Care

Sensitive skin care. What’s characteristic for irritation-prone skin?

Undoubtedly, face skin care is a demanding task which requires use of appropriate cosmetics. How to make yourself ready for the procedure? What should be born in mind when we want to take care of irritation-prone skin?

Every owner of sensitive skin admits that this is quite a demanding skin type which makes it a really hard one to satisfy and treat appropriately. Sadly, it isn’t possible to eliminate this proneness to irritations completely, yet it’s possible to help the skin get irritated less frequently. First and foremost, it must be realised what harms sensitive skin type so, in other words, it’s important to learn this skin characteristic features.

Sensitive skin. What does it mean?

Many people wrongly interpret sensitive skin as another skin type. The truth is, there are only four basic skin types: normal (kids), oily, dry and combination (which has features of oily and dry skin types). Only within these skin types we can distinguish, for example, acne skin, capillary skin or the very sensitive one. Irritation-prone skin can be dry, oily and combination; it can be either affected by acne or not, it can either feature broken blood vessels or not.

Sensitive skin is truly difficult to define. In general, this skin type is dealt with when it has significantly lowered threshold to various external factors tolerance such as cosmetics ingredients, frost, the sun, urban pollution. Direct causes are the abundant vascularization, visible blood vessels and increased number of receptors.

Sensitive skin – symptoms

There are two groups of symptoms thanks to which it becomes possible to classify a complexion as sensitive – these are objective symptoms (visible with the naked eye) and subjective (our feelings). If exposed to improper care procedures and adverse weather conditions, sensitive skin features the following:

  • roughness and sensation of tightness;
  • itchiness and prickling;
  • roseola;
  • intensified dehydration;
  • telangiectasias, also known as broken capillaries;
  • sometimes acne rosacea.

In general, it can be stated that sensitive skin type reacts by irritation to everything which doesn’t suit it. Depending on situation, the factors can be different: some of them are beyond our control (e.g. weather conditions), other can be changed/prevented (e.g. skin care).

Which sensitive skin type may you have?

In view of the level of symptoms intensity, skin sensitiveness can be completely different for two people. It doesn’t always reveal itself in the same way. Therefore, it has to be born in mind that sensitive skin isn’t just one, clearly defined, always the same skin type. There is a special classification thanks to which we can distinguish four types of sensitive skin:

  • Type I – rosacea is triggered by emotions, temperature changes or alcohol.
  • Type II – irritation and dryness appear as a consequence of being exposed to various weather conditions.
  • Type III – sudden redness, itchiness and stinging appears after a cosmetic application.
  • Type IV – redness, hypersensitivity and skin imperfections appear on period.

Causes of skin sensitivity

It’s impossible to define precisely and unambiguously the reasons of skin sensitivity. In some cases, it’s due to genetic predispositions. Sometimes, it’s connected with particular diseases like, for example, atopic dermatitis. Other causes of skin being too sensitive is the consequence of improper epidermis structure or its damages. However, in most cases, sensitive skin appears suddenly and this can be linked with hormonal fluctuations or exceeding the threshold of skin endurance to regular improper care routine.

SENSITIVE SKIN TYPE – CARE

How to take care of sensitive skin? Gently! It has to be realized that what doesn’t affect normal skin type, it may significantly irritate sensitive skin. Sensitive skin type care requires regularity and fastidiousness because, sometimes, even one inconspicuous ingredient might cause harm.

Cosmetics for sensitive skin

Firstly, they should compose one cosmetic line in order to avoid interaction of various ingredients. The best are hypoallergic products which don’t contain substances that can trigger allergic reactions. These ingredients are: alcohol, preservatives, synthetic colourants and fragrances. Secondly, it’s good when the products have light formula based on water or hydrolate, so they don’t burden the skin. Thirdly, when it comes to make-up removal, in this case, the best solution is to use a gentle micellar lotion, for example. Another issue to mention is the packaging. While choosing cosmetics designed for sensitive skin care, it’s advised to look for the products featuring pumps (not sold in jars) because they can be used longer (longer expiration date) and are protected from bacteria which can gather inside the packaging. Moreover, it’s beneficial when such products feature UV filters so as to shield skin against adverse factors.

Sensitive skin care mistakes

  • Mechanical skin irritations, e.g., forceful skin ribbing while removing make-up.
  • Application of strongly rejuvenating creams – sensitive skin likes delicacy.
  • Application of various cosmetics (creams) at the same time.
  • Frequent cosmetic change – in this case, settling to just one cosmetic works to the skin’s advantage.
  • Testing many new care cosmetics or make-up products.
  • Use of herbal infusions – herbs are frequently allergens.
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