Sensitive Skin: Three Questions and Their Answers

‘Sensitive Skin Needs Special Care’

I often get asked three regular questions when it comes to sensitive skin. I have decided to write them down and the answers I give to my patients in the hope that it will help everyone who suffers from sensitive skin and is not sure of the answers and where to go to get an unbiased opinion or the best skin care regime. So if you suffer from sensitive skin with combination skin concerns or breakouts or not sure which cleanser to use then read more here:

SENSITIVE SKIN

Question 1:

I think many people assume that sensitive skin is linked to dry skin. But that isn’t true, right? During summer I have combination / oily skin that tends to break out. Can’t that also indicate an impaired barrier and skin sensitivity?

Answer:

This is a common problem for many people, in summer we tend to sweat a little bit more and this can cause mild breakouts and an impaired skin barrier can also make this happen, what we need to do is build up and heal the skin and this can be done with the correct skin regime, the NeoStrata Skin Active Range with growth factors, peptides, Vitamin A and glycolic acid is perfect for this to improve the health, function and appearance of the skin. Here I would recommend to start with the day cream, Skin Active Matrix Support SPF 30 and the night cream, Skin Active Cellular Restoration.

Increased sensitivity is sometimes confused with a medical condition known as Rosacea. People with Rosacea tend to get very red on their cheeks and/or forehead and/or chin. Other areas may be involved including the neck and chest. Typically the redness on the skin is associated with hot baths, spicy food, stress, exercise and occasionally no real trigger factor can be found. Rosacea is a collection of fine veins in the skin and the exact reason for it developing is not 100% known. It is more common in women than men and more common in paler skin types and in some cases may be linked to bacterial and even fungal infections.

See Our Rosacea and Sensitive Skin Care Products here

Question 2:

So whether you have sensitive skin that is dry or that is prone to oil, can you use the same type of cleanser?

Answer:

Yes, you can, but I would use a very gentle cleanser like the NeoStrata Facial Cleanser or the SkinCeuticals Simply Clean and control the oil and dehydration by using serums for when this happens to you skin, for example, for the oily times add the NeoStrata Oil Control Gel to those areas and when you feel dehydrated add the Skin Active Dermal Replenishment.

See our Oil Control Skin Care Products Here

Question 3:

How important is the correct cleanser when it comes to treating sensitive skin?

Answer:

The correct cleanser is very important; if you use a cleanser that is too harsh for your skin you will make the problem worse due to the irritation and excessive exfoliation that can take place with active ingredient skin products.

Question 4:

So I have sensitive skin that is prone to oiliness – can I still use exfoliants? And what is the best type to use – scrubs or AHAs (and which type)?

Answer:

Yes, you can still use exfoliants, definitely not scrubs, as they will irritate the skin and actually interfere with the natural pH balance. When this happens the skin produces more sebum and pores become enlarged and blocked and the skin may appear more sensitive. So mild AHA’s are best: I would suggest the NeoStrata Skin Active Exfoliating Face Wash followed by the NeoStrata Ultra Smoothing Cream at night every third night.

Excellent Reads: How To Exfoliate Your Skin & Treating Sensitive Skin: Choosing The Right Ingredients

See Our Exfoliators Here