How can I soothe and nourish my sensitive skin?
Published on: 02/08/2017Sensitive skin is an irritating and upsetting issue – and it affects 62% of women in America alone. On two fronts it’s frustrating – as it causes visible issues as well as producing unseen symptoms. Naturally, it’s a condition we’re asked about frequently – as often women with sensitive skin are desperate to find products that will alleviate the discomfort without aggravating symptoms. So what causes sensitive skin, and how can you work to combat it?
Choose natural
The beauty industry is largely unregulated – and sadly this means that many formulas for skin washes, creams and toners contain harsh chemicals that are less than helpful for those with sensitive skin. Many (such as parabens, phthalates and sodium lauryl sulfate) actively damage the top protective layers of skin, cause sebum imbalance or promote dryness and collagen loss. Fortunately, there are plenty of products on the market that are formulated using gentle natural extracts rather than synthetic agents that strip and sensitise skin. The rule of thumb when choosing natural products is simple – if you don’t recognise any of the ingredients on the list, it may be best to give it a miss. Most natural products will include the ingredient’s recognised name alongside its scientific identification.
Opt for medically developed skincare
In addition to checking labels to ensure that the products you opt for favour natural ingredients, it’s also a good idea to only trust companies and formulas with scientific skincare at their heart. Some may baulk at this suggestion – as typically medical creams are prescribed by doctors and can contain harsh chemicals or thick, sticky formulas that add to discomfort and lack of confidence. When we say medically developed, we refer to clinically created formulas like Nefera – skincare products that use cutting-edge technology and scientific research to ensure that they don’t harm or irritate skin.
Home remedies can be useful – but tread cautiously
The rise of beauty bloggers and vloggers has seen an increase in viral home remedies that promise to solve a wide range of common ailments and skin complaints – from acne and eczema to wrinkles, vitiligo and age spots. Whilst lots of these articles and videos are well meaning, often the home remedies they promote (and their claims) are unsubstantiated and haven’t been fully researched. It’s really important to take care when trying natural masks and remedies at home, as plenty of natural ingredients can be harmful and damaging for skin. Take lemon juice for example – often included in ‘lightening’ face masks. It is highly acidic, so when applied even to less sensitive skin it can burn and cause redness, irritation and dryness. It’s also potentially phototoxic – so could cause chemical burns when it comes into contact with sunlight.
Speak to a dermatologist
If sensitive skin is affecting your confidence and has an impact on your overall enjoyment of life, it may be worth chatting with a professional. Many treatable skin conditions can fall under the umbrella of ‘sensitive skin’, including Eczema and Rosacea. A dermatologist or skin specialist will be able to conduct a full evaluation of your skin and make recommendations to ensure that you develop a routine that will protect your skin rather than damage it further. To book an appointment with Dr Kazem at one of his international clinics, please get in touch.
Need clinically developed support for sensitive skin? Trust Nefera’s formula, created by renowned plastic surgeon and skin specialist Farid Kazem MD. Discover more about our formulas here.
