Sensitive skin is common when the natural oils produced by the skin are reduced and the skin looses water, for it becomes dry, hot and itchy and may suffer a rash.

1. Do you flush, blush, itch or sunburn easily?

2. Does your skin react when you wear wool or cashmere or come in contact with latex?

3. Does your skin react immediately to certain foods, skin-care products or stressors?

A yes to question No. 1 and No. 2 and you likely have truly sensitive skin, which needs to be managed on a daily basis (further below we suggest the use of two of our products to deal with sensitive skin problems). A yes to only No. 3 and you have sensitivity triggers. Avoiding these triggers can keep your sensitive skin from flaring up.

A sensitive skin is a thin or a fine-textured skin.

Sensitive skin has a low tolerance level to certain products or environmental conditions. Sensitive skin reacts quickly to both heat and cold; therefore, it sunburns and wind-burns easily. It is commonly dry, delicate and prone to allergic reactions. Temperature changes, some detergents, cosmetics and alcohol (used on the skin) can all cause irritation, leaving the skin red and blotchy, with visible surface veins. Different people have different levels of skin sensitivity. Some people may react to a product, while for others it produces no effect. Similarly, some people may have a very severe reaction, while others only have a mild reaction.

Hormones can cause sensitivity changes, especially during pregnancy, menopause, or after a change in hormone-based contraception or hormone replacement therapy. Skin reactions due to hormones often appear gradually.

Certain medications including antibiotics and antihistamines can also cause sensitivity, ranging from itching, hives, rashes or a yellowing of the skin that appears suddenly. In these cases, it’s advised that you contact your physician immediately.

Foods can trigger sensitivity such as rashes or redness that appears shortly after consumption and that may linger for a period of time. The best solution is to identify the trigger food and avoid it.

Allergies are also a common trigger for sensitivity. The same things that can cause respiratory and sinus problems like pollen, dust and chemicals can also trigger skin problems like redness, burning and irritation.

In some cases, a change in water supply can exacerbate sensitive skin. No-rinse cleansers, toners and specialized skin-care products may be the most appropriate solution.

And last, stress – both good and bad – can affect even the most tolerant skin. Blemishes, dehydration, irritation and pigment changes can all result from a lack of sleep, anxiety, depression or just daily stress.

Dealing with Sensitive Skin

Skin is particularly sensitive when there is a reduction in the natural oils produced by the skin and the skin looses water and becomes dry, hot and itchy (this may be an inherited tendency or a response to something irritating the skin), and this usually leads to a rash.

The technical or medical term for such a condition is eczema, or dermatitis as it is sometimes called. It is a group of sensitive skin conditions which can affect all age groups.

In mild forms the skin is dry, hot and itchy, whilst in more severe forms the skin can become broken, raw and bleeding. Although it can sometimes look unpleasant, eczema is not contagious. With treatment the inflammation of eczema can be reduced, though the skin will always be sensitive to flare-ups and need extra care.

In babies, eczema usually starts between two and six months of age; the face is commonly affected and then moves to the front of the knees as they start to crawl.

Eczema varies in severity, but the main problem is usually the itch and this can lead to sleep problems with children.

Management of eczema is based around replacing the body’s natural oils with moisturizers (emollients), avoiding soaps, and using a steroid cream or better our BIOSKINBALM to settle any irritation. (Steroids can have side effects you do not want). Using a proper detergent for clothing also helps.

Eczema Causes

The causes of eczema are many and varied, and depend on the particular type of eczema that a person has. Atopic eczema is thought to be a hereditary condition, being genetically linked. It is proposed that people with atopic eczema are sensitive to allergens in the environment which are harmless to others. In atopy there is an excessive reaction by the immune system producing inflamed, irritated and sore skin. Associated atopic conditions include asthma and hayfever. Other types of eczema are caused by irritants such as chemicals and detergents, allergens such as nickel, and yeast growths. In later years eczema can be caused by a blood circulatory problems in the legs. The causes of certain types of eczema remain to be explained, though links with environmental factors and stress are being explored.

