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Extremely sensitive reactive skin
Answered Friday 17 December 2010 |Share:
Hi Emma,
I'm 29 and have highly sensitive and reactive skin. I have tried so many different products from over the counter to mineral based to spa products and nothing helps. As a result I have terrible break outs around my jaw which I know are also hormonal but lots of blackheads as well and try skin that's dehydrated. As a result I am never without full makeup as u am so embarrassed about how I look. I would love any help I can get...please
Thank sam
Tried to upload photo but wouldn't allow me to do so
Answer
Hi Sam,
It sounds like there are a few things going on here.
Because you are sensitive it is difficult to find something gentle and irritant free, yet effective in keeping your skin clean, which is part of the reason you are experiencing breakouts.
It is very common for people with sensitive skin to react to irritating ingredients within skincare products. These may be things like lanolin, s.d alcohol, artificial colours and fragrance or even harsh foaming agents. You need to find a product range (and this may be through trial and error) which does not contain any of these ingredients to irritate your skin.
Some other tips to control sensitivity and reactivity:
• Avoid using water that is too hot or too cold when cleansing your skin
• Avoid harsh scrubbing/overexfoliating
• Always wear sunscreen to protect your skin. Opt for a physical sunscreen (ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide will reflect UV rays away)
Dermalogica's new Ultracalming range of product has phenomenal state of the art ingredient technology to target and control both nerogenic and immunogenic inflammation. Itc contains the following ingredients:
Red Hogweed (Boerhavia Diffusa) Root extract: The soothing properties restore skin to a normal sensitivity level providing immediate and long lasting effects.
Oat Avenanthramides, which are the active fractions of Oat that have been widely studied and proven to have natural anti-irritant and anti-redness properties; inhibit histamine release.
Ginger and Bisabolol (derived from Chamomile): these act synergistically to reduce inflammation-induced itch, redness and irritation
Good luck Sam and don't give up!
All the nest,
Emma.
Emma Hobson
Skin Expert
