Saturday, December 14, 2019
Once you determined that you have a sensitive skin type, you can start developing your own skin care routine.
In my opinion sensitive skin is the most challenging type because it could react to any new product or even to environmental changes such as pollution, wind or temperatures.
According to American Academy of Dermatology around 50% of Americans report having sensitive skin and estimates a much higher number globally.
There are actually 2 types of sensitive skin: true sensitive skin and sensitized skin.
1. True sensitive skin is caused mainly by genetics and/or other medical conditions (psoriasis, eczema, allergies and others). You cannot really treat (aka get rid of) this type of sensitive skin, but you can manage it with the right skin and medical care routine.
2. Sensitized skin is caused by years of exposure to environmental irritants, pollution, and years of cosmetic and skin care products that might be harsh and not suitable or just overwhelming for your skin. You can manage well this type of sensitive skin or even repair it all together by establishing proper skin care routine and using proper skin care products. (The International Dermal Institute)
Signs of symptoms of true sensitive and sensitized skins overlap.
What are the symptoms of Sensitive Skin?
The main thing for you is to look for products with minimal list of ingredients (no more than 10).
Avoid products with alcohol, fragrances, parabens – they all damage the lipid barrier of your skin and cause it to break out and over dry.
Consider trying products that have a note on them “for rosacea” or “for psoriasis” even though you do not have those conditions. The reason being is that such products are designed to accommodate itchy, irritated, dry and reactive skin.
Please, do not fall for labels saying “for sensitive” skin, because you really do not know how your skin will react to any component of the product. My sister had a bad irritation to a cucumber face lotion that promised to deliver “calming and soothing effect for sensitive skin”. To this day we do not really know which ingredient prompted to such reaction.
Try to buy new products in sample sizes before purchasing full size products. You can order samples from amazon or eBay. Also, Sephora is very generous with samples.
Always perform a patch test before applying a new product to your full face. Even if there is an ingredient that will make your skin react, at least it will be on a small patch, not your whole face (and neck).
Something very obvious, but I think still worth mentioning: know your allergens and triggers; avoid those all the time.
The main goal in your routine is to preserve lipid (oily) barrier on the surface of your skin (this barrier protects your skin from environmental triggers, pollution and also prevents your skin from drying).
It could be tempting to layer your skin with multiple products (especially if you read about Korean skin care routine, where women apply up to 10 different products to skin in PM routine). However, you would want to avoid that as you do not want to overload your skin with too many products and introduce too many ingredients. It could be just too overwhelming for your delicate skin.
Morning routine for Sensitive Skin
1. Cleansing
It is a very important step in the skin care routine for any skin type. It could be challenging for sensitive skin as you are trying to remove all dirt off and still not to irritate your reactive skin.
DO NOT use hot water. As simple as it sounds, avoiding hot water could really help to eliminate breakouts and inflammation. Hot water is quit hash on the skin and removes lipid barrier much faster than lukewarm water. So, DO make sure that you are using comfortable temperature water that will not make your skin “angry”.
DO NOT use foamy cleansers as they contain sodium laurel sulfate which is very harsh on the skin (in fact, foamy cleansers should not be used regardless the skin type).
Consider using milky creamy cleansers or even old-fashioned bar soaps as they contain natural fats and oils.
Skin cleansers and Soaps for sensitive skin
Aveeno Ultra-Calming Hydrating Gel Facial Cleanser – this facial cleanser is clinically proven to effectively remove dirt, oil, pollutants, and makeup. The gentle face wash is formulated with Calming Feverfew, an ingredient related to Chamomile, and Nourishing Oat, two of nature’s effective and proven ingredients for sensitive skin. The non-drying formula containing exclusive Polymeric Cleansing System leaves your sensitive skin soothed and healthy-looking day after day. This gel cleanser is fragrance-free, soap-free, non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic.
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin – is an effective, yet extraordinarily mild facial cleanser formulated with a skin nourishing polyglycerin formula that helps hydrate and protect skin while it cleans. This hydrating cleanser is fragrance free, and ideal for dry, sensitive skin. In fact, it’s so gentle that it’s safe on even the most sensitive skin conditions, such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser effectively cleanses pores, gently removing excess oil, dirt and makeup, and leaves skin clean and feeling moisturized.
