Sensitive Skin Type

What causes Sensitive Skin and how do I manage it?

Sensitive & Sensitized skin types and conditions have become one of the most common skin concerns among people today. A sensitive skin type is genetic; while sensitized skin – also known as reactive skin – is based on several external factors.

Understanding Sensitive & Sensitized Skin

Sensitive skin: usually has genetic origins and is redness-prone with red flushes. For sensitive skin, the slightest irritation or provocation can cause a flare up at any time. A reaction may be caused by allergies, pollution, chemical irritants, illness, extreme temperatures, and other unsuitable environmental conditions.

The higher histamine levels in the body can make sensitive skin more susceptible to inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema. The visible signs of sensitive skin include skin sensitivity, dermatitis, chafing, broken veins and fine broken capillaries.

Sensitized skin: also known as ‘reactive skin’, is usually self-induced. Sensitized skin can also occur from pre-existing conditions, which can be undiagnosed or untreated, such as acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis and allergies to foods such as gluten and dairy.

The use of harsh chemical cosmetics, make-up, too many harsh professional skin treatments which strip the natural hydrolipid barrier, medicine, diet and hormones, are all major contributing factors. When allergens come into contact with intolerant skin, the body issues a full-blown immune response, releasing antibodies to attack the offending substance which results in visible reddening and dermal sensitivity of the skin.

Is this cause for concern?

Sensitive skin isn’t a disease that a doctor can diagnose you with. It’s usually a symptom of another condition. You may not even know you have sensitive skin until you have a bad reaction to a cosmetic product, like soap, moisturizer, or makeup.

Conditions that cause sensitive skin are rarely serious. You can usually keep your symptoms under control with a few simple changes to your skin care routine.

Keep reading to learn more about what may be causing your sensitive skin, other symptoms to watch for, and products that should be safe for you to use.

General tips for sensitive skin:

When you have sensitive skin, it can feel like everything is irritating. But with a few lifestyle changes, you may see significant improvement.

Few tips that can help anyone with sensitive skin:

take short 5 to 10 minute showers with warm — not hot — water
avoid harsh astringents and exfoliants
use a gentle, fragrance-free soap
use essential oils instead of perfumes
use a gentle, fragrance-free laundry detergent
try using organic cleaning supplies
always use a shaving cream or gel
gently pat yourself dry after a shower (instead of rubbing) and apply moisturizer right away
test new products on a discreet area of skin at least one day before trying a full-application

Which products can I use on my sensitive skin?

Sensitivity of the skin could be caused by many different factors. It could be fragrances; it could be make-up or even diet related. No matter how sensitive a skin might be, it needs to be cleaned daily.

Dermasure Range can offer three products for daily use.

1. Dermaclens Skin Cleanser | 150ml

Dermaclens Skin Cleanser is a gentle fragrance-free cleansing lotion and often used in combination with Kleerzit. These two products can be alternated mornings and evenings, daily or even weekly. It all depends on your personal preferences.

2. Hydration Moisturising Cream | 75ml

Ideally formulated especially for the face as it is totally absorbed and will not block the pores of the skin. The Vitamin E and Evening Primrose Oil will both nourish and replenish the skin. It can also be applied to any other area of the body which is abnormally dry.

3. Hydration Aqua Bath and Shower Oil | 250ml

This is a dual purpose product useful in both the bath and shower, is formulated for moisturise, protect and treat sensitive dry skins, including conditions such as Eczema. It leaves a protective film of oil on the skin, without the feeling excessive oiliness and is fragrance-free. When bathing, add 10 ml to an average size bath and soak. When showering, apply the oil while the skin is still damp, and before drying. Once applied, you can touch-dry the body with a towel.

4. Sensitive Skincare Pack | Pack of Six or Three

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