the products.
Did you know?
The label "natural" on the label of the cream does not say anything about its composition or effect on the skin, since there are no clear laws regulating its presence. That is, it can appear on absolutely any cream.
Mistake 4: Using the “wrong” sunscreen
For beauty, health and youthfulness of the skin, sunscreen should be used all year round in any weather. A high-quality product will prevent the appearance of sunburn, protect the skin from photoaging and the development of cancer, say experts from the American Academy of Dermatology. But it is very important to choose the cosmetics that is right for you!
Owners of sensitive skin are shown creams with physical protection filters: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. “Unlike chemical filters, minerals are associated with a minimal risk of irritation. They rub easily into the skin and work great,”says Lauren Fine, MD, dermatologist.
Advice!
Choose cosmetics labeled "hypoallergenic" on the packaging. Although it cannot 100% guarantee that a reaction will not occur to any component in its composition, the number of potential allergens in it is usually less.
Mistake 5: An impressive arsenal of cosmetics
According to a recent study, the average woman uses about 12 different beauty products every day, bringing together 168 unique ingredients. Each of them can cause a skin reaction. Therefore, in the care of sensitive skin the rule “Less is more” works. Invest in quality cosmetics while being minimalistic!
Expert commentary Amina Berdova, dermatologist, cosmetologist
If the skin is prone to redness and irritation, tap water is not suitable for washing it. In case of increased skin sensitivity, it is better to use mineral water or spring water. For cleansing, you must use products marked "for sensitive skin". Make it a rule to finish cleansing your skin with an alcohol-free soothing toner.
For sensitive and irritating skin, use skin care products that contain a minimum amount of ingredients. Also, they should not contain essential oils or extracts of exotic plants. The ideal option is the presence of thermal water, triglycerides and UV protection from the sun in the cream.
Night creams are encouraged to contain vitamins A and E, panthenol and vegetable oil hydrolysates. As for cosmetics, mineral-based cosmetics are best suited for this type of skin, as a rule, it contains no more than five components, it does not cause irritation and contains sunscreen components.
Among the cosmetic procedures for sensitive skin, such types are recommended as phototherapy, which helps to relieve the unpleasant sensations of skin tightness, stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, has a rejuvenating effect, as well as injection techniques - plasma lifting and biorevitalization.
If the skin is prone to irritation and redness, it is necessary to abandon traumatic procedures, both at home and in a beauty salon. Ultrasonic face cleansing and peeling based on mandelic acid are suitable for cleansing sensitive skin.