• Atopic Eczema – Sensitive Skin
  Atopic eczema is the commonest form of eczema and is closely linked with asthma and hayfever. It can affect both children and adults, usually running in families. One of the most common symptoms of atopic eczema is its itchiness(or pruritis), which can be almost unbearable. Other symptomsinclude overall dryness of the skin, redness and inflammation. Constant scratching can also cause the skin to split, leaving it prone to infection. In infected eczema the skin may crack and weep (“wet” eczema). Treatments include emollients to maintain skin hydration and steroids to reduce inflammation.
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis – Sensitive Skin
  Develops when the body’s immune system reacts against a substance in contact with the skin. The allergic reaction often develops over a period of time through repeated contact with the substance. For example, an allergic reaction may occur to nickel, which is often found in earrings, belt buckles and jeans buttons. Reactions can also occur after contact with other substances such as perfumes and rubber. In order to prevent repeated reactions it is best to prevent contact with anything that you know causes a rash.
• Irritant Contact Dermatitis – Sensitive Skin
  This is a type of eczema caused by frequent contact with everyday substances, such as detergents and chemicals, which are irritating to the skin. It most commonly occurs on the hands of adults and can be prevented by avoiding the irritants and keeping the skin moisturized.
• Infantile Seborrhoeic Eczema – Sensitive Skin
  A common condition affecting babies under one year old, the exact cause of which is unknown. Also referred to as cradle cap, it usually starts on the scalp or the nappy area and quickly spreads. Although this type of eczema looks unpleasant, it is not sore or itchy and does not cause the baby to feel uncomfortable or unwell. Normally this type of eczema will clear in just a few months, though the use of moisturizing creams and bath oils can help to speed this along.
• Adult Seborrhoeic Eczema – Sensitive Skin
  Characteristically affects adults between the ages of 20 and 40. It is usually seen on the scalp as mild dandruff, but can spread to the face, ears and chest. The skin becomes red, inflamed and starts to flake. The condition is believed to be caused by a yeast growth. If the condition becomes infected, treatment with an anti-fungal cream may be necessary.
• Varicose Eczema – Sensitive Skin
  Varicose eczema affects the lower legs of those in their middle to late years, being caused by poor circulation. Commonly the skin around the ankles is affected, becoming speckled, itchy and inflamed. Treatment is with emollients and steroid creams. If left untreated, the skin can break down, resulting in an ulcer.
• Discoid Eczema – Sensitive Skin
  Is usually found in adults and appears suddenly as a few coin shaped areas of red skin, normally on the trunk or lower legs. They become itchy and can weep fluid. Usually discoid eczema is treated with emollients (and steroid creams if necessary).

Reducing the effect of the house dust mite

It is thought that people who have atopic eczema may be affected by allergens in the droppings of the house dust mite. This mite thrives in warm and moist environments and unfortunately likes to live in bedding, mattresses, curtains and carpets. It is believed that reducing the amount of house dust mites in the home may improve the condition of the skin. This can be achieved in a number of ways, from effective and regular vacuuming, to damp dusting and airing of bedding.

Air pollution not only threatens our health but also our looks!

Every day, air pollution attacks plants and buildings, and for sure, our skin. The presence of oxides, hydrocarbons and particles of heavy metal, particularly iron, blocks normal epidermal respiration, damaging the skin’s natural protective film and promoting the production of free radicals, which accelerate cell aging.

This is why the number of people who suffer from hypersensitivity and allergies – even at a young age – continues to rise.

Delicate, vulnerable sensitive skin with a tendency to redden easily; problems with fragile capillaries, irritability or even allergies. Dry, dehydrated skin, in some cases with a tendency towards oiliness.

These are the characteristics of hypersensitive skin, and dermatologists have noted a constant increase of people with this kind of skin.

This is why BIOSKINREVITALIZER is necessary not only for sensitive skin and mature skin, but also for younger skin. It purifies the skin by getting rid of harmful substances. It also improves the flow of oxygen to skin cells and stimulates cell metabolism, neutralizing the corrosive effect of pollutants, stimulating cell respiration and slowing down the skin’s aging process, which also yields an anti wrinkle effect.

Remember, a healthy lifestyle, a positive attitude and proper skin care can keep you looking and feeling younger and beautiful in your 40′s, 50′s, 60′s and beyond.