Vanicream Cleansing Bar – this soap bar has been specially developed for people who want to avoid common chemical irritants found in ordinary soaps. This unique formula, enriched with Vanicream Skin Cream, moisturizes while gently cleansing the skin. Your skin will feel clean, fresh and soft without feeling dry or irritated. Ideal for face, hands and body
Basis Sensitive Skin Bar – this soap bar is made with an ultra pure gentle cleansing formula that does not contain any fragrance or dyes. It contains natural botanicals chamomile and aloe vera, which soothe and comfort skin. Your skin is left clean, calm, and comfortable.
2. Toner
Toners do not “tone” anythings as your might think from the name (they do not make your skin firmer or stronger).
However, toner is an essential step in skin care. Toner is applied right after cleansing and drying skin with a towel.
Well-formulated toner is designed to further remove residual dirt and makeup. Toners sooth and moisturize skin after cleansing and prevent it from drying out. Good toner also reduces inflammation, infuses skin with antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients and prepares your skin for the next steps in your skin care routine.
Look for lightweight toners that moisturize skin, have sebum control properties and minimize pores.
Toners for Sensitive Skin
Neutrogena Oil- and Alcohol-Free Facial Toner – helps refresh your skin with Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner. This refreshing facial toner works to cleanse and tone without stripping skin of its natural moisture. Its formula contains mild purifiers that work to gently remove impurities and help recondition skin. This toner is also alcohol-free and leaves skin feeling fresh and clean without any dryness or stinging.
Face n Earth Sensitive Skin Toner Cucumber & Chamomile – gives calming effects to inflamed Acne-prone and Rosacea skin types when used with cleanser. Colloidal Silver has reportedly cleared up inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, dermatitis and a variety of rashes.
A O Power Moisture Facial Toner Moisturizer – contains mild, low-irritant ingredients. Guaiazulene extracted from Chamomile soothes your skin and increases antioxidant activity. Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Fermented Extract and Saccharide Isomerate provide extreme moisture supply.
ISNTREE Aloe Vera Soothing Facial Toner for Dry and Sensitive Skin – this contains 80% of aloe vera extract from Jenu, and delivers the abundant moisture of aloe directly to skin, lowers skin heat, and smooths external stimulus sensitivity.
3. Serums or Essences/Ampoules (optional)
This is an optional step for you, but you might consider it.
Serums or Essences are infused with concentrated amount of ingredients that are designed to target specific issues: dehydration, clogged pores, fine lines and wrinkles, dull and sagging skin, age spots etc.
For sensitive skin type choose lightweight treatments that absorb fast and do not cause your skin to feel overwhelmed and “heavy”.
Remember, with sensitive skin type you do not want to overburden your skin with too many products, so consider skipping this step altogether.
Serums and Essences for Sensitive Skin
Bielenda Rose Care Multiphase Face Serum for Sensitive Skin – is the perfect way for a systematic sensitive and fragile care of the skin, prone to irritation or hypersensitivity. Its components contribute to a significant improvement of the skin quality, soften and protect against water loss. Its rich Hydro-Lipid formula effectively moisturizes and nourishes, and enhances the quality of epidermis prone to drying.
Murad Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum – calms and soothes redness and irritation.
Innisfree The Minimum Ampoule Essence – hypo-allergenic product that has minimal amount of ingredients and specifically designed for sensitive skin.
Cosmedica Organic Rose and Witch Hazel Toner – hypoallergenic spray toner that is free from Sulfates, SLS, Parabens, Silicone and DEA/MEA. It contains rosewater and witch hazel.
1. Cleansing
Evening cleansing is one of the most crucial part of your skin care routine. You need to remove all the dirt, pollution and environmental irritants that accumulated on your skin during the day.
For the evening routine you might consider double-cleansing method when you perform 2 steps of cleansing: first, you remove makeup and dirt with oil and second, use non-foaming cleanser that you used in the morning.
Using cleansing oil will help you to dissolve oil based products, dirt, makeup, sunscreen and so on, and non-foaming cleanser will wash everything off. Also, cleansing oil will protect lipid barrier of your skin, which is very important for sensitive skin type.
