Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin (or reactive or hyper-reactive skin) is defined as skin that reacts with redness and/or subjective symptoms (pricking, burning, pain, etc.) to stimuli that are not pathogens in themselves (e.g. wind, heat, cold, water, cosmetics and stress). This phenomenon is very frequent, occurring in about 50% of the European population.

A sensitive skin is a thin or a fine-textured skin. It reacts quickly to both heat and cold; therefore, it sunburns and windburns easily. It is commonly dry, delicate and prone to allergic reactions. Temperature changes, some detergents, cosmetics and alcohol (used on the skin) can all cause irritation, leaving the skin red and blotchy, with visible surface veins.

If you have this type of skin then adhere to the following advice:

• Use sun-screen lotions or creams. Choose products that do not contain potential allergens such as fragrance or PABA sunscreens.
• Wash your face with mild cream cleansers such as Dermaheal Gentle Cleanser, rinse thoroughly and pat the skin dry with a soft towel; do not use rough towel.
• Don't use toners on your skin unless you use witch hazel
• Never use any makeup or perfume without first trying a little of it on the inside of your wrist to see the reaction of your skin to it, for very few items of makeup agree with a sensitive skin.
• One simple treatment is to maintain optimum skin moisture through the use of moisturizers. These moisturizers should also be free of the irritants mentioned below, especially parabens, surfactants, fragrance and artificial colours. They should also be made of natural ingredients, not artificially manufactured chemicals.

The following is a list of skin care ingredients to AVOID if you have redness and rosacea:

alpha lipoic acid , acetic acid, allantoin, balsam of peru, benzoic acid, camphor, cinnamic acid, cinnamon oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil, DMAE, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl myrisstate, lactic acid, menthol, parabens, peppermint oil and quarternium -15.

Your skin has natural oils that keep it moisturized. As our skin ages, it loses some of its ability to generate these moisturizing oils. The skin can also dry out as a result of elements such as wind, rain and sun. And of course, washing and rubbing our skin can cause a loss of these natural oils. This then causes the skin to become dry.

Medical studies show that almost 50% of all individuals with sensitive skin also suffer from dry skin. See dry skin above Dry skin is intimately linked to sensitive skin. When your skin becomes dry, it starts to crack. These cracks then allow the various irritants into the deeper and more sensitive layers of your skin. This causes more pronounced irritation to your skin. Dry skin can lead to prolonged skin sensitivity or reaction to irritants. Not only can various irritants penetrate the cracks in dry skin, but these cracks or crevices in the skin actually trap the irritants, making it harder to remove the irritant and therefore prolonging the sensitivity reaction to the irritant.

The following is a list of sunscreens which cause sensitivity.

Avoid avobenzone , paba, benzophenone, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, octyl methoxycinnamate, methylbenzylidene camphor, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid.

Sunscreens to USE for sensitive skins

Micronised zinc oxide is recommended for oily skins especially if you have sunscreen sensitivity

Activities to AVOID if you have sensitive skin.

Avoid any activity or ingredients that might provoke an inflammatory reaction.

Avoid steam rooms, don't sit by fires, you may be sensitive to chlorine in swimming pools.

Home Therapies:

Lamelle's Barrier repair cream and Dermaheal Gentle Cleanser is specially developed for sensitive, dry or atopic skins. Dermaheal Gentle Cleansers and Moisturisers contain a very high concentration of powerful anti oxidants, that are normally produced by the skin, and deposits these anti oxidants where they are needed, in the epidermis. Thioredoxin and Copper tripeptides also present in the formulations ensure optimal skin protection and signalling.

In addition, Danne's Beta Gel Solution, Betagen Crème and Contraderm boost your skins immune system and reduce swelling, redness and inflammation, allowing healthier skin cells to fight back, These immuno-boosting serum are specially formulated for acne, burns, sunburn, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, premature aging, sluggish skins, super sensitive skins and anyone who needs increased healing and skin regeneration.

In Office Therapies:

At Skin Renewal we in office combinations of Danne Aqua de herb facials and transdermal mesotherapy with Danne Betagen gel, Danne solar damage gel and Dermaheal SRS to improve the appearance and the sensitivity of the skin. PDT therapy with the red light is a powerful anti inflammatory treatment as well. As each patient's case is different; we will tailor a treatment program specifically for you and your circumstances. A highly professional team led by a medical doctor assesses every patient and an appropriate treatment together with long term maintenance program is recommended dependant on expectations, budget, time and medical conditions.

Skin Renewal Tip:

A Danne Aqua de herb enzyme facial followed by transdermal mesotherapy treatment with Danne Beta Gel, Solar Damage gel and Dermaheal SRS solution provides a powerful combination of immuno boosting and anti ageing properties. A series of 4 treatments every 2 weeks together with maintenance treatment every month and home therapies is needed to maintain the skin's immune system and reduce sensitivity.