All that you need to know about sensitive, acne-prone skin.

-Written by Ujjvala

Before using a new skincare product, it is essential to test it on the skin to check if there are any allergic or adverse reactions. People with Sensitive skin must test the product to save themselves from allergens and banknotes.

What is sensitive skin? Is it being sensitive to harsh products or the toxins in the environment?

Sensitive skin is characterised by the emergence of unpleasant sensations (stinging, scorching, pain, itchiness, and prickling) in response to stimulation that should not elicit such senses. This type of skin may appear normal or may have erythema(a type of skin rash). Sensitive skin can affect any part of the body, but particularly the face.

Sensitive skin people report exaggerated reactions when their skin comes into contact with beauty products, soaps, and sunscreens. Also, the skin gets aggravated when exposed to dry and cold weather.

People with hyper-reactive skin may have a thin skin barrier and a smaller intercellular area. This results in greater permeation of water-soluble chemicals within the skin. Skin sensitivity can be determined by some skin parameters such as the barrier functioning of the skin, cellular size, and the level of irritation after applying a product. 

Let us glance at some causes of sensitive reactions and look at how fragrances, pH, and ingredients of products are important to consider for sensitive skin.

Causes of Sensitive Skin Reactions:

• Eczema, rosacea, and allergic contact dermatitis are examples of skin disorders or allergic skin reactions.

• Skin that is too dry or wounded to safeguard nerve endings, resulting in skin reactions 

• excessive exposure to skin-damaging external factors such as the sun, cold, and wind.

The Challenges of Sensitive Skin

When you have sensitive skin, it's normal to feel as if you're being denied. We were denied the opportunity to try all of the latest great products that so many people enjoy using and getting great results from. The incredible masks and peels that work miracles for others only inflame your skin even more.

Sometimes, you notice overstated reactions to what you ate or drank on your skin. Alcohol may cause flushing and redness.

How can fragrance irritate the skin?

The fragrance is produced by the reaction of volatile compounds, which means it is ejected when certain chemical compounds react with one another. This is usually not good for the skin, particularly if it is already sensitive due to skincare ingredients.

What's interesting is that your skin doesn't always have to be allergic to fragrances for it to respond negatively to the perfume in a product. Adulteration of certain products can irritate the skin even if it isn't sensitive.

For those with sensitive skin, we recommend using fragrance-free products. This is because they may aggravate itchiness or inflammatory processes. Hypoallergenic products are also safer options. It is critical to check the label to confirm that these formulas do not contain harmful ingredients. When it comes to cosmetics, hypoallergenic means that the products/ingredients are unlikely to produce an allergic reaction.

The Significance Of Ph Balance For Skincare

Since the pH of the skin affects several factors that contribute to its general health, Skin with a pH below 5.0 is fitter, more moisturised, and has a firmer barrier function than skin with a pH above 5.0.

Our skin is shielded by something known as the "acid mantle." This acid mantle is responsible for our skin's pH, which ranges from 4.0 to 7.0 on average. It serves to protect our skin from microbes, fungi, pathogens, and environmental toxins, as well as make it soft and smooth.

Disrupting this layer can lead to dehydrated and flaky skin. Hence, it is necessary to use pH-balanced products.

Ingredients for sensitive skin

Sensitive skin needs to look for calming ingredients in skincare products.

Calendula

formulas with calendula flower extract and petals, a highly regarded medicinal herb in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. There is a dual gain of purifying and comforting normal to oily skin to improve problematic skin issues.

Centella

While Centella Asiatica may appear to be a new ingredient, Southeast Asian cultures already use it. It helps heal wounds and burns. The Centella Gel is developed with ingredients such as Vitamin B3 to help bolster the protective layer of damaged skin. also restores the skin's healthy looks.

Aloe Vera

If you've ever had sun damage, you've heard of Aloe Vera. The desert plant's leaves contain a soothing, moisture-rich gel that is known to pacify and cool sun-baked skin. This is why you'll find it in a variety of sensitive-skin products. Aloe Vera is a naturally produced ingredient that can help you heal from any type of damage, whether your skin is naturally sensitive or you're recovering from an injury. Our aloe vera-infused formula cleanses and soothes your skin.

So, dealing with sensitive and acne-prone skin can be challenging, but with the use of the right products, we can reduce its effects to a large extent.

References:

“Essential Oils as Natural Sources of Fragrance Compounds for Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals”, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837,2021 Jan 27,

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7865210/