Cleansing Oils for Sensitive Skin
bareMinerals Oil Obsessed Total Cleansing Oil -gently removes impurities while also nourishing the skin. This oil is perfect for all skin types, even the most sensitive ones.
Wandering Seoul No.35 Camellia Cleansing Oil – combines Camellia oil with legendary Olea Europaea (Olive) fruit oil. It also has a blend of botanical skin care superstars, including coconut oil and sweet, naturally scented Bergamot. The result is a weightless, easily absorbed cleansing oil jam-packed with vitamins A, B, and E and rich in Omegas 3, 6, and 9.
2. Exfoliating.
Sensitive skin type needs exfoliation like any other skin type. Exfoliation helps to remove blackheads, dead skin build up, clear acne and clogged pores. We already learned that washing skin vigorously with harsh soaps and cleansers is not a good solution for any skin type, especially the sensitive one.
This is when exfoliants come into play.
DO NOT use physical exfoliants (aka scrubs or manual exfoliation). These exfoliants contain some sort of ground down natural products (coffee, nuts, stones, plants etc). Even though pieces are small, but they are still able to create mini tears in your skin which will cause irritation, redness and breakouts. Nowadays the shift is towards chemical exfoliants as they do not damage outer layer of the skin, do not strip it off healthy skin oil, and work on deeper skin layers than physical exfoliants.
Chemical exfoliants such as AHAs (alpha hydroxy acid) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acid) are quite gentle and suitable for regular use (for sensitive skin it would be once a week). Such exfoliators are great to brighten skin by removing the layer of dead cells; they also clear clogged pores and prevent blackheads formation. A good tip would be to use a very mild from of chemical exfoliation and apply it for half a time that is indicated on a product label.
Thank you.
Stay beautiful!!!!!!!!
Source This Article
In my opinion sensitive skin is the most challenging type because it could react to any new product or even to environmental changes such as pollution, wind or temperatures.
According to American Academy of Dermatology around 50% of Americans report having sensitive skin and estimates a much higher number globally.
What causes sensitive skin?
There are actually 2 types of sensitive skin: true sensitive skin and sensitized skin.
1. True sensitive skin is caused mainly by genetics and/or other medical conditions (psoriasis, eczema, allergies and others). You cannot really treat (aka get rid of) this type of sensitive skin, but you can manage it with the right skin and medical care routine.
2. Sensitized skin is caused by years of exposure to environmental irritants, pollution, and years of cosmetic and skin care products that might be harsh and not suitable or just overwhelming for your skin. You can manage well this type of sensitive skin or even repair it all together by establishing proper skin care routine and using proper skin care products. (The International Dermal Institute)
Signs of symptoms of true sensitive and sensitized skins overlap.
What are the symptoms of Sensitive Skin?
- You probably have sensitive skin if you have:
- Dry, itchy and flaky skin
- Your face turns red easily. Cold weather, wind, cleansing, or stress easily turn your face red and flashy
- Your skin is prone to rushes, bumps and pimples. When you try a new skin care product with unknown ingredients, you skin usually reacts and starts going red and bumpy.
- Your skin reacts to fragrances from perfumes and deodorants to laundry detergents.
Tips for buying skin care products for Sensitive Skin
The main thing for you is to look for products with minimal list of ingredients (no more than 10).
Avoid products with alcohol, fragrances, parabens – they all damage the lipid barrier of your skin and cause it to break out and over dry.
Consider trying products that have a note on them “for rosacea” or “for psoriasis” even though you do not have those conditions. The reason being is that such products are designed to accommodate itchy, irritated, dry and reactive skin.
Please, do not fall for labels saying “for sensitive” skin, because you really do not know how your skin will react to any component of the product. My sister had a bad irritation to a cucumber face lotion that promised to deliver “calming and soothing effect for sensitive skin”. To this day we do not really know which ingredient prompted to such reaction.
Try to buy new products in sample sizes before purchasing full size products. You can order samples from amazon or eBay. Also, Sephora is very generous with samples.
Always perform a patch test before applying a new product to your full face. Even if there is an ingredient that will make your skin react, at least it will be on a small patch, not your whole face (and neck).
