Ask the Expert - Daniela Dobbin, Managing Director at DD Clinical, Chester
How To Treat Sensitive Skin Conditions Such As Rosacea And Acne, Along With Preventative Advice
Sensitive skin is very common but often misunderstood. Even understanding if your skin is genetically sensitive or just sensitised can be confusing. Sensitive skin is a weak protective function of the skin that can be genetically predisposed and often accompanied with stinging, burning or redness and generally experienced on and off throughout life. Sensitised skin can happen to any skin type due to impaired barrier function for any number of reasons or external factors.
As you might have noticed, skin is extremely complicated, some people react to various factors such as environmental changes, cosmetics, nutrition, stress and much more, causing various symptoms varying from redness, irritation, itching or blemishes. So taking note of what triggers your skin and trying to avoid them is a positive step in preventing flare-ups.
When sensitive skin is also accompanied by other skin disorders such as rosacea or acne it can become even more confusing as often people believe strong or aggressive ingredients are best to tackle breakouts or reduce the small spots that are often associated with rosacea. However, regardless of what is happening on the skin, it is important to optimise the skin barrier function and reduce inflammation first before tackling other issues so the skin can function more effectively and optimise skin health.
Here are My Top 3 Tips to Reduce Sensitivity:
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1. Use Ingredients Such as:
Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, niacinamide has been shown to also calm redness and strengthen the barrier.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant, meaning that it defends your cells from free radicals and helps prevent cell damage. Itโs also super moisturising and has been known to aid wound healing so this is for sure an active ingredient your sensitive skin will love.
Ceramides are lipids that are naturally found in the outermost layer of the skin i.e. the epidermis. They basically act as the โglueโ between skin cells, forming a tight seal and helping protect against external contaminants. This active ingredient is great for providing moisture, barrier function and keeping bacteria out. It also improves skin tone, making it feel firmer and plumper.
2. Turn Down the Heat: Avoid foods known to stimulate blood flow, such as alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, red wine, tomatoes and dairy. They could be triggering those flare-ups. Also donโt have too hot showers or baths and avoid sauna and steam rooms. Try not to have the heating or air-con directly angled at the skin.
3. Try to Reduce Stress: The skin is a unique organ that interfaces with the mind, body and external world. How we are feeling can often be written all over our faces! Stress is like fuel for inflammation and chronic stress means chronic inflammation in the skin, so those skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea etc. will be triggered and exacerbated. Stress can also affect skin support structures and barriers, breaking them down, and accelerating the ageing process. Increased oil production leads to more breakouts and makes any skin condition worse.
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