Sensitive and Reactive Skin

Sensitive and reactive skin is not pleasant at the best of times, and unfortunately it makes finding skincare difficult. The last thing you want to do is try 100 different options, leaving you in more pain that when you started. But, you’re desperate to solve the issue once and for all.

Sensitive Skin

Having a skin easily irritated and reddened is often caused through a build-up of chemicals in the body and on the skin. We often refer to it as sensitive skin. It may be associated with a skin being sun-damaged, it may be genetic or caused through using harsh, dehydrating products on the skin.  It can affect all skin types and ages, is difficult to treat and more difficult to live with. The skin is always dehydrated and under a woods lamp is invariably inflamed. It is these which treatment should be focused on.

Reactive Skin

Skins can be reactive, as in they become red and hot very easily, often with the use of products or simply with touch. Reactive skin is not always sensitive. This does sound a little weird however a purely reactive skin may not be dehydrated or inflamed. Many rosacea sufferers have reactive skin which, over time may become sensitive as well.

Simple lifestyle and skin care changes can make a huge difference to both sensitive and reactive skin concerns

• use chemical-free skin care and avoid perfumes
• use a lactic acid or enzyme-based gentle cleanser twice daily – even if you have acne/oily skin
• nourish your skin with antioxidant serums such as Vitamin B and growth factors.
• introduce active ingredients to your skin one at time and take it slowly
• drink lots of water
• stop smoking and decrease stimulants in your diet such as alcohol and caffeine
• decrease the sugars and processed foods in your diet – increase good oils, greens and proteins.
• manage stress and ensure sufficient sleep.
• often 3–6 months of adding Super Foods including a Certified Organic Probiotic to your diet can really make the difference.

The best skincare for sensitive skin

When starting on a new skin care regime, skin care for sensitive skin should always start slowly – one product at a time and not when you are stressed.  Initially your skin may feel drier, a little tight and even flaky. This is your epidermis being strengthened – give it 2–3 weeks and this feeling will subside. Use more moisturiser and you’ll find a D20 spray such as CosMedix Mystic,  or Osmosis MD Boost will help during this time.

If you have uneven skin tone or some pigmentation you wish to treat, if you strengthen and hydrate your skin over 2-3 months first you will reap the rewards far quicker. Sensitive skin treatment should always revolve around improving hydration and skin barrier first before targeting other issues.

Sensitive skincare products to get you started

An excellent starting routine  is Aspect Dr Redless AM and PM with CosMedix Remedy.

Add CosMedix Serum 16 as your vitamin A – 2nd or 3rd nightly in 2-4 weeks in the PM and use the Redless then only in the AM. Sensitive skin products need to be slowly added and not over-done. Stick to a few considered products where possible.

Don’t forget your SPF, we suggest the CosMedix Hydrate+ and use as much moisturiser as required. Osmosis MD Boost or Cosmedix Mystic during the day and CosMedix Rescue at night is excellent for the really dry, sensitive more mature skins ; they will become your favourite friends!

Apply your moisturiser when your skin is damp; it assists with penetration.

Moisturisers for sensitive skin

Aspect SMC; Super Moisturising Cream, CosMedix Emulsion mixed with some Cosmedix Rescue; am and pm., Osmosis MD Quench or Immerse.  If you can tolerate a zinc sunblock CosMedix Hydrate + is perfect.

Sunblocks for sensitive skin

If you cannot tolerate any sunblocks including zinc based ones try Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush . This product has been designed with you in mind!!

Did you enjoy this? Why not Share it?