Understanding Sensitive Skin

About 50% Of Adults Get It & It’s Usually In The Summer!

Why Does It Happen?

Nerve cells can overreact to certain stimuli, causing the skin’s outer layer to react differently. It can start to lose elasticity and suppleness, leading to dehydrated, irritable skin.

What Are The Symptoms?

• Tightness or itching
• Burning or stinging
• Dryness
• Rashes or redness
• Blemishes or breakouts

What Can Trigger Sensitive Skin?

• Increasing age
• Very cold, or hot dry climates
• Soaps, cosmetics and perfumes
• Some medications
• Household cleaning products
• Wind, sun, pollution
• Hot baths, showers, swimming pools
• Stress and intense emotions
• Certain conditions like menopause, diabetes, hypothyroidism or kidney failure

How Do You Treat Sensitive Skin:

1. CLEANSE: Use mild, water-soluble, soap-free products in warm water to rid of infection and allergens. Avoid foams, rubbing, and exfoliation. Use creamy cleansers, rinse well and pat dry.
2. MOISTURIZE: Skin needs to keep moisturized to maintain its integrity. Use fragrance free and hypoallergenic products, or apply ointments on very dry areas.
3. SUN PROTECTION: Sensitive skin is irritated by the sun. Use a morning moisturizer with sunscreen, and apply sunscreen every 2 hours if outside. Lotion sunblocks are easier on the skin than spray-ons.

Look For Products That Say:

• For sensitive skin
• pH neutral
• Fragrance and dye free
• Lanolin, Sulfate, paraben free
• Hypoallergenic – less risk of allergic reaction
• Non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic – does not cause acne
• Clinically Proven – product was given to consumers to try, but has not received approval from the FDA.

Avoid Product Labels Such As:

• Anti aging
• Exfoliating
• Chemical peel
• Antibacterial
• Fragrance or aromatherapy
• Isopropyl alcohol or ethanol
• Sodium chloride
• Salicylic acid or willow bark
• AHA acids such as glycolic acid
• Parabens
• Lanolin
• Surfactants such as: Sodium lauryl sulfate or Ammonium lauryl sulfate
• Soaps such as sodium tallowate or cocoate