SENSITIVE OR REACTIVE SKIN INSTANTS

 

Sensitive or Reactive Skin

Sensitive or reactive skin is generally similar to other skin types in terms of structure and appearance, but reacts quickly to stress such as weather, pollution, makeup, etc.) and is prone to redness. Every skin type can be affected by this hyperactivity, which is particularly difficult to treat as it is linked to multiple factors. While the cause is not hereditary (family suffering from allergy disorders), sensitive skin is often temporary and characterized by:

  • Redness in the T zone, around the nose, forehead and chin
  • Sensations of tingling, itching and tightness
  • Skin type aggravation. Dry skin becomes drier and flakes off when it reacts, while oily skin becomes oiler and generates impurities

Factors

Sensitive skin can be considered hyper reactive and is exposed to 2 types of stress: internal and external.

External factors (relating to the environment):
  • Pollution: Airborne pollution in the carbon monoxide released by cars is responsible for increasing skin instability as well as the greater sensitivity of allergic individuals. 
  • Weather: Sudden change of weather, sun, cold, wind and air conditioning
  • Lifestyle: exposure to the sun, tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diet, spices, general fatigue, stress
  • The use of certain cosmetics, soaps or hygiene products unsuitable for the skin

Internal stress factors:

  • Age: the skin of children is more sensitive than that of adults, the reactivity of which often progressively decreases with age.
  • Type of skin: Dry, thin and pale skin is often more reactive than other skin types; however, all skin types (combination, oily) can be intolerant to cosmetics. Statistically speaking, 40% of women suffering from sensitive skin have dry skin.
  • Hormonal factors: women's skin tends to be more sensitive during the premenstrual period and their skin reactivity is modified during pregnancy.

These internal stress factors aggravate skin sensitivity and increase its reactivity. Main causes

  • Cleansing the skin with soap and water
  • Repeated use of unsuitable cosmetics
  • Excessive exposure to the sun, wind, cold, pollution
  • Stress and fatigue
  • Digestive problems
  • Disease and medicinal products (in particular antibiotics)

Actions

  • Create a sensation of comfort and refresh the skin
  • Soften and desensitize
  • Reinforce the skin's natural defenses and rebuild its structure
Treatment

Hope this article helps.