Expert tips on banishing skin dryness, itchiness and other external triggers
By Samantha Francis
(Photo: Shutterstock)
When you think of sensitive skin, does the image of flaky, unsightly red patches come to mind? Or, constant breakouts no thanks to certain sensitivities? While all these are obvious signs of irritation, you might be experiencing sensitive skin without even knowing.
To clear the air once and for all, we speak to experts to find out what you need to know.
Identifying Sensitive Skin
According to Dr Rene Rust, Senior Director, Expert Science of Global Consumer Skin Health at GlaxoSmithKline, dry and sensitive skin can be categorised as a skin type as well as a skin condition.
It can be attributed to both genetics as well as the skin’s exposure to various triggers over time. Facial irritation, level of skin reactivity, redness, heat and stinging sensations are all attributed to the level of skin sensitivity.
To know if you have sensitive skin, observe whether your skin has the tendency to break out frequently as a reaction to internal or external triggers.
Irritation or discomforts are frequent signs of sensitive skin as well as slight red patches, areas of excessive dryness, itch, tightness or a stinging sensation.
Using Hypoallergenic Products
With beauty aisles full of products that cater to a plethora of skin types from oily to sensitive and combination skin, it can be stressful trying to pick the right one for reactive skin.
Dr Rene Rust says: “I would typically recommend that people with sensitive skin use hypoallergenic products that are designed for their skin type and avoid using too many different skincare or cosmetic products, and keep switching products to a minimum.”
Tried and tested
This hypoallergenic toner has plum extract to alleviate skin stress. (Photo: Laneige)
To improve overall skin condition, try the Laneige Essential Power Skin Refiner ($42), a mild and moisturising hypoallergenic toner with plum extract to alleviate skin stress due to external stimulation. The complementing Laneige Essential Power Emulsion ($44), is a hypoallergenic emulsion that shields sensitive skin with a moisture barrier.
Keep your sensitive skin well moisturised with soothing ingredients. (Photo: Etude House)
Keep your sensitive skin well moisturised with the Etude House True Relief skincare range, which includes the hydrating Etude House True Relief Moist Cream ($27.90). The low-irritant moisture care line contains the brand’s signature True Relief Complex – made of plant-based ingredients derived from apricot, chestnut and chicory, which are known for their ability to improve, soothe and strengthen skin that is easily prone to irritants.
Calm facial redness and restore comfort to irritated skin. (Photo: Physiogel)
To boost your skin’s natural barrier, the Physiogel Calming Relief Face Cream ($37.90), can help reduce facial redness and restore comfort for more soothed and even toned skin. Its fast absorbing formulation also provides immediate and long-lasting relief from dryness with regular use.
Caring for your complexion
On the whole, sensitive skin should avoid negative factors such as pollutants as much as possible. With a hypoallergenic skin care routine and proper hydration, sensitive skin can eventually build up stronger structural integrity, a more resilient lipid barrier, and better prevent irritants from penetrating the skin.
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of Weekender, Issue 155, June 24 – July 7, 2016, with the headline ‘How to: Care for sensitive skin’.
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