Whether you’ve always been prone to sensitive skin or have suddenly started to suffer from inflammation, we feel you. Unfortunately, a number of factors can affect our skin and lead to common skin sensitivities but there are steps you can take overcome this!

From the weather and our environment to the water and what we eat, read on as we count down 7 sensitive skin triggers and the best products to counteract them!

 

Firstly, though what is sensitive skin exactly?

Contrary to popular belief sensitive skin isn’t actually a skin type. Unlike dry, normal, oily and combination skin, sensitive skin is not determined by how much sebum a person’s skin produces, in fact those who have dry or oily skin types can also have sensitive skin! Sensitive skin instead refers to a range of conditions, from facial redness, rashes, broken capillaries and inflammation to burning sensations, itchiness and breakouts!

And yes, you might be thinking that most people are likely to have at least some sort of skin reaction in their lives whether it be to a product or ingredient for example, those with persistent issues are classified as having sensitive skin.

 

What are the triggers for sensitive skin? and the best way to treat it?

 

1. The weather

Harsh weather conditions be it low temperatures, strong winds and extreme heat can strip the skin’s natural protective barrier compromising our complexion as water escapes and irritants get in! Skin can look and feel irritated from redness and itchiness to inflammation.

Solution: While we can’t change the weather (although often wish we could!) you can turn down the heating in the winter and lay of the air conditioning unit in the summer.

Also inflamed skin needs calming, so look for products with soothing ingredients like calendula, chamomile aloe and azulene extract.

Try; Pevonia’s Sensitive Skin Line. Comprising of a cleanser, lotion, moisturiser and serum, this best-selling collection effectively controls sensitivity, soothes skin irritation and diffusing redness.

2. Over exposure to the sun

Ten minutes in the sun and before you know it you are looking and feeling somewhat flushed in the face! This is because UV rays from the sun triggers oxidative stress and inflammation in the skin.

Solution: Integrate abroad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher into your daily routine (yes that’s right daily, even in winter!) Fragrance-free and natural sunscreen formulated with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are best, oh and wear a hat too!

Try: Medicalia Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield. A true triple threat, this smooth, tinted sunscreen contains an exclusive mineral formula including both zinc and iron oxides to shield skin from harmful sun rays, blue light AND pollution! It delivers all-natural protection with the addition of zinc oxide which acts to form a protective seal over the skin to reflect blue light away. It rubs into skin seamlessly without leaving a white cast or greasy residue behind. And even better, the formula is reef-safe and works for all skin types and tones. So worth the investment in my books!

 

3. Taking hot (not warm) showers

We all love a hot shower or indulgent bubble bath, especially on a cold winters night but this luxury can lead to taut, itchy, uncomfortable skin – all common signs of sensitivity.

Solution: it’s simple enough switch to lukewarm water or at least turn the heat down! Always use a gentle cleanser and apply a nourishing moisturiser packed with ceramides as soon as you come out.

Try Medicalia Gentle cleanser. Formulated with a unique natural blend of soothing Green Tea, Chamomile, and Oat Amino-Acids it beautifully cleanses skin both thoroughly and gently while preserving the skin barrier and reducing symptoms of inflammation!

4. Additives in skincare and cosmetics

It doesn’t matter what you seem to put on your skin, it reacts! This is because people with sensitive skin typically have a much weaker, thinner and more easily damaged skin barrier making it easier for irritants to penetrate the skin and cause unwanted inflammation!

Solution: Don’t overload your skin with multiple products or use skincare with harsh ingredients. Opt for gentle and hypoallergenic formulations specifically designed to address sensitive and reactive skin and always use mineral makeup as it contains no chemical nasties and will allow skin to breath freely.

Try; Phytomer Douceur Intemporelle Restorative Shield Cream. It’s an outstanding comforting cream with a beautifully light consistency which literally rescues skin by strengthening it’s protective barrier.  It soothes, calms and comforts skin, conveniently remedying red patches.

5. Alcohol

You love a good glass of wine in the evening but have noticed every time you indulge you get a flush face and a rash even? This is because alcohol is a stimulant and can cause an allergic reaction in some people. The sulphites used in wine are meant to preserve it, however exposure to sulphites induce a number of adverse reactions including the majority of common skin sensitivities.

Solution: Buy preservative free alcohol. Yes, it’s a thing! And for every glass of wine consumed, drink two glasses of water!

 

6. Specific foods

Certain food choices can sadly lead it skin inflammation. It’s best to avoid foods such as peanuts, wheat, eggs, cow’s milk, soy and shellfish which are among the most common culprits. The itchiness caused by these foods and subsequent scratching can then lead to flare-ups or worsening of sensitive skin symptoms!

Solution: Make sure your daily diet is rich in foods such as anti-inflammatory asparagus, red onion, tomatoes, broccoli, berries, peppers, olives oil and avocado.

 

7. Pollution

Every day, our skin is in contact with atmospheric pollution and more specifically ozone and PM2.5, microscopic fine particles (basically soot). These pollutants can stick to the skin, and the smallest particles may even penetrate down to the epidermal cells causing oxidative stress. The result? people with sensitive skin suffering from inflammatory skin conditions are faced with further inflammation.

Solution: Use pollution proof skincare!

Try: Phytomer Citadine Citylife Face & Eye Contour Sorbet Cream. A combination of three marine sugars create the active ingredient, CITYSAFE^®, to depollute, cleanse and oxygenate the skin. CITYSAFE^®, along with blue and red algae’s and Phytomer’s patented seawater concentrate – Oligomer®, reset skin repairing damage caused by pollution. CITYLIFE not only sweeps away toxic micro particles but provides an ultra-moisturising facial experience too!