Personalize Care of Your Sensitive Skin

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It protects you from your environment, no matter where you are. Anything applied to the skin, such as medical patches, makeup or lotions have the potential to be absorbed into the body.

Types of Skin

There are several common skin types, and you may exhibit characteristics of more than one type, for example, combination skin. Understanding your skin type is important for selecting appropriate skincare products and developing a routine that addresses your specific needs. The most common skin types include:

1. Normal Skin:

   • Balanced in terms of oil production.
   • Few or no blemishes.
   • Small pores.
   • Even skin tone.

2. Oily Skin:

   • Overactive sebaceous glands, leading to excess oil production.
   • Prone to acne, blemishes and blackheads.
   • Enlarged, clogged pores.
   • Shiny complexion, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).

3. Dry Skin:

   • Insufficient oil production.
   • May feel tight or rough.
   • Prone to redness, flakiness, and fine lines.
   • Small pores.

4. Combination Skin:

   • Combination of oily and dry areas.
   • Commonly oily in the T-zone and dry on the cheeks.
   • Requires a skincare routine that addresses both concerns.

5. Sensitive Skin:

   • Reacts easily to skincare products, weather, or environmental factors.
   • Prone to redness, itching, flaking or burning.
   • May have allergic reactions or contacting a substance (contact dermatitis).

6. Mature or Aging Skin:

   • Loss of elasticity and firmness.
   • Fine lines and wrinkles.
   • Dull complexion.
   • Requires anti-aging products with ingredients like retinoids and antioxidants.

7. Acne-Prone Skin:

   • Prone to frequent breakouts and blemishes.
   • Excess oil production.
   • Enlarged pores.

Factors such as age, climate, hormonal fluctuations, and skincare routines may affect your skin type. Additionally, individuals may have skin conditions (e.g., eczema, rosacea, psoriasis) that are not solely determined by skin type.

To determine your skin type, you can observe how your skin feels throughout the day and how it reacts to different products. If you notice frequent dryness, flaking, itching or burning sensations, you may have sensitive skin. If you're not sure, consulting with a dermatologist can provide personalized insights and recommendations. 

 Care of Sensitive Skin Type 

This article will mostly focus on sensitive skin type. Sensitive skin is a common term used to describe skin that is more prone to irritation or adverse reactions than normal skin. You may not notice any problems with products you use until years later, or you may react immediately. People with sensitive skin often experience discomfort, redness, itching, burning, or dryness when exposed to certain products or environmental factors. Various factors can contribute to sensitive skin, and these may include:

1. Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to having sensitive skin. 

2. Skin conditions: Individuals with conditions such as eczema, rosacea, or contact dermatitis may have sensitive skin.

3. Environmental factors: Harsh weather conditions, pollution, and exposure to UV radiation can contribute to skin sensitivity.

4. Ingredients in skincare products: Certain chemicals, fragrances, preservatives, and other harsh ingredients found in skincare and cosmetic products may trigger reactions in sensitive skin. Plant extracts and essential oils, found in "natural" products may also bring about sensitivity.

5. Allergens: Allergens in the environment, such as pollen, pet dander, or certain foods, can also cause skin sensitivity in some individuals.

6. Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can affect skin sensitivity.

7. Stress: Emotional or physical stress can have an impact on the skin, making it more reactive.

Diet & Nutrition Effects on Sensitive Skin

Diet and nutrition can play a significant role in the health of your skin, including sensitive skin. While individual responses to specific foods may vary, there are certain dietary factors that can influence skin health, potentially exacerbating or alleviating sensitivity. Here are some considerations:

1. Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is crucial for maintaining skin health. Dehydration can lead to dryness, flakiness, and increased sensitivity. Ensure you drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day.

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, have anti-inflammatory properties. Including these in your diet may help reduce inflammation associated with sensitive skin.

3. Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Antioxidants help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Include fruits and vegetables with high antioxidant content, such as berries, leafy greens, and colorful vegetables, in your diet.

4. Vitamins and Minerals: Adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is essential for overall skin health. Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc, are particularly important. Sources include carrots, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits, nuts, and seeds.

