Sensitive skin is the skin that is prone to allergic reactions and is also the most prone to inflammation. She needs constant and proper care. To do this, many cosmetics brands produce products aimed at eliminating problems, because this type is in serious demand. Sensitive skin is distinguished from other types by redness from every irritant, severe itching and rashes from contact with low-quality cosmetics or jewelry.
Key Features
Many people claim that sensitive facial skin is the type that begins to blush immediately after contact with something and the one that needs constant care more than others. In fact, the situation is not so simple.
Sensitive skin is intolerant of most external aggressors that come into contact with it on a daily basis. It can be soap, detergents, cosmeticproducts, fabrics and direct sunlight (ultraviolet) rays. Such intolerance is associated with hereditary and genetic factors that determine the reduced absorption of water from the integument. An important role is played by a decrease in the concentration of lipids, that is, fats in the stratum corneum. This leads to a weakening of the protective functions of the barrier, as a result of which pathogenic microorganisms enter the body, which can contaminate the skin.
Reasons
There are situations that increase the sensitivity of the skin. They can be physiological (acne, acne, hives, pregnancy, age) or natural (hair removal, use of cosmetics, peeling, tattoos, climatic conditions, animal hair).
The most common reasons are:
- Hormonal imbalance. This problem is typical for many situations (menstrual cycle, stress, pregnancy, and so on). Because of it, immunity becomes much weaker, resulting in instability of the integument barrier and facilitating the penetration of pathogens into the human body.
- Acne and blackheads. Many girls try to get rid of these problems with aggressive methods, which provoke an increase in skin sensitivity.
- Hives. This type of disease manifests itself in the form of an allergic reaction. It is characterized by swelling, peeling of the skin, as well as the appearance of blisters on the surface of the body. It is these symptoms that make the integument more susceptible to any impact.
- Pregnancy period. Duringgestation in the female body undergoes a variety of changes, most of which relate to the skin.
- Climatic factors. Cold and hot weather conditions and seasonal changes can easily aggravate already sensitive skin.
- Smog and pollution. The integuments of the face constantly interact with various airborne contaminants. Therefore, their condition gradually deteriorates if proper daily care is not provided.
- Irritants. These include animal hair and dust. They may not be liked even by those who do not have allergies. In addition, the sensitive type of skin is exposed to any influences, and especially irritating agents.
- UVA and UVB rays. The sun's rays should not have a strong effect on the skin. They can damage even completely he althy integuments, so you should be extremely careful under them.
- The use of local aggressors. Procedures such as peeling, applying cosmetics, and others involve the application of chemicals to the skin. They usually do not have side effects, but the he alth of the skin can deteriorate as a result of constant use.
- Tattoos. In the area of sensitive skin, it is better not to get a tattoo. If this is not possible, then before the session it is necessary to consult with a dermatologist and discuss possible changes with the master.
Baby skin
Children often experience increased skin sensitivity, but this phenomenon is quite normal. The integument develops up to 4 years, thereforeparents do not have to worry much about this.
The main causes of sensitive skin in children are:
- having only 1/5 the thickness of the skin of an average adult;
- minimal activity of sweat and sebaceous glands;
- due to poor cell distribution, the stratum corneum has less saturation;
- high sensitivity to sunlight due to reduced melanocyte activity.
It is these factors that lead to the deterioration of the skin condition in babies. But at the same time, you should not perceive this phenomenon as a natural process and try to provide your child with a basic level of protection from external irritants, since there will certainly not be serious consequences for him.
Sensitivity recognition
People often ask how to determine the type of skin to make sure it is sensitive. The main symptom for this is an instant reaction to an irritant in the form of redness, pinpoint rashes, severe itching or peeling. According to statistics, about half of all women in the world and about a third of men have sensitive skin. Symptoms of this problem are:
- dry skin;
- feeling tight after water treatments;
- regular irritations;
- peeling;
- red spots;
- the appearance of a reaction in the forehead, chin, nose and eyes;
- difficulties in choosing cosmetics.
Type definition
Answering the question of how to determine the typeskin, it is worth saying that you can easily do this at home. To do this, you need to take a not too sharp object and draw it along the outside of the cheek. The test will be positive only if the red line does not come off on its own within two minutes. If there are complications, blisters may begin to form at this site.
Features of care
Owners of delicate skin certainly know that the face needs to be treated with care. People often buy cream for sensitive skin, various gels, ointments and other products in pharmacies and specialized stores. As a result, the expected miracle does not happen to everyone, as consumers simply did not consider it necessary to learn the basic rules. Here are the basic rules and guidelines:
- Cream for sensitive skin should be chosen carefully, as the presence of chemical components in it will only worsen the condition of the skin.
