Why do I have sensitive skin?

Your skin type

Sensitive skin has become more common. We used to have only three types of skin defined in skincare products… normal, oily and dry. Then combination came along to cover those people whose skin was dry in some areas and oily in others or a combination of normal and oily or dry. Sensitive skin has only been recently given a whole category of skin care to itself but has also been a skin type that continues to grow.

So why has sensitive skin become so common?  We define sensitive skin as skin that reacts easily and in a negative way to a number of substances with symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching and discomfort.

Some schools of thought say that the increasing number of chemicals in our food, in the water we drink, in our food, in our household cleaners, in our homes and cars – all contribute to a chemical overload on the body. Our bodies can only process so much of these chemicals and we become more and more sensitised as time goes by.  Long term exposure can have this effect in the same way people can have a reaction to a food that they have been able to eat all their lives and then suddenly start developing worse and worse reactions each time they eat it.

Sensitive skin can run in families, you can have a genetic predisposition to having sensitive skin and may do so since early childhood.

How do we reduce this overload?

• Replace toxic cleaning products and do some research on old favourites that are non toxic such as vinegar and baking soda and how to use them.

• See if you can incorporate more foods into your diet that are grown organically where chemical sprays are not used on the plants or the soil they are grown in.

• Make sure your drinking water is as pure as it can be – invest in a filter.

• Treat your sensitive skin gently with gentle yet effective cleansers that have no soaps, detergents or sulphates like our skinsaviour cleanser.

• Wash in lukewarm water and pat dry to avoid over stimulating and irritating sensitive skin.

• Patch test all your products you use on your skin on the inside of the wrist for a few days to see whether you have any reaction.

• Use a moisturiser that has been carefully formulated for sensitive skin that is free of harmful chemicals, colourings, perfumes, all that can irritate sensitive skin.

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Waxing and sensitive skin

Is redness normal after waxing?

Most people suffer from some degree of redness and irritation when they undergo waxing.  Waxing at its most basic is literally pulling the hairs out by the roots so the area waxed has undergone some trauma. We all react so individually, the degree of redness, soreness and irritation will vary widely from person to person.  If the area waxed remains sore and red and is still causing you discomfort after 24 hours, seek medical advice as you may have an allergy to the waxing products used.

If you have sensitive skin and are worried about how it will react to waxing –ask a salon if they will do a patch test on your leg to see how your skin reacts to it. Most salons are happy to do this for you.  XXX Skinsaviour is a product that is specially formulated to use after treatments such as waxing, micro dermabrasion , laser and so on and helps to reduce redness and irritation of the skin, calming and soothing. You can see these products at xxxskinsaviour.com.

What can I do about it?

• Ensure the wax is not too hot before using.
• Following correct procedure and ensuring the hair is removed in the direction of the hair growth.
• Applying a cold compress, an ice pack or having a cold shower can all help to reduce the redness and swelling.
• Clean the area with a cleanser with calming, soothing ingredients.
• Follow with a moisturiser that is hydrating, calming and soothing to help minimise the redness.
• Refrain from having hot showers afterwards for several hours.
• Avoid sun exposure, even if you use sunscreen.
• Don’t exfoliate for a few days before or after waxing.
• Find a salon that is happy to do a patch test first for you.

The entire content of sensitiveskinsaviour.com is for information purposes only.
View our Disclaimer Statement