Sensitive skin is an ever-present problem in the skincare world and is a phrase used to describe skin that is easy to aggravate, or more prone to inflammation. It is not really a clinical term (meaning it is not a skin condition) and an understanding of its aetiology is insufficient. However, what we do know is that sensitive skin is different for everyone.
But what is sensitive skin? It usually manifests as uncomfortable symptoms like burning, stinging, and itchiness. Symptoms can also be visible, like redness, blisters, and bumps. If you find these indicators persist, you may have an underlying condition, for example, eczema can cause dry, itchy skin, and rosacea is characterised by red, swollen skin.
To take better care of your skin, it is important to understand what the actual problem is. If you are convinced you are only dealing with sensitive skin, a good starting point is to take better care of the protective fatty outer layer of your skin often referred to as the moisture barrier or lipid barrier.
This barrier is found in the outermost layer of the epidermis called the stratum corneum, and its job is to keep the good stuff (like water) in and the bad stuff (environmental pollution and so forth) out. When this barrier is weak or thin, it is more easily penetrated by irritants that can cause inflammation, plus, it makes it easier for moisture to escape.
A thin lipid barrier will allow your skin to absorb products more deeply – which is likely why those with sensitive skin are more reactive to skincare ingredients. The barrier can also be thin in certain patches only, which may lead to sensitivity in these zones. Studies have found that your immune system plays a possible role and that an inflammatory response is evoked because irritants make their way through the lipid barrier, and are then perceived by the immune system as a threat.
The lipid barrier also gets weaker with time, which is why you may find your skin becomes more sensitive as you get older. You could also be genetically predisposed to sensitive skin. Moreover, repeated exposure to irritants can lead to a skin allergy. This can take several months or years to develop, but once you have developed an allergy, it is permanent and lasts for the rest of your life.
So what can you do?
Whether you find it is a seasonal or always-on issue, a good starting point is to keep things simple. This applies to the ingredients in the products you use, as well as your skincare routine.
Be mindful of the fact that the lipid barrier is a delicate layer that can easily be harmed by hot water alone – never mind products that are jam-packed with common irritants like preservatives, dyes, and harsh detergents. Even ingredients that you won’t expect to be harmful, like certain botanical extracts, can be just too much for sensitive skin to handle.
Cleaning your skin should be a gentle exercise. Stay away from abrasive scrubs and intense exfoliants because ingredients in these products can strip and damage the skin’s barrier. The ingredients should rather help balance your skin’s delicate pH and must protect and replenish the lipid barrier.
Although we all want instant results, finding a solution for your sensitivity can take time, so be patient. Oftentimes, when introducing new products to the skin, it will temporarily get worse before it gets better.
This initial worsening could be due to your skin purging as it tries to find its balance. Active ingredients that help to shed skin cells can increase the rate at which clogged pores turn into pimples because it loosens the trapped oil in your pores, so think of this as a detox for your skin and focus on the fact that it can help to prevent future breakouts.
Sunscreen for sensitive skin is key
The importance of sunscreen in any sensitive skin care routine cannot be stressed enough. Sunscreen and sun protection is especially important for people with photosensitivity (when your skin has an extreme reaction to UV rays). Opting for products with an SPF of 15 or higher, plus UVA protection, is best.
And while you might think sunscreen will interfere with your body’s ability to synthesise Vitamin D, there is no scientific evidence that people who use sunscreen suffer from a Vitamin D deficiency. However, studies reveal that skin pigmentation can affect the body’s ability to produce Vitamin D, therefore it is easier for lighter skin to produce Vitamin D, than for dark skin countertypes.
We have a wonderful Sensitive Skin range (available at Dischem and Clicks) designed for people with sensitive skin.
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PLEASE NOTE: The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only, and does not provide a substitute for professional medical advice.
If you have any product questions and want to speak to our experts about your skin struggles, you are welcome to #AskCelltone by sending us a WhatsApp message to +27 83 123 4567.
List of references:
6 things you should know about vitamin D
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/6-things-you-should-know-about-vitamin-d
Overview of Hypersensitivity and Reactive Skin Disorders
Sensitive skin: closing in on a physiological cause
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2009.01697.x
Skin color is relevant to vitamin D synthesis
