Not all dryness, redness, and irritation of the skin is created equal.

 

If you feel like you're constantly trying to soothe skin issues, you're not alone. Cleansing religiously, exfoliating too often, and topping it all off with a generous layering of strong anti-aging products are just a few of the things that send your complexions into a tailspin. Increasing stress and environmental allergies also make skin more prone to problems.

Despite countless products labelled "for sensitive skin" on shop shelves, treating a sensitive complexion isn't a one-size-fits-all affair. "Sensitive" products that work well for your friend's skin could just as easily wreak havoc on yours, so it's important to get beyond the general label and figure out what's really irritating your skin.

·       Your kin is taut and itchy - It might mean your cleanser is too drying. It's the number one culprit behind unnecessary irritation. Avoid ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium laureth sulphate, harsh detergents commonly used in facial cleansers and soaps that break down the natural lipids in skin. When this happens, it's like a double whammy. Little invisible cracks in the skin form, causing moisture to seep out and allowing irritants in. Suddenly, other products in your routine that didn't irritate your skin before might now.

Try using a gentle cream cleanser such as Cetaphil – you will get this at your Pharmacy, OR Camomile cleanser by Eminence Organic Skincare available at the salon and spa. These will both allow your skin to maintain moisture levels.

 

 

·       Your skin is  sensitive, burning and stinging It might mean: Anti-ageing product overload. Packing too many anti-ageing ingredients into your routine can make skin sensitive as it can affect the skins natural barrier. The more products you use, the greater chance one won't agree with your skin." Second, mixing different anti-ageing ingredients, like retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids—both of which work by sloughing off dead, dull cells to reveal healthier and more youthful skin underneath—means that you're essentially exfoliating twice, which can seriously strip skin and increase the potential for irritation.

Try to stick with a good quality antioxidant vitamin C serum per day and a moisturiser fortified with anti-ageing ingredients. Those that include ingredients that builds up skin's barrier, like hyaluronic or peptides.

·       Your skin is prone to blushing and flushing, sometimes accompanied by tiny red pimples. It might mean that you have rosacea. Characterised by blood vessels that swell and produce redness at the slightest agitation—from cold, heat, wind, stress, or spicy foods—the condition traditionally develops after age 30. The exact cause is still unknown, and specific triggers differ for everyone. What experts do know: A liberal, daily application of an SPF 30 is a must. Sun exposure breaks down the supportive structures, like collagen, around blood vessels, exacerbating redness. Watch your sugar intake as this may make the redness worse.

 

Apply Redness neutraliser serum by Skinceutical-Formulated with patent-pending NeuroMed Complex, Redness Neutralizer prevents and corrects redness associated with rosacea by combating environmental triggers and interrupting the inflammation cascade while protecting the skin’s barrier.Minimises redness flare-ups by controlling hyper-reactivity to environmental triggersCools skin temperature, so  ideal for rosacea as well as sensitive skin types and conditions sunscreen daily to prevent symptoms from getting worse.



                                                                         

Sensitive skin often can not tolerate chemical UV filters, like avobenzone, but physical blockers titanium dioxide and zinc oxide protect without irritation. Try Skinceutical mineral based sun barriers.

For serious, persistent rosacea, see your dermatologist, who can recommend the right treatment for your skin.

 

                 ·       Your  skin is scaly  with   rough patches on the skin

It might mean: You're having an eczema flare-up. When working properly, the top layer of skin acts like a strong film that seals in hydration and protects deeper layers of skin. Eczema-prone complexions suffer from a faulty skin barrier that allows water to easily escape, leading to extreme dryness and flakiness. When irritants like smoke and fragrances then settle on skin, immune cells rush to the area to respond, triggering inflammation. Though 90% of people are diagnosed before the age of five, with symptoms often fading during childhood, eczema is a chronic condition that may make you more prone to dryness and irritation at any age.

To enhance skin's resilience, apply a humectant-based moisturiser after cleansing while skin is still moist. Drink lots of water and take fish oils.