Did you know that 50% of the population believe they have sensitive skin? But often they are mistaken and actually have sensitised skin. 

So what is the difference?

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is a chronic condition to which you are genetically predisposed. It presents from a young age and should be diagnosed by a dermatologist. It can be controlled through correct skincare and lifestyle factors. However incorrect management can trigger a flare up. 

Sensitised Skin 

Sensitised skin is a temporary condition which can be treated. It is triggered when something in the environment changes the skins normal function. We can all experience a sensitised skin reaction and is often self diagnosed. 

The two are often confused because the presenting symptoms are similar. Which includes redness, dehydration, itching and burning.

What are the causes?

Sensitivity is caused by nerve endings in the top layer of skin becoming irritated because of a compromised skin barrier. Our barrier function is the skin's natural form of defence and water retention. When our barrier is impaired, it allows for harmful environmental toxins and allergens to enter the skin. Water inside your body would then evaporate, leaving your skin dehydrated. This then allows structural and cellular changes to occur, resulting in an autoimmune response. 

Sensitive skin types have particularly thin skin and often less pigment which leads to an easily compromised skin barrier. Blood vessels are often closer to the skin surface causing thread veins to appear and easily stimulated by environmental factors. 

Treatment recommendations

In order for our skin barrier to be in good health it needs to be protected in order to function properly. Our recommendation to strengthen and calm sensitive and sensitised skins is to cleanse, prevent, correct and protect. 

Here are some of our favourites:

CLEANSE

Medik8 Calmwise Soothing Cleanser 150ml

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Sympathetic to sensitised skin, Calmwise™ Soothing Cleanser helps to control the appearance of redness at its root cause; providing fast relief for red, irritated skin. The foaming cleanser helps to calm daily environmental stress, soreness and surface irritation by improving the skin's barrier function and maintaining hydration. Fortified with naturally green chlorophyll for its healing and antioxidant properties, skin strengthening vitamin C to help improve skin health and patented teprenone to calm discomfort and inflammation. Impurities and make-up are gently cleansed away and skin is left comfortable, hydrated and detoxified without being stripped of its natural protective oils. The lightweight foam also helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores and uneven skin tone.

PREVENT

Skinceuticals Serum 10 30ml

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An ideal introductory, daily-use antioxidant for all skin types (including sensitive), Serum 10 contains a synergistic blend of 10% pure vitamin C and 0.2% ferulic acid to neutralise free radicals caused by environmental aggressors and help prevent damage that leads to premature signs of ageing. In addition to antioxidant benefits, it also improves the appearance of existing visible signs of ageing.

CORRECT

Skinceuticals Redness Neutralizer 50ml

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A lightweight gel-cream formulated to minimise the appearance of flushing, soothe discomfort, and help prevent flare-ups, Redness Neutralizer contains an advanced NeuroMed Complex of palmitoyl tripeptide-8 and eperua falcata bark extract to decrease skin temperature and fight the environmental triggers that cause irritation. Proven to reduce the appearance of redness and improve the skin’s smoothness and radiance, this hydrating treatment also contains calming bisabolol and antioxidant vitamin E.

SKINCEUTICALS

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A moisturising, daily-use sunscreen, Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50+ contains a highly effective combination of UV filters for optimal protection from sun damage that leads to discolouration and premature signs of ageing. Featuring Mexoryl® SX and SL, Tinosorb® S, Uvinul A+® , and titanium dioxide, this lightweight formula is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.