Something very obvious, but I think still worth mentioning: know your allergens and triggers; avoid those all the time.
Skin Care Routine for Sensitive Skin
The main goal in your routine is to preserve lipid (oily) barrier on the surface of your skin (this barrier protects your skin from environmental triggers, pollution and also prevents your skin from drying).
It could be tempting to layer your skin with multiple products (especially if you read about Korean skin care routine, where women apply up to 10 different products to skin in PM routine). However, you would want to avoid that as you do not want to overload your skin with too many products and introduce too many ingredients. It could be just too overwhelming for your delicate skin.
Morning routine for Sensitive Skin
1. Cleansing
It is a very important step in the skin care routine for any skin type. It could be challenging for sensitive skin as you are trying to remove all dirt off and still not to irritate your reactive skin.
DO NOT use hot water. As simple as it sounds, avoiding hot water could really help to eliminate breakouts and inflammation. Hot water is quit hash on the skin and removes lipid barrier much faster than lukewarm water. So, DO make sure that you are using comfortable temperature water that will not make your skin “angry”.
DO NOT use foamy cleansers as they contain sodium laurel sulfate which is very harsh on the skin (in fact, foamy cleansers should not be used regardless the skin type).
Consider using milky creamy cleansers or even old-fashioned bar soaps as they contain natural fats and oils.
Skin cleansers and Soaps for sensitive skin
Aveeno Ultra-Calming Hydrating Gel Facial Cleanser – this facial cleanser is clinically proven to effectively remove dirt, oil, pollutants, and makeup. The gentle face wash is formulated with Calming Feverfew, an ingredient related to Chamomile, and Nourishing Oat, two of nature’s effective and proven ingredients for sensitive skin. The non-drying formula containing exclusive Polymeric Cleansing System leaves your sensitive skin soothed and healthy-looking day after day. This gel cleanser is fragrance-free, soap-free, non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic.
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin – is an effective, yet extraordinarily mild facial cleanser formulated with a skin nourishing polyglycerin formula that helps hydrate and protect skin while it cleans. This hydrating cleanser is fragrance free, and ideal for dry, sensitive skin. In fact, it’s so gentle that it’s safe on even the most sensitive skin conditions, such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser effectively cleanses pores, gently removing excess oil, dirt and makeup, and leaves skin clean and feeling moisturized.
Vanicream Cleansing Bar – this soap bar has been specially developed for people who want to avoid common chemical irritants found in ordinary soaps. This unique formula, enriched with Vanicream Skin Cream, moisturizes while gently cleansing the skin. Your skin will feel clean, fresh and soft without feeling dry or irritated. Ideal for face, hands and body
Basis Sensitive Skin Bar – this soap bar is made with an ultra pure gentle cleansing formula that does not contain any fragrance or dyes. It contains natural botanicals chamomile and aloe vera, which soothe and comfort skin. Your skin is left clean, calm, and comfortable.
2. Toner
Toners do not “tone” anythings as your might think from the name (they do not make your skin firmer or stronger).
However, toner is an essential step in skin care. Toner is applied right after cleansing and drying skin with a towel.
Well-formulated toner is designed to further remove residual dirt and makeup. Toners sooth and moisturize skin after cleansing and prevent it from drying out. Good toner also reduces inflammation, infuses skin with antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients and prepares your skin for the next steps in your skin care routine.
Look for lightweight toners that moisturize skin, have sebum control properties and minimize pores.
Toners for Sensitive Skin
Neutrogena Oil- and Alcohol-Free Facial Toner – helps refresh your skin with Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner. This refreshing facial toner works to cleanse and tone without stripping skin of its natural moisture. Its formula contains mild purifiers that work to gently remove impurities and help recondition skin. This toner is also alcohol-free and leaves skin feeling fresh and clean without any dryness or stinging.
Face n Earth Sensitive Skin Toner Cucumber & Chamomile – gives calming effects to inflamed Acne-prone and Rosacea skin types when used with cleanser. Colloidal Silver has reportedly cleared up inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, dermatitis and a variety of rashes.
