Sensitive skin care

The term sensitive skin has recently been used very extensively by far too many individuals. The problem with the term lies in the fact that many individuals who claim to have a very sensitive skin may, at some point in there life, have had a reaction to some or other too harsh substance that was used on the skin.

This occurs frequently with ‘over-the-counter’ products as the individual selling them to you is no doubt untrained in the business of proper skin analysis and care. It is therefore important to note that whether or not you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin, chances are that you’ve had a reaction to a skin-care product or cosmetic somewhere on your face or body. For some, identifying which product caused the problem and discontinuing its use is enough to improve the appearance of skin within a day or two. For others, even after you’ve stopped using the item(s), your skin can remain irritated for days or even months.

There are a few simple things you can do to wage a successful battle against your skin’s irritated response.

• Be certain you are dealing with an allergy or sensitizing reaction to a product, and not a skin disorder. Many skin conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea, eczema, folliculitis (an inflammation of the hair follicle), and reactions to food cause irritated, swollen, red, itchy, flaky or rashy skin.

• Find what product(s) or ingredient(s) are causing the problem and stop using them. Sometimes this is a simple enough procedure. If you started using a new concealer and within a few hours that area became red, itchy, and swollen, it is clear that the concealer is the problem. Unfortunately, it isn’t always that easy. What makes this process so difficult is that many skin reactions don’t happen quickly. It may be several weeks or even months or years after you’ve been using a product before your skin has a negative reaction to it. Further, given the number of cosmetic products women use daily, it is no wonder that pinning down exactly which item caused the problem can be a challenge. To make matters even more complicated, it may not be a single product but the combination of products that caused the problem (maybe the concealer isn’t the problem, but the concealer, foundation, and moisturizer together that caused the reaction). The key here is to be patient and diligence, experimenting with the item or items you suspect and then see how your skin responds when you discontinue use.

• While you are combating the allergic or sensitizing reaction do not use any other skin irritants of any kind over the affected area. Fragrances, scrubs, washcloths, AHAs, Retin-A, Renova, benzoyl peroxide, skin lighteners, or other skin-care products with active ingredients can trigger irritation and only add to the problem.

• Avoid saunas, steam, sweating (if possible), or rubbing the affected area, all of which can help re-trigger the reaction.

• If matters aren’t improving after four to six weeks, you should seek professional help. See your dermatologist for an evaluation.
• If you suspect that you are having a serious allergic reaction (in the form of hives, extremely swollen skin and eyes, or red patches over the skin that feel warm or tingle), consult with your physician to discuss the option of taking an oral antihistamine.

Luckily, for those individuals with truly sensitive skin types, most skin care product houses have introduced a ‘sensitive’ skin care line, which usually contains less active ingredients (which are usually the problem) as well as contains ingredients that are non-irritants to the skin as to ensure that you do not over sensitize the skin In conclusion. When dealing with a truly sensitive skin, the best advice is to rather go to a properly trained skin care professional for advice on which skin care products would be best suited for your individual skin type/ condition.