- It is better not to use soap and various scrubs with astringent effect.
- It is better to wash your face with drinking boiled water, as the liquid from the tap can only dry the skin even more and contribute to the appearance of unpleasant peeling.
- In the cold season, it is better to choose a cream with a moisturizing effect, but in the hot season, a product that protects against ultraviolet rays is more suitable.
- For a quick recovery, you should stop the abuse of alcohol and cigarettes.
Dry and sensitive skin requires special attention. She's differentpremature appearance of wrinkles, which are expressed in the form of a vascular network. You can get rid of such a problem both with purchased cosmetic formulations and at home. You can find out more about the treatment methods below.
Funds
The main goal of sensitive skin care is to gently restore the protective layer, as well as to achieve a balance of the physiological pH of the skin. These substances are divided into two main groups:
- lipophilic (they are able to combine with fats, restore the hydrolipidic film and keep the skin soft and smooth);
- Hydrophilic (unique water-binding substances can compensate for poor water retention in the skin, thereby providing adequate levels of skin hydration).
Cleanliness
Cleansing sensitive skin is an important step in maintaining their he alth. Toxins and slags are removed through the pores. But at the same time, it should be remembered that the cleansing effect will not be entirely effective if the pores are heavily clogged.
Many people use a gel cleanser for sensitive skin. Modern products can not only have a healing effect, but also remove decorative makeup. Thanks to this, it is possible to apply the product on the face only once, but at the same time receive several benefits at once. In addition, you can use special milk or even wet wipes for washing.
Moisture
As mentioned above,Sensitive skin is unable to retain the moisture it needs to stay hydrated. Therefore, a person will have to provide the covers with the correct supply of water both from the inside and outside.
The moisturizing process should be carried out with hydrophilic products that do not contain fragrances. The ideal option would be to use a lipo-restorative oil, after which you can apply an emollient cream containing vitamin E and glycerin to the skin. The ingredients of these products protect the lipids in the stratum corneum and provide a moisturizing effect.
Professional Treatment
If sensitive skin has not been given any help for too long, then cosmetics will be powerless here. In this case, the only way out is a beauty salon. To do this, be sure to consult with the master, who will select an individual program and give recommendations for the future.
Typically, treatment starts with two treatments. After that, the specialist looks at the reaction of the skin and decides whether to continue. At the same time, masks with a nourishing effect are carefully used, and after a while peeling is done. Each session is aimed at nourishing and moisturizing the integument with useful microelements, as well as vitamins.
Gels
In the arsenal of every girl there should be a washing gel for sensitive skin. It can be purchased at any cosmetics store or ordered online, choosing from a wide range of products. The best products to date are:
- CLARINS (1000 rubles). French Gel is a three-phase cleanser that contains marula oil. It has a light texture that is great for removing excess oil, dirt and make-up.
- NIVEA (300 rubles). Gel from a German manufacturer contains exfoliating particles that prevent inflammation and provide deep cleansing.
Folk remedies
In modern times, home remedies have proven themselves well. They are prepared from food that is present in every home. They make a wonderful mask for sensitive skin. It will nourish the covers with the necessary components and help strengthen the protective function. You can also make your own lotion for sensitive skin and many other products.
Do-It-Yourself Ingredients
The most effective products in achieving the main goal are:
- Potatoes. The vegetable, known for its healing effect, is able to reduce redness and block inflammation. For the mask, you will need to take a couple of boiled potatoes and combine with a glass of milk, thoroughly kneading the components. The resulting gruel should be applied to the face, and after the exposure time, removed with warm water.
- Cucumber. The ideal vitaminized composition provides gentle care for the skin, as well as its deep hydration, nourishment and improvement of complexion. A mask is being prepared from one fresh cucumber, which needs to be rubbed on a fine grater and applied to the desired areas.
- Flakesoatmeal. This product is useful not only for weight loss. It is famous for its cleansing effect on the skin. As a result of applying this mixture, the skin becomes clean and naturally radiant. To prepare, you need to pour boiling water over the flakes and let them swell, then drain the excess liquid and put the mixture on your face.
Such cosmetics for sensitive skin will not harm the condition of the integument, but will only give a positive effect, which will be noticeable after a couple of procedures. The full course of treatment is a month. Masks should be applied only 2-3 times a week and kept for 20 minutes. After the course is completed, such procedures can be carried out as a preventive measure, using formulations only once every 7 days.
