Do you have sensitive skin?
Some people have obvious sensitive skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis and rosacea. But sometimes you may not know you have sensitive skin until you have a reaction to a product - anything from soaps, moisturiser, or makeup.
If your skin reacts and you want to have a second opinion or discuss how to best treat it, you should have a dermatologist, or your doctor check your skin. Depending on the reaction they will be able to assess if it was due to having sensitivity to a product or if there is something else underlining causing your condition.
Sensitive skin conditions can appear anywhere from on your face to your body.
We have encountered and helped thousands of people with common sensitive skin issues by using our Soothing Duo, [HYDRATE] & [RESCUE].
Yes, these products were created to use on your face, but they work just as effectively on your sensitive skin areas throughout your body as well. Thanks to AMPERNA®'s unique probiotic complex these products deliver good bacteria to your skin whilst providing a protective layer against free radical damage.
[HYDRATE] is a lightweight cationic moisturiser with probiotic, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and emollients which nourished your skin, locking in moister.
[RESCUE] contains cooper and zinc gluconates which help limit the spread of harmful bacteria and replenishes your damaged skin barrier. It’s a deeply restorative ‘lotion serum’ that cools and soothes irritated skin.
Common Sensitive Skin Issues
Here are the most common sensitive skin issues and how you can best manage them at home.
Dry skin
Skin becomes dry when it loses too much water and oil. Dry skin can appear anywhere on your body and symptoms cause your skin to:
- itch
- scale or flake
- peel
- feel rough to the touch
- crack and bleed
- appear red or ashy looking
You can treat dry skin by returning moisture to the affected areas. Applying a moisturising cream two to three times per day will help restore moisture and prevent your skin from drying out. Fragrance-free is of course the best option.
When cleansing use a gentle, soap-free cleanser that won’t wash away healthy oils.
Our [BALANCE] Ultra Gentle Soothing Cleanser is designed for even the most delicate skin. The gel formula rinses clean without upsetting your skin's pH
Eczema
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) affects your skin’s ability to protect you from irritants, like everyday germs or chemicals in your laundry detergent. This can make you extra sensitive to products like soaps and cosmetics.
The symptoms of eczema vary widely from person to person. You could notice any of the following:
- dryness
- itchiness
- small bumps that may leak fluid and crust over
- red to brownish-grey patches of skin
- raw, swollen skin
- thick, cracked, or scaly skin
If you have eczema, it’s important to choose sensitive products that won’t irritate your skin. A moisturiser with ceramides like our [HYDRATE] help form a protective layer over your skin.
What are you using to wash your laundry? Try switching to a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic laundry detergent or go green by using what Kiri does called Eco Egg.
Contact dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash that develops when the protective layer of your skin is damaged by something it touches. In most cases, a rash will only develop on the area that directly touches the irritant. Symptoms include:
- red rash
- itchiness
- dry, cracked, scaly skin
- bumps and blisters, which may ooze fluid and crust over
- swelling
- burning
- tenderness
Contact dermatitis usually clears up on its own within a few weeks. The most important thing you can do is figure out what triggered the reaction so that you can avoid it in the future. You’ll want to control the itching while your skin heals. Scratching the area will only make it more inflamed, however it is also likely that the itching means the dermatitis is healing.
Ice the areas that are causing you discomfort. A cool oatmeal bath can soothe blistered, burning skin. You can make your own by grinding oatmeal into a fine powder.
Of course our Soothing Duo will help soothe irritated skin also.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a common skin disease that affects the face. Early signs include blushing or flushing more easily than other people. Rosacea causes extreme sensitivity. Some products may cause immediate burning and stinging. Other symptoms include:
- redness of the face, ears, chest, or back
- a sunburned look
- small bumps and pimples
- visible blood vessels
Lactococcus Ferment Lysate is the hero ingredient in our Soothing Duo. This active probiotic complex helps support the skin's barrier whilst also blocking bad bacteria which is responsible for inflammation. These products should be in every rosacea-suffers skin routine.
