Being sensitive isn’t just for women, and that goes for skin. On the other hand, while many people claim they have sensitive skin, only 10% actually have a clinical condition. Redness, itchiness, tight-feeling skin, and discomfort are all symptomatic of hypersensitive skin, but when do the signs add up to a condition?
Contrary to popular belief, hyperreactivity is not the exclusive purview of the dry-skinned. Sensitive, irritable, or intolerant skin is not a matter of type, like dry or oily, but a condition, like having skin that is acne prone or dehydrated.
How can I identify it?
In many cases, sensitive skin doesn’t come with any outward signs, which makes it hard to diagnose. Unless there are visible symptoms like irritation or redness, which are actually caused by an allergic reaction, sensitive skin can be recognized by the sensations it produces. Burning, warmth, or uncomfortable tingling are all messages from the skin saying “There’s something wrong!”
Sensitive skin tends to “overreact” to several factors—changes in temperature, sun exposure, stress, emotions, etc. Luckily the reactions tend to fade rather quickly. The skin’s tolerance levels are simply much lower than the norm. Although it’s a more common condition among the fair-skinned, any shade and type of skin can be sensitive.
Is there a cure?
Although atopic—sensitive—skin can produce sudden reactions to irritating products or hormonal imbalances, it is generally a permanent condition that shows up early in life.
So how do I get rid of the discomfort? The best thing to do is avoid irritants: choose mild, rinse-free cleansers; avoid sudden, extreme changes in temperature; and cultivate a loving relationship with Esthederm’s Sensi System care line.
Reeducate your skin
At Esthederm, we don’t just soothe skin, we reeducate it. Experts have developed a line of products using technology that reinforces the skin’s natural defence system, reduces sensitivity, and lastingly improves tolerance levels. This tones those burning sensations right down and settles the skin’s reactivity to levels approaching normal.
The product line includes a milk and a lotion for extremely gentle, rinse-free cleansing, making it worry-free for even the most sensitive-skinned. It also features an eye contour cream that’s perfect for dealing with puffy, red skin in this fragile area. Last but not least, the line includes two moisturizers, for two different levels of skin tolerance and reactivity: Protective Calming Cream, which desensitizes the skin, and Calming Biomimetic Cream, which restores and strengthens skin.