Skin is defined as sensitive, where it routinely responds to internal factors such as hormonal fluctuations, or external stimulants like temperature changes with redness, stinging and itching.
Symptoms of sensitivity
- Redness
- Stinging
- Itching
- Tingling
- Burning
- Tightness
- Dryness
- Flaking
- Swelling
Sensitive or sensitised?
Sensitivity occurs when the nerve endings in the top layer of the skin become irritated as the result of an impaired barrier function. This can be the result of a genetic predisposition – chronic skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and rosacea all exhibit symptoms of sensitivity – but it can also be ‘acquired’ as the result of exposure to environmental aggressors and lifestyle choices.
Whilst sensitivity is largely just a term people use to describe their skin’s intolerance to certain products or environmental conditions, research does suggest that the number of people assigning their skin in this way does seem to be rising. The exact reasons for this are unclear, but evidence suggests it may be the result of the increasing range and volume of chemicals the body is exposed to, both internally through medication and diet, and externally via climate changes, pollution and topically applied products.
Potential causes and triggers
Lifestyle
- High stress levels
- Poor sleep
- Spicy foods
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Time outdoors in ‘the elements’
Environment
- Pollution
- UV exposure ,
- High or low humidity
- Harsh weather
- Central heating and/or air conditioning
Topical products
- Inappropriate skincare products
- Inappropriate use of exfoliating products
- Drying spot treatments
All of these factors can heighten nerve responses or damage the skin’s protective barrier, causing irritation, inflammation and hyperreactivity.
Treating Sensitive Skin
The aim is to restore the natural barrier function and strengthen the skin to make it more resilient and this requires persistence and consistency as treatment needs to be progress and not aggressive.
The First Step:
An initial in-depth consultation and skin health assessment is important to determine potential triggers and design a treatment and management plan suitable for your unique circumstances.
In-Clinic Treatments
The actual treatment options will depend on the severity and triggers to your skin’s sensitivity, but can include the following
Corrective Facials: using products with synthetic ingredients that won’t irritate the skin, and modalities to gently encourage the circulatory and lymphatic systems, corrective aesthetic facials help to calm and hydrate the skin helping to reduce redness and irritation.
Peels – often metabolic rather than generic chemical peels as these contain supportive antioxidant ingredients (primarily Vitamins A&C) that support the skin whilst initiating the skin’s natural healing response.
LED Therapy – red light has a healing and cellular renewal effect.
Microneedling – can be extremely effective at strengthening the skin by increasing collagen production. It also helps by strengthening the blood vessels, reducing the excessive dilation that produces the flushing effect.
Please note it can often be beneficial to combine treatment therapies and bespoke packages attract significant discounts and savings.
Homecare – a suitable homecare regime will be devised for you to follow in between treatments to support the in-clinic therapies. This will be discussed during your initial investigative consultation