Hives
Contact urticaria are hives caused by direct contact with an irritating substance. The reaction from contact urticaria is immediate. Symptoms include:
- welts
- itching
- burning
- tingling
- redness
- swelling
Hives can be triggered by skin contact with things like plants, fragrances, raw foods and ingredients in common bath and beauty products.
If you have contact urticaria, your symptoms should clear up on their own within 24 hours. Treatment focuses on easing symptoms until the rash runs its course.
Common treatments for hives include:
- Oral antihistamines. Antihistamines help fight the excess histamine in your bloodstream. OTC antihistamines, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) tablets, can be taken as soon as you notice symptoms.
- Pain relievers. OTC pain relievers, like ibuprofen (Advil) can reduce swelling and discomfort.
Spotlight on Ingredients for Sensitive skin
So, what should you look for in skin care products that will make them less irritating to sensitive skin?
First, you should start by looking for products that only contain a few ingredients and are fragrance-free.
You should AVOID products containing drying alcohols (like menthol) essential oils/fragrance, ammonia and benzoyl peroxide.
Helpful Ingredients for People with Sensitive Skin
Here are some ingredients we love at the AMPERNA® office that help people with sensitive skin.
Ceramides
Ceramides are natural lipids found within the skin and are an essential part of maintaining the skin's balance. Without the correct balance of ceramides, the skin's barrier can become compromised leading to damage and dryness.
Lactococcus Ferment Lysate
Lactococcus Ferment Lysate is one of the newest topical probiotic ingredients which helps restore and build the barrier function of the epidermis layer.
LFL helps stimulate the production of antimicrobial peptides which keeps your skin cell's health with a fully functioning skin flora. It also provides an increase to the skin retaining the right level of water in the protective barrier.
No wonder its AMPERNA®'s holy grail hero ingredient!
Urea
Urea is a naturally occurring substance found on the surface of our skin. Its function is to keep our skin looking supple and plump. Urea is a humectant which is hydrating for the skin. It works in synergy with other ingredients like lactic acid which is a gentle exfoliator thus enhancing the penetration of other ingredients.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide, also known as B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that works with the natural substances in your skin to help improve uneven skin tone, soften fine lines, minimise enlarged pores, brightens and strengthens the surface of the skin.
Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal Oatmeal is a grounded-up oatmeal that is then made into a liquid. This is a highly moisturising and soothing ingredient which helps reduce irritation caused by eczema and dermatitis. Colloidal Oatmeal has also shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lactic Acid
Lactic Acid helps remove old dull skin cells, speeds up cell turnover and stimulates cell renewal.
Lactic Acid is a larger molecule than other AHAS (like Glycolic) which means it doesn’t penetrate as deep into the layers of your skin. Which is perfect for dry or sensitive skin as it’s a gentler way to exfoliate without being too harsh.
Thanks to its bigger molecule size, it’s also a humectant (a moisture retainer) which helps to increase the natural moisturising factors within the skin
Pentavitin
Pentavitin provides powerful 72 hours of hydration to your skin. Yes, you read that correctly!
Pentavitin is a revolutionary ingredient if you suffer from dry, parched, and itchy skin. This potent ingredient acts as a magnet and penetrates deep into the skin. With its intensive hydration properties, it quenches the skin surface and delivers 72 hours of non-stop hydration.
Pentavitin is an ultra-soothing ingredient suitable for all skin types but is particularly suitable for very sensitive skin. It calms irritation, inflammation, and rebuilds sensitive or damaged skin for total comfort. This gentle ingredient soothes and strengthens your very delicate skin
A secret weapon for your personal skincare regimen.
Other tips to help with sensitive skin
- Watch what you’re wearing. Smooth, soft, natural fabrics, such as fine cotton and silk, feel best worn next to the skin. Cotton is cool where silk is warm; both are absorbent, helping to draw body moisture away from the skin. Rayon and linen are also comfortable for sensitive skin but are heavier than cotton or silk. Clothing should be loose
- Protect your skin from the suns UV rays and wear an SPF and appropriate clothing.
- Avoid having hot showers/baths, warm-cool water is best when you have sensitive skin.
Resources:
7 Tips for Making Your Sensitive Skin Stronger (healthgrades.com)
Sensitive Skin: 10 Causes, Treatments, and More (healthline.com)
