SENSITIVE SKIN - Your guide to calm and comfort

Anyone with sensitive skin knows the constant challenge of maintaining a calm complexion amidst various lifestyle factors like weather, diet, and new products.

Sensitive skin occurs when nerve endings in the skin's thin surface layer are hyper-reactive and more vulnerable to both internal (e.g., stress, food allergies) and external (e.g., weather, fragrances, harsh exfoliants) triggers. While often genetic, skin sensitivity can also be caused by factors that provoke dermal reactions in any skin type.

But fear not! There are several simple ways that we can keep irritation, flaky patches and red blotches at bay. 

1. Choose skincare formulations that are sensitive skin-friendly

Look for facial skincare products that are labeled as suitable for sensitive skin - most will often be fragrance-free and shouldn’t strip the skin of its essential oils. Sun protection is also crucial for keeping sensitive skin comfortable, so make sure that your sunscreen is also suited to your needs.  

Keep an eye out for soothing/calming ingredients, like Chamomile extract, Resveratrol, Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera to reduce aggravation and restore balance. The iS Clinical Hydra Intensive Cooling Masque delivers powerful hydration with soothing botanical antioxidants to calm any redness and inflammation, even supporting skin with eczema or in need of sunburn relief.

2. Protect and defend your skin barrier

One characteristic of sensitive skin is that it’s often thinner and more fragile than non-sensitive skin. As such, the surface stratum corneum layer is more prone to damage, allowing irritants and allergens to penetrate the skin, get reactive and allow valuable hydration to be lost. Check out: Control Corrective Sensitive Skin Enzyme Mask 

Over-cleansing or exfoliating too often can cause irritation, as can long, hot showers, certain fabrics or laundry detergents, cosmetics, new medications, or a change in seasons. It helps to take stock of any recent changes to your skincare routine or lifestyle factors when flare-ups do arise, so that you can proactively manage what your skin needs. This could look like:

• Lathering on a ceramide-heavy moisturizer to fortify your compromised skin barrier 

• Keeping to shorter, warm showers

• Patch testing new products before using them on your face

• Switching up skincare or house-cleaning products

• Minimizing the intake of certain foods

• Limiting sun exposure while your sensitized skin heals

• Reducing stress levels.

When sensitive skin is well cared for, the benefits are significant. You can look forward to a clearer, more supple complexion, building a resilient base that allows your inner glow to shine through. 

With love,

Milene