5. Probiotics: A healthy gut microbiome can positively impact skin health. Probiotics, found in yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods, can support gut health and may have a positive effect on sensitive skin.

6. Limiting Trigger Foods: Some individuals may find that certain foods trigger skin reactions. Common triggers include spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods. Pay attention to your diet and identify any patterns between specific foods and skin sensitivity.

7. Maintaining a Balanced Diet: A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods can support overall health, including skin health. Avoiding extreme diets or food restrictions that may lead to nutritional deficiencies is important.

8. Limiting Sugar and Processed Foods: Excessive consumption of sugar and highly processed foods may contribute to inflammation and skin issues. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible.

9. Individual Sensitivities: Some people may have specific food sensitivities that can trigger skin reactions. Common culprits include dairy, gluten, and certain additives. If you suspect a particular food is causing issues, consider an elimination diet or consult with a healthcare professional.

10. Consult a Dermatologist or Nutritionist: If you have persistent skin issues, it's advisable to consult with a dermatologist or a registered dietitian/nutritionist. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs and help identify any dietary factors contributing to skin sensitivity. 

Remember that everyone's skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's essential to pay attention to your body's responses and make dietary adjustments based on your individual needs and sensitivities.

How to Choose Products for Sensitive Skin

Managing sensitive skin often involves using gentle skincare products, avoiding harsh ingredients, and adopting a skincare routine tailored to the specific needs of sensitive skin. It may also be helpful to identify and avoid triggers that can exacerbate sensitivity. If someone is concerned about their skin sensitivity or experiences persistent skin issues, it's advisable to consult with a dermatologist for proper diagnosis. 

Caring for sensitive skin requires a gentle and personalized approach to maintain its health and prevent irritation. Here are some personalized care tips for sensitive skin:

1. Use a Mild Cleanser:

   • Choose a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic cleanser to avoid irritation.
   • Many contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). This is a harsh industrial detergent that can exacerbate sensitive skin.
   • Opt for a creamy or hydrating cleanser that won't strip your skin of natural oils. 

2. Patch Test New Products:

   • Before incorporating new skincare products, perform a self-patch test on a small area to ensure they don't cause adverse reactions.

3. Fragrance-Free Products:

   • Select skincare and cosmetic products that are free of fragrances, as these can be harsh on sensitive skin. Most contain formaldehyde, alcohol and other potentially harmful ingredients for sensitive skin. Cleure products are all free of fragrance and fragrance masking ingredients. 

4. Gentle Exfoliation:

   • Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week using a mild exfoliant to avoid over-stimulation of sensitive skin. 

5. Hydrate Regularly:

   • Use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without the risk of irritation. Skin care with sodium hyaluronate is excellent for hydration of sensitive skin.

6. Sunscreen Protection:

   • Apply a broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, to protect your sensitive skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.

7. Avoid Harsh Ingredients:

   • Steer clear of skincare products containing alcohol, retinoids, and harsh chemicals, as these can trigger sensitivity. Dyes can also be irritating to sensitive skin.

8. Cool Water for Cleansing:

   • Wash your face with lukewarm or cool water instead of hot water, which can exacerbate sensitivity. Hot water may also make dry skin drier. Use a soft towel to dry your skin.

9. Choose Hypoallergenic Makeup:

   • Opt for makeup products specifically designed for sensitive skin, preferably those labeled as hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.

10. Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet:

    • Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from within.
    • Consume a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids to promote skin health.

11. Manage Stress:

    • Practice stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, as stress can aggravate sensitive skin.

12. Consult a Dermatologist:

    • If you're uncertain about which products or ingredients to use, consult with a dermatologist who can provide personalized advice based on your specific skin needs.

Remember, consistency is key when it comes to skincare. Start with a simple routine and gradually introduce new products to observe how your skin reacts. Once you discover the perfect products and routine that work for you, stick with it. Constantly changing brands can further cause skin issues.  If you experience persistent issues, consult a dermatologist for professional guidance tailored to your sensitive skin.

To make your life easy, Cleure offers a one-stop-shop for all personal care specifically formulated for sensitive skin.