HOW TO DEAL WITH SENSITIVE SKIN

If your face is itching, stinging or burning on a regular basis, and you can’t point the finger of blame at anything in particular, you could be one of many who suffer from sensitive skin.

In a bid to ease your pain, we’ve rounded up some of the most gentle and effective skin care products for those with sensitivity.

WHAT IS SENSITIVE SKIN?

“Sensitive skin is reactive and prone to redness,” says Jocelyn Petroni, skin expert and founder of Jocelyn Petroni. She explains it’s not a skin type but rather a skin condition, something of which that can come and go. The good news, Petroni says, is “it can be treated either topically or with lifestyle changes”. Petroni adds, “A lot of people think they are sensitive and limit their skin care routine as a result.”

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN?

The telltale signs of sensitive skin are what you would expect: redness, inflammation, dryness and soreness. Because sensitive skin is prone to redness, it can also be easily irritated. The science of it, is this: “The natural acid mantle on the skin’s surface may be compromised and weak and thus needs strengthening and repair,” says Petroni. Some sensitive skins have ingredients their skin simply can’t tolerate and suffer an allergic reaction, while others flush red on a continual basis. If you’re unsure of what exactly you’re sensitive – whether it be fragrance or a particular active or natural ingredient – consider getting tested at your local dermatology centre.

WHAT SKIN CARE PRODUCTS SHOULD YOU BE USING?

Petroni says there is a common misconception that if you have sensitive skin, you can’t use strong predicts and active ingredients. “No skin is alike and each skin is sensitive to different ingrediens and lifestyle factors so getting to know your skin and what makes your sensitivity flare up is the key,” says Petroni. “As a general rule, sensitive skins should use products that don’t contain ingredients such as perfume, alcohol, parabens, soaps and other irritants.”

IS IT POSSIBLE TO CURE SENSITIVE SKIN?

“Sensitive skin tends to have a weak hydro-lipid barrier than normal skin,” explains Petroni. “Strengthening the barrier naturally strengthens skin’s resilience and ability to ward off allergens.”

If you have any further skin concerns, contact your local dermatologist.

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[L to R]:

Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser, QV Gentle Foaming Cleanser, Bioderma AtoDerm Intensive & Uriage Crème Lavante