Sensitive and sensitized skin may share the same characteristics but there are significant differences between the two. But what are these differences and what are the effective topical products for sensitized and sensitive skin?
What is sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin is a skin type that is more prone to irritation, and inflammation. This means that people with sensitive skin are likely to experience a reaction to clothes and fabrics, as well as the chemicals, dyes, and fragrances present in skincare products. For people with sensitive skin, this type of reaction will likely have caused problems for many years, and may be associated with non related skin sensitivities like allergies and asthma. Sensitive skin types tend to have a weakened skin barrier which means that the skin is more affected by environmental factors.
Sensitive skin is genetic and this means that it cannot be fixed or altered, and as such it’s really important to choose the right skin care routine and products to help your skin stay healthy.
What is sensitized skin?
Sensitized skin is not a skin type, and is actually a skin condition that can be triggered by a range of factors, including exposure to pollution, UV radiation, harsh chemicals, and frequent use of exfoliating or stripping products. While sensitized skin will have the same appearance as sensitive skin, with irritation, dryness and inflammation, this is something that can be treated and resolved. Two of the main causes of sensitized skin include:
An overuse of skincare products – using too many skin care products that have harsh ingredients and strip the skin of its natural oils can cause dryness, breakouts, redness, inflammation and irritation leading to sensitized skin.
Allergies – an allergy to a skincare product can occur at any time, particularly to the fragrances used in facial products. An allergy to a skincare ingredient can lead to dry, red, inflamed and itchy skin that becomes sensitized.
Choosing the right care routine for sensitized and sensitive skin
To make sure that your skin is well taken care of you will need an effective skin care routine. For the best results, it’s important that you identify whether your skin is sensitive or sensitized first, as the care routine you follow will need to differ depending on the answer.
For sensitive skin a skin care routine can help to soothe, nourish and moisturize the skin for a long term healthy glow. This should involve using a gentle cleanser to remove the daily grime and/or makeup, followed by an alcohol free toner, and then a great moisturizing product to keep the skin healthy.
For sensitized skin it’s important to avoid all triggers, and potential triggers in your skincare products. From fragrances to harsh chemicals, skin care products can have a negative impact on sensitized skin, so it’s essential to make the right choices. A gentle cleanser can be very beneficial as can a gentle toner that can help to restore the skin’s delicate ph balance. Moisturizing is again important for sensitized skin, particularly to help combat the characteristic dry and flaky skin.
What are the most effective topical products for sensitized and sensitive skin?
Here at The Skin and Wellbeing Clinic, we are Preston’s leading aesthetic treatment providers. As clinically trained professionals we offer a wide range of professional skin care solutions and aesthetic treatments. We are also an Approved Retailer of SkinCeuticals, and these are our leading topical products for sensitized and sensitive skin:
Gentle Cleanser – This is a hydrating cleanser that can help to soothe dry and irritated skin and smooth an uneven skin texture.
Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Cream- This is a moisturizing cream that can help to restore and reinforce the skin’s barrier. For those with sensitive or sensitized skin this can really help to reduce susceptibility to environmental factors.
Retexturing Activator – This is a hydrating and exfoliating serum that can help to resurface and replenish the skin, improving uneven skin texture. This is free of alpha hydroxy acids and retinol which often cause reactions for those with sensitized skin.
For more information or advice, why not get in touch with the experts today?
The Skin and Wellbeing Clinic is proud to provide professional aesthetics treatments for clients in Preston, Blackpool, Leyland, Chorley, Kirkham, Blackburn and the North West of England. Our key treatments and services include Anti Wrinkle Injections, Dermal Fillers, Laser Hair Removal, Acne Treatments, Injectable Polynucleotides, and much more.