Burning, flushing, itching and dryness can all be signs of sensitive skin. Those who suffer, know that the slightest trigger can cause skin to become irritated and inflamed, as the body’s immune system creates an inflammatory response in order to fight off what it sees as an attack on the skin. Looking at what causes your skin to become sensitive is the first step to restoring a healthy balance and bringing skin back to its optimal condition.
Causes behind sensitive skin
Harmful ingredients in everyday skincare products
Certain skincare ingredients are known to irritate the skin and cause inflammation, but unfortunately many of these are hidden in skincare products that we buy and use everyday. Repeated use of these ingredients on the skin can cause redness and irritation, upsetting the skin and throwing it out of balance, which will eventually lead to longer term effects. At Dermatique, we only use natural ingredients that help the skin to regain strength and recover naturally. This is because, by using the the right products and ingredients, skin sensitivity will reduce and the skin’s natural barrier can be repaired.
The environment
Changes in the weather and harsh conditions can affect the skin and cause sensitivity. This is why in Winter, exposure to cold air and harsh central heating, can cause skin and particularly areas such as the eyes, lips and hands to become dry and dehydrated. This is why it’s essential to keep the skin hydrated and apply a protective moisturiser such as our recuperating cream more frequently during the colder months, to prevent dry skin from developing. The damage caused by the sun can also affect the skin’s natural barrier, causing soreness, itching and redness. Ensure that you always protect your skin in the sun to reduce sensitivity and give skin the space it needs to repair itself.
Stress
When we are stressed and unhappy our immune system becomes compromised, making it more difficult to fight off infection and sensitive skin conditions such as Eczema, Psoriasis and Dermatitis. Ensuring that you have enough sleep, exercising and taking steps to minimise the stress in our lives can all help to reduce the symptoms of sensitive skin and build up a stronger and more resilient immune system.
Diet and Lifestyle
What we eat has more of an effect on our skin and overall health than we think. Foods that are high in sugar are a culprit behind many inflammatory skin conditions. When we consume foods that are high in refined sugars our body releases insulin and harmful free radicals which can damage skin cells. To limit the damage caused by free radicals, the body creates an inflammatory response, which can lead to skin sensitivity. You can limit the irritation caused by sugary foods by cutting back on refined sugars and choosing whole grains, fresh fruits, lean meats and vegetables, all of which can help to repair sensitive skin from the inside out.
Harsh beauty products
Artificial fragrances, mineral oils and harsh chemicals can all lead to irritated, sensitive skin. This is why a high level of research has gone into our products, to ensure that they do not contain any ingredients which could cause sensitivity. Over cleansing, water that is too hot and harsh beauty products can also cause skin to become irritated and sore. If your skin is already showing signs of sensitivity, it may be best to adopt a fragrance free, colour free and paraben-free skincare regime, using products such as our Recuperating Cream to heal and repair.
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