The Problem With Sensitive Skin

Sensitive, Red Skin

If you have sensitive skin you will be aware of the problems associated with it. Sensitive skin may be hyper-allergic to cosmetic ingredients even if they are natural, causing it to become inflamed, sore and itchy. Some sensitive skins however, may be more prone to reaction against touch, certain foods, or changes in temperature. Both of these sensitivities need careful handling.

You have sensitive skin if it may have the following characteristics:

* Reacts to many skincare and cosmetic products, usually turning red and botchy.
* Has a tendency to go red when touched, exposed to heat or to the sun.
* Reacts to certain foods or fragrances that cause a rash or make your skin itch.
* May have broken red veins on the cheeks and nose.
* Can have dry, sore patches.

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 a reaction such as this is quite rare.

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.

Chose products designed for sensitive skin as these will have most known irritants removed. The most common irritating ingredients are: Lanolin, alcohol, artificial colours and perfumes. Select a gentle cleansing milk or lotion and if you feel you need a toner go for an alcohol-free very mild version. Moisturiser should have soothing ingredients such as Chamomile or Calendula to keep the skin calm. You can use the same cream at night unless your skin is also dry or you are concerned with ageing, in which case you could try a night cream or serum. An eye cream should be used to protect the delicate skin in this area. A face mask should be soothing and calming and can really help to reduce sensitivity. Avoid clay however, and opt for a non-drying mask.

If your skin is very allergic we would recommend you test any new product on the inside of your wrist for 24 hours before trying it on your face. Next use just a little on the jaw for a few days to make sure there are no problems and then continue to use as normal.

Watch for reactions to food and drink and keep out of the sun as much as possible. Treat sensitive skin carefully and you should be able to keep it in balance without too many problems.

Tips for sensitive skin:

- Avoid anything containing harsh chemicals or a lot of perfume.
- Avoid soap and always try to select products designed for sensitive skin.
- Always protect sensitive skin from the sun even in cooler weather.
- Patch test any new products on the inside of your wrist before using them on your face.

Looking After Skin Prone to Redness

Always wear a protective sun cream of at least factor 15 in the summer (even on mild days) and in the winter if you either work outside or play any kind of outdoor sport. Use a cream designed to help reduce redness This should encourage strengthening of the capillaries and instantly calm and soothe away redness and sensitivity.
Avoid red wine, spicy food and anything else that you feel aggravates your skin.

Avoid saunas and steam rooms. Bringing the body temperature up fast is a sure way to break capillaries and flush the skin.

Looking After Reactive Skin

The difficult thing about reactive skin is that it can be allergic to a multitude of different ingredients. That said products designed for sensitive skin have most known allergens removed and are usually the safest bet.
A gentle facial wash is the best way to clean the skin. Moisturise using products that are specifically designed for sensitive skin. These have most common allergens removed, lessening your chance of a reaction. Look for shaving products that don't contain soap. If you suffer from shaving rash try a soothing aftershave balm.
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.

Source: www.beautyexpert.co.uk