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Sensitive skin is quite fussy, but it doesn’t have to deprive you of the pleasure and benefits of taking care of your face.
All people complain of skin sensitivity at some point. But does this mean we have sensitive skin? The recent T he State of Skin Sensitivity Report found that 71% of adults report having sensitive skin, a figure that has increased by 55% in two decades!
What accounts for this increase? The authors of the research wonder whether the environment and climate changes, heredity, psychological stress, the cosmetic products we use or just our haste to label our skin as sensitive because we read something on the Internet are to blame.
Sensitive skin is a special type of skin. Unlike oily, dry and mixed, its “characteristics” are not visible until a reaction occurs. Again, though: An occasional reaction doesn’t necessarily mean you have sensitive skin. On the other hand, even if you haven’t shown sensitivity so far, it doesn’t mean that something like this won’t happen in the future.
Dermatologists themselves are very careful in the classifications, because the sensitivity can be linked to some other skin condition (atopic or seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea), or it can be an autonomous condition, which each person experiences differently. In the first case, things are clear. But in the second? The suspicion that you may have sensitive skin causes confusion, anxiety, doubts and questions about how to care for it.
What exactly is sensitive skin?
The compass definition has been formulated by the International Forum for the Study of Itch (IFSI): “It is a syndrome defined by the occurrence of unpleasant sensations (stinging, burning, pain, itching, numbness, pulling) in response to stimuli that normally they should not cause such sensations .’ In addition, IFSI states that:
- these disturbing sensations are not explained by any skin disease,
- the skin may appear normal or be accompanied by erythema,
- the sensitivity can appear in all areas of the body, but especially on the face.
If you have this syndrome, you feel a constant worry because everything can trigger and worsen these unpleasant sensations: from the weather and household products, to a new cream or serum you put on your eye. In particular, people with sensitive skin consider cosmetic products to be the main culprit for their discomfort, even a few minutes after application.
Are there practical ways to recognize sensitive skin?
Very often I hear complaints from women and men that this or that cosmetic product caused them some discomfort. If in general your skin shows intolerance and overreacts to most cosmetics, then this is a sure sign that it is sensitive. But you can also do this: run the fingers with light to moderate pressure along the side of the face – if the skin turns red, then it is sensitive.
Which cosmetic ingredients to avoid when you have sensitive skin
Careful label reading is needed here! Avoid products containing alcohol, fragrances, harsh exfoliating agents, dyes and preservatives.
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What is the right skin care routine for sensitive skin?
– Cleaning
This step is completely necessary for your daily care , but it can immediately cause you some reaction, either because you wash your face with very hot water or because you use a product with an irritating texture and ingredients. Try Sensibio Gel Moussant by Bioderma , a product without soap and fragrance, very well tolerated by the skin and eyes, which gently cleanses and removes make-up from the face and eyes, moisturizing and soothing the skin by 86% with the patented DAF complex
– Serum
When you see ceramides , peptides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in the composition , then this is the product that will calm your worries! CeraVe’s Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a light serum for 24-hour hydration with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which helps protect, strengthen and restore the epidermal barrier.
– Hydration
When the epidermal barrier is disturbed, then it is very likely that your skin will show increased sensitivity. That’s why it’s important to keep it balanced with a moisturizer that contains proven, gentle and simple ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.
From La Roche-Posay’s soothing fragrance and alcohol-free Toleriane range , try the Sensitive Cream with ceramides, glycerin and thermal water, which relieves the discomfort of sensitive skin, repairs the epidermal barrier and maintains the balance of the skin’s microbiome.
– Sun protection
You can’t go out in the sun without protection, especially if you have sensitive skin! But you need a non-food product, with filters tolerated by your skin, like Avène’s TriAsorB™ Cream SPF50+ Fragrance Free.
Its innovative filter protects against both UV and blue light, while being non-toxic to three key species of marine biodiversity. Moisturizes the face for up to 8 hours, gives the skin nourishment and softness to the touch, and is an excellent base for make-up.
