Sensitive Skin Symptoms, Causes, And How To Look After It
We all know a basic, trusted skincare routine is a must. However, if you’re someone with sensitive skin, this can be easier said than done.
As a dermal therapist, there are many factors that I tell my sensitive skinned clients to take into account when considering products for their routine. Anyone who falls into this category will know – the last thing you want to be doing is causing irritation or flare ups.
But first, what is sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin is not a medical diagnosis. It’s (generally) just a term used to describe skin that is more prone to reactions (most commonly redness and itching), or one that can’t tolerate certain ingredients in their skincare products.
Most people are born with sensitive skin, it tends to be genetic, and sensitive skins just naturally have a weaker skin barrier. This is why you have to be a bit more considerate and gentle with your approach. Having sensitive skin can lead to, or mean you are more susceptible to, skin conditions like eczema and/or rosacea – they all tend to get lumped in together.
Sensitive skin symptoms can include: redness, dryness, burning when applying certain skincare, rashes, hives, dry skin (that can crack) etc.
Is it really sensitive or is it sensitised?
It’s important to note that sensitive skin is most often always reactive in some way, but lots of people tend to think that they have sensitive skin when really their skin is just sensitised.
There is a difference, because sensitising your skin is something anyone can do themselves via over-exfoliating, excess sun exposure, and it can even be blamed on the climate/pollution.
The good news? It can be reversed.
How to treat sensitive skin
There is no specific way to treat sensitive skin but you can manage the skin to prevent flare ups (and I will die on the following hills!).
Be careful with chemical exfoliants and scrubs that contain acids in high concentrations, as this can strip moisture from the skin and upset the skin barrier.
Avoid hot showers (definitely no super scaldy ones, despite how much we love them) to save drying out the skin.
Tread carefully around fragrances in your skincare as they are a known irritant for sensitive skin. Some may be ok, but most skins will know when something is not right for them. (Essential oils are my arch nemesis in clinic.)
Opt for products designed for a sensitive skin; those that are dermatologically tested, marketed as fragrance free, gentle and/or made for sensitive skin. And yes, this includes sunscreen.
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Hydrated skin = healthy skin.
Incorporate barrier strengthening ingredients in your routine like ceramides, peptides and niacinamide.
Opt for the right vitamin a product for your skin. and if all the options are too confusing, because retinoids are tricky, book a chat with your dermal therapist.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
