Sensitive Skin - How to treat and prevent irritation

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Itchy...check
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If your skin does all or any of these in reaction to conventional skin products, then you may have sensitive skin - which in its own right is a skin type.

Sensitive skin has an increase in thinness and the blood vessels and nerve endings are much closer to the skin’s surface. It is usually described as very thin, fragile-looking, pink or flushed-coloured skin, but there is a great increase of women with oily, thicker skin who are reporting sensitivites. This may be due to an increase in environmental factors (i.e. pollution and harsh, synthetic skin care) and a poorer diet. There also may be other factors involved such as skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema and rosacea.

What causes sensitive, itchy skin may be attributed to many things:

• Changes in the temperature – seasonal, climatic or even air-conditioning!

• Allergic reactions eg: pollen, dust

• Cosmetics

• Stress

• Chemical sensitivities

• Improper diet eg: a lack in good oils

• Liver dysfunction and disease

• Pregnancy

• Various skin ailments

Obviously by identifying what causes your skin to be sensitive or what it reacts to is a good place to start in the quest for bringing your skin to a balanced state.

Fortunately, many of us will find that our skin reacts mostly to a variety of conventional skincare products, which is good because that may be one of the easiest things to change! Eliminating synthetic skin care products should be one of the first ports of call in addressing skin sensitivities.

Treatment for sensitive skin is best started at changing your current skincare products to something more natural and free of chemical emulsifiers and preservatives. Skincare products that contain chamomile, vitamin E and A, rosehip oil, chickweed extract, amino acid complex will all moisturise and hydrate the skin as well as reduce itching and redness.

A good treatment plan to follow is:

1. KISS - Keep it simple, silly! Don’t go overboard with various skin products and treatments as this may further exacerbate the problem. Stick with a gentle gel or cream cleanser, an alcohol-free toner, and a water-based moisturiser with little or no chemical preservatives.

2. Try spritzing your skin with a soothing hydrosol toner, like rosewater or a herbal emulsion to calm the skin.

3. Use fragrance free products if you find that strongly fragranced products irritate your skin. Some essential oils, although natural, may aggravate some sensitive skin types.

4. Reduce the heat! Tepid water is a better option over hot for reducing irritation.

5. Avoid rubbing the skin vigorously, and let the skin breathe. If you have very sensitive skin try using a muslin washcloth over a grainy exfoliant.

6. Try mineral cosmetics over the conventional chemical substitutes. The colours are amazing and they don’t clog your pores. Cleopatra can’t have been wrong!

7. Supplement with a vitamin B complex to improve skin dynamics and its function. Also look at supplementing with a good fish oil or an evening primrose capsule to nourish the skin from within.

8. Drink more water, drink more water, drink more water! Some scientists say this is a crock of ****, some say it’s great, but honestly just try it for yourself – it’s the holy grail of great skin!

Furthermore a diet sufficient in fresh fruit and veggies, wholegrains like brown rice, fresh fish and good quality lean meats, and rich in fibre will further benefit the skin in being able to cope and deal with external assaults.

Our skin truly does show an indication of what is happening inside and outside our bodies so looking at both internal and external health will help to promote a lovely supple glow!