My skin is so sensitive that I am feeling so hopeless…
The facts and care of sensitive skin.
Sensitive skin is a common complaint and widespread phenomenon. Even if there are no visible reactions after in contact with a product, it just makes some feel uncertain and uncomfortable. If you are troubled with this helpless feeling, you should want to fully understand the facts and care of your sensitive skin.
To begin with, you may want to know that sensitive skin is not a skin type. It is a condition which can occur in all skin types, from oily to dry skin. We are here to share and let you understand better what sensitive skin is about; do you really have sensitive skin conditions and what causes sensitive skin reactions; as well as Dr Eileen Lee’s tips in caring for sensitive skin?
What is sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin can be defined as delicate or reactive skin that is easily affected than normal skin by factors that can trigger a reaction or a strong sensation in the skin. The factors can be both internal (stress, alcohol, hormonal etc.) or external (temperature changes, wind, dust, heat etc.) Some of you may experience itching, burning or a tingling in response to stimuli that normally should not provoke such sensations.
Most people confuse sensitive skin with irritation and skin allergy. Often the visible symptoms of an allergic reaction and contact irritation are the same- itchiness and redness.
How do you tell the difference between Sensitive Skin and an Allergic Reaction?
Sensitive skin looks normal, even though it may feel anything but normal.
Whilst, skin allergy is you may have perfectly normal skin until you experience an allergic reaction. Some common skin allergy diagnoses include hives, contact dermatitis and eczema. It might be a red swollen rash, or bumpy, itchy, scaly patches and rashes or all these allergic reactions mentioned.
How do I know if I have sensitive skin?
If you have sensitive skin, you probably will be reactive to soaps, detergents, fragrances, perfumes, skincare products, and household products that cause itchiness, dryness or redness to your skin. Exposure to cold, heat, and wind can also trigger skin flares for sensitive skin.
Dehydrated skin and sensitive skin conditions can happen together at one time. It can lead to acne breakouts and painful cracked skin. You will likely experience more problems with dehydrated skin conditions in cold, dry weather and when exposed to wind.
Sensitive skin is also more susceptible to the harmful effects of the sun, especially when your skin is already irritated or peeling, you will be at a higher risk of the negative harmful effects from the sun and heat.
Do consult a dermatologist to check on your skin reactions, if you are uncertain whether you do have a sensitive skin condition or some other factors or lifestyle that may be the cause of your skin reaction.
What causes sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin can be caused by an ineffective skin’s natural protective layer (lack of protective lipids), which means that the skin is not as well protected from external irritants. The skin may therefore need specific care, which can help rebuild or maintain the skin’s barrier function.
Besides the possibility of a reduced barrier function, sensitive skin victims often suffer from “neuroinflammation”. This means that nerve endings are hypersensitive and release inflammatory substances (a danger signal usually reserved for skin attacks) in response to harmless stimuli such as hard water and temperature change. This hypersensitivity causes the characteristic signs of sensitive skin such as burning, tingling sensation or itching.
Some common skin diseases and adverse conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and acne are linked to this “neuroinflammation” sensitive skin condition.
What are the tips for the caring of sensitive skin?
Step 1
Find a good cleanser with clean formulation, pH level close to your skin and with soothing and hydrating properties which will not strip off your skin’s natural protective layer.
Step 2
A toner or an essence to adjust your skin pH level and maintain your skin’s natural protective layer.
Step 3
Serum and cream enriched with hydrating and nourishing properties to strengthen and protect the skin. It is best to find one with soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits and can strengthen the defence of your skin immune system. Apply your moisturiser throughout the day and as soon as you complete your cleansing regimen or after a shower.
Step 4
Apply a sunblock that has broad spectrum protection. Your sunblock should be rated SPF30 or higher. The sun’s skin-damaging rays are strongest between 10 am. and 4 pm. Avoid exposing yourself under the sun during these hours, whenever possible and at any time of the year without proper sun and rays protection. Wear UV protective apparels, sunglasses and wide brimmed hats or shield with an UV umbrella when you are out under the sun.
Apply your sunblock 15 to 30 minutes before going out, and reapply it every 2 hours.
Go for physical sunblock which contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. This is because you are unlikely to have an allergic reaction to these ingredients. These ingredients deflect the sun’s UV rays instead of absorbing them as chemical sunscreens do.
You may also want to read the product labels before buying any skincare products as some skincare ingredients may trigger skin irritations, if you have sensitive skin. Avoid harsh exfoliants that contain AHAs, BHAs, scrubs beads, Kojic acids, fragrances, chemical sunscreens and paraben.
Last but not least…
A healthy and well-balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans and omega 3 fatty acids are keys to keep your skin hydrated and they provide the vitamins and minerals the skin requires to perform its healthy cellular functions. Research suggests that antioxidant-rich foods have a protective effect for the skin.
Drinking enough fluid is also important as sensitive skin is often caused because the skin becomes dehydrated. When the skin’s protective layer lacks moisture it is unable to function properly. This protective layer is made up of cells and lipids that form a permeable barrier to keep the skin moist, whilst also shielding out toxins and free radicals. Insufficient fluid intake will compromise the skin protective layer leading to premature aging signs, hence, staying hydrated is a critical part of having healthy skin.
Fluid also acts as a flushing medium in the body to help remove toxins that could otherwise build up and cause skin sensitivity. You can drink at least eight glasses of pure, filtered water daily to help your body detoxify.