In today’s age, women are increasingly witnessing the rise of skin sensitivity amongst their peers. There’s no doubt about the fact that there’s been a huge increase in this particular skin type over the past few years, and this is caused by a number of external aggressors, including pollution and heavily-scented skincare products. However, before progressing to treating your potentially-sensitive skin, it’s important to determine the symptoms of sensitive skin. Far from being a medical condition, sensitive skin is a specific skin type, which is prone to becoming red, flushed, inflamed, dry, and/or itchy. People with sensitive skin also tend to suffer from windburn or sunburn more quickly, and might even have allergic reactions to certain skincare and makeup products. In addition, the pores and texture of their skin are fine, with visible blood vessels and capillaries.
People develop heightened skin sensitivity because the outer layer of their skin becomes impaired, which in turn enables irritants to penetrate it, and thus disrupts nerve endings and blood vessels. This leads to dehydration, which causes more irritation. External skin aggressors can either come from the environment, or from skincare products, or tap water. Be it mild irritation or full-blown rosacea, sensitive skin needs special care, and it’s imperative to use organic or specially-formulated skincare products and facial treatments to manage the condition effectively.
Strengthen & Protect the Barrier Function of the Outermost Skin Layer
Apart from the regular cleansing, toning and moisturising regimen, it’s important to protect skin with a sunscreen providing SPF and PAA+ protection, and avoid products containing toxic ingredients such as phthalates, parabens, chemical fragrances, artificial colours, propylene glycol, EDTA, and urea.
Ease Inflammation & Soothe Irritated Nerve Endings & Blood Vessels
There are a number of home remedies for treating sensitive skin, which include – application of Aloe Vera gel as well as astringent or nourishing face masks (depending on whether you have oily or dry skin), which can all be prepared from easily-available ingredients such as milk, avocados, eggs, yoghurt and honey. Regular exfoliation is also recommended, as this helps get rid of dirt and dead skin cells, and you can make your own scrub by mixing granulated sugar with olive oil.
Moisturise regularly to keep Skin Hydrated and help it regain Balance
You should ideally be using a nourishing cream in the mornings and evenings, which should be free of fragrances as well as toxic chemicals. Remember that natural moisturisers and oils such as shea butter and rapeseed oils can work just as well, if not better than their synthetic counterparts, and are better-suited to caring for your sensitive or hypersensitive skin!
You can maintain your delicate skin type with products containing bioactive ingredients, which represent the best of nature and science. Hypoallergenic products are the best for those with sensitive skin, and it is also imperative to conduct patch tests before buying any new skincare or makeup products. Once you identify the environmental and chemical factors triggering a reaction, it will be easier to manage your skin, and help it look its best, day in and day out!
At Healing Touch Spa, we provide a range of specialised facial treatments for your unique skin type, which help in treating as well as nourishing your skin. Learn about them here.