A O Power Moisture Facial Toner Moisturizer – contains mild, low-irritant ingredients. Guaiazulene extracted from Chamomile soothes your skin and increases antioxidant activity. Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Fermented Extract and Saccharide Isomerate provide extreme moisture supply.
ISNTREE Aloe Vera Soothing Facial Toner for Dry and Sensitive Skin – this contains 80% of aloe vera extract from Jenu, and delivers the abundant moisture of aloe directly to skin, lowers skin heat, and smooths external stimulus sensitivity.
3. Serums or Essences/Ampoules (optional)
This is an optional step for you, but you might consider it.
Serums or Essences are infused with concentrated amount of ingredients that are designed to target specific issues: dehydration, clogged pores, fine lines and wrinkles, dull and sagging skin, age spots etc.
For sensitive skin type choose lightweight treatments that absorb fast and do not cause your skin to feel overwhelmed and “heavy”.
Remember, with sensitive skin type you do not want to overburden your skin with too many products, so consider skipping this step altogether.
Serums and Essences for Sensitive Skin
Bielenda Rose Care Multiphase Face Serum for Sensitive Skin – is the perfect way for a systematic sensitive and fragile care of the skin, prone to irritation or hypersensitivity. Its components contribute to a significant improvement of the skin quality, soften and protect against water loss. Its rich Hydro-Lipid formula effectively moisturizes and nourishes, and enhances the quality of epidermis prone to drying.
Murad Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum – calms and soothes redness and irritation.
Innisfree The Minimum Ampoule Essence – hypo-allergenic product that has minimal amount of ingredients and specifically designed for sensitive skin.
Cosmedica Organic Rose and Witch Hazel Toner – hypoallergenic spray toner that is free from Sulfates, SLS, Parabens, Silicone and DEA/MEA. It contains rosewater and witch hazel.
Evening Skin Care Routine for Sensitive Skin
1. Cleansing
Evening cleansing is one of the most crucial part of your skin care routine. You need to remove all the dirt, pollution and environmental irritants that accumulated on your skin during the day.
For the evening routine you might consider double-cleansing method when you perform 2 steps of cleansing: first, you remove makeup and dirt with oil and second, use non-foaming cleanser that you used in the morning.
Using cleansing oil will help you to dissolve oil based products, dirt, makeup, sunscreen and so on, and non-foaming cleanser will wash everything off. Also, cleansing oil will protect lipid barrier of your skin, which is very important for sensitive skin type.
Cleansing Oils for Sensitive Skin
bareMinerals Oil Obsessed Total Cleansing Oil -gently removes impurities while also nourishing the skin. This oil is perfect for all skin types, even the most sensitive ones.
Wandering Seoul No.35 Camellia Cleansing Oil – combines Camellia oil with legendary Olea Europaea (Olive) fruit oil. It also has a blend of botanical skin care superstars, including coconut oil and sweet, naturally scented Bergamot. The result is a weightless, easily absorbed cleansing oil jam-packed with vitamins A, B, and E and rich in Omegas 3, 6, and 9.
2. Exfoliating.
Sensitive skin type needs exfoliation like any other skin type. Exfoliation helps to remove blackheads, dead skin build up, clear acne and clogged pores. We already learned that washing skin vigorously with harsh soaps and cleansers is not a good solution for any skin type, especially the sensitive one.
This is when exfoliants come into play.
DO NOT use physical exfoliants (aka scrubs or manual exfoliation). These exfoliants contain some sort of ground down natural products (coffee, nuts, stones, plants etc). Even though pieces are small, but they are still able to create mini tears in your skin which will cause irritation, redness and breakouts. Nowadays the shift is towards chemical exfoliants as they do not damage outer layer of the skin, do not strip it off healthy skin oil, and work on deeper skin layers than physical exfoliants.
Chemical exfoliants such as AHAs (alpha hydroxy acid) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acid) are quite gentle and suitable for regular use (for sensitive skin it would be once a week). Such exfoliators are great to brighten skin by removing the layer of dead cells; they also clear clogged pores and prevent blackheads formation. A good tip would be to use a very mild from of chemical exfoliation and apply it for half a time that is indicated on a product label.
Thank you.
Stay beautiful!!!!!!!!
Source This Article