If you have sensitive skin, you’ll be all too aware of the wide variety of emotional and environmental factors that can affect it - from a change of weather, to household pets, stress and even dust. Read on to discover more about the triggers of sensitivity and how you can protect your skin from them.
What causes it?
Sensitive skin is caused by nerve endings in the top layer of skin becoming irritated. This occurs because your skin’s natural barrier function is weakened and has broken down due to a trigger. Common causes of sensitive skin can include:
• Sun exposure
• Exposure to air pollution
• Frequent changes in temperature
• Cold, harsh weather
• Hard water (water with higher mineral content)
• Very hot water
• Lack of sleep
• Hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy
• Stress and late nights
• Chlorine in swimming pools
• Dry skin
• Dehydration
How common is sensitive skin?
More people than ever consider themselves to have sensitive skin, and a recent European study found that up to 52% of participants reported sensitivity of some kind.
The severity of skin sensitivity, however, can vary from occasional reactions, to extreme sensitivity that occurs on a daily basis. This kind of everyday reaction can cause discomfort, dry, flaky patches, blemishes and redness, which in turn has a knock-on effect on a person’s confidence, mood and self-esteem.
How do I know if I have sensitive skin?
If you aren’t sure whether you have sensitive skin, take a look at these common signs below. If you experience any of them, you may need to use skincare that provides a little extra comfort and protection.
Sensitive skin:
• Often feels tight and uncomfortable
• Is sometimes sore or sensitive to touch
• Needs extra hydration in winter
• Dries out during flights
• Can be oily in summer
• Flushes easily after a spicy meal or drinking alcohol
• Has patches of redness that may or may not fade
• Has areas of uneven texture, with dryness and flakiness
• Reacts to skincare
• Becomes itchy or develops a rash after contact with irritants
• Can feel itchy after wearing coarse, synthetic fabrics
• Turns red and dries out after a hot shower or bath
• Becomes irritable after continued washing with hard water
What makes sensitive skin worse?
If you’re suffering from skin sensitivity, there are a few ways of making sure it doesn’t get worse and the skin’s natural barrier isn’t further weakened. First of all, try not to touch your skin or scratch any itches, and keep your hands clean at all times so as not to spread bacteria.
Next, apply a high-factor sun protection to your face and body, as exposure to the sun and its harmful UVA and UVB rays can further irritate the skin. Don’t forget that UV rays are present all year round, even when it’s cloudy and grey outside.
Finally, make sure to check the ingredients in your skincare and cosmetics as this can be a common cause of irritation. If you suspect your skin is reacting to a product you’re applying, strip back your routine and only use very simple formulations until your skin has returned to normal.
Recipes:
At the beginning: |
44ml Basiscreme High Classic
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Later on: |
44ml Basiscreme High Classic
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Remark: Evening primrose oil nanoparticles or Vitamin E nanoparticles help to strengthen the skin lipid barrier. Depending on skin type, other oils can be used instead of jojoba oil. Macadamia nut oil - strongly smoothes and fattens the skin. Apricot stone oil - spreads easily and penetrates well, it is suited for the care of normal and young skin. Avocado oil - has a high percentage of phytosterols as well as of the vitamins A, D and E, it mainly has soothing and regenerating effects. Wheatgerm oil - contains many plant sterols and essential fatty acids, which are necessary to restore the protective barrier of the skin. The oil is slightly dabbed onto the skin and spread. |
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Cream that faciliates regeneration |
44ml DMS®-Basiscreme High Classic
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Reviving cream for sensitive and irritated skin |
44ml DMS®-Basiscreme High Classic
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Cream for sensitive cream |
44ml DMS®-Basiscreme High Classic
or: |
Cream for dry, sensitive and dehydrated skin |
44ml DMS®-Basiscreme High Classic Plus
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Sensitive skin with ageing syndrome |
Reinigungsmilch mit DMS®, Gesichts-tonic, DMS®-Peelingcreme, Augengel plus and cream: 44ml DMS®-Basiscreme High Classic,
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