How do you know if you have sensitive skin?
Generally speaking, sensitive skin is fine and particularly reactive. It can also present sub-cutaneous micro-vascularisation which is visible through the epidermis.
In contrast to mixed to oily skin, sensitive skin is even more susceptible to damage from external factors such as:
• Climate: cold, heat, humidity and very dry environments.
• Pollutants (exhaust fumes) or cigarette smoke.
• Sun and ultra-violet rays in particular.
In fact, sensitive or reactive skin reacts significantly to external stresses because the epidermis doesn’t protect it sufficiently. It therefore assimilates the elements that pass through the first skin barriers more easily.
It is important not to confuse reactive or sensitive skin with allergic skin. Allergic skin reacts to certain allergenic ingredients or substances, but does not react to external stresses.
Which beauty products and routines should be avoided?
Sensitive skin does not tolerate products that contain preservatives, surfactants and fragrances particularly well. They tend to irritate this skin type more
It is also preferable to avoid using retinol- or fruit acid-based products. If possible, choose an alcohol-free, fragrance-free or lightly fragranced product to reduce the risk of a skin reaction. Also avoid exfoliating products unless they have been formulated specifically for sensitive skin, because all skin needs to rid itself of dead cells!
Use spring water rather than tap water to rinse your face and dab with a tissue to dry it. Do not clean your skin with soap. It has a high pH which can strip the skin and cause stress. It is pointless using lots of different products or changing them too often. The more you let your skin breathe, the more resistant it will become.
Public transport, packaging, computer keyboards…every day we are in contact with objects that are more or less clean. Without even really being aware of what we are doing, we touch our face with our hands and transfer the bacteria which are responsible for minor skin infections. Even after a long day at work or a heavy night, spending time in the bathroom is really important. Take daily care of your skin, which means effective make-up removal so that your skin can regenerate all night long.
The perfect beauty routine
A few simple beauty routines can help reduce skin hyper-reactivity, namely:
Protecting yourself from extreme climatic conditions (cold, heat, sun). Avoid heavily polluted areas, both inside and outside, stop smoking, adopt a balanced diet, drink plenty of water (1.5 L per day), moisturize skin thoroughly with products that have been specifically developed for sensitive skin.
A gentle cleanser, a soothing serum and a comfortable and/or anti-redness day cream are essential for the daily care of sensitive skin. Once a week, using a mask that contains soothing and anti-inflammatory active ingredients will really be of benefit to your sensitive skin.
Discover Soft Peeling, the exfoliating oil-based facial balm especially for sensitive skin. Its smooth texture respects your delicate skin.
Expert advice
In order to avoid making your skin even more sensitive, avoid eating spicy food, always protect your skin from UV rays and protect it from the stresses caused by the outside environment by using very protective products.
View water as the shield that protects your skin. Apply a serum and a cream in the morning. Keep a tube of cream in your bag to apply throughout the day, especially if you suffer from rosacea: red patches increase temperatures locally and the skin loses even more water.
Diet definitely influences our skin, as does alcohol. People with sensitive skin who suffer from redness should refrain from consuming too much alcohol to avoid a red complexion.
