Skin Healing Concerns & Tips

Sensitive skin is dermatologically defined as reactions where sufferers may experience small or large bumps, pustules, redness, and sometimes erosions. These one-time (although severe) reactions that are related to cosmetic product application that can be avoided. Occasionally a dermatologist may find sensitive skin associated with dermatologic diseases, such as acne, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, or rosacea. Continued medical attention of a dermatologist will be required for more chronic reactions.

However, many individuals consider themselves to have sensitive skin because they feel redness, burning, stinging or tightness immediately after product application or even several hours or days later. Furthermore, these symptoms may only show after a combination of products have been applied sequentially, or after several applications. These uncomfortable symptoms appear on approximately 50 percent of patients with sensitive skin, without accompanying evident signs of inflammation.

Factors behind Sensitive Skin

Is your skin sensitive? The condition of the skin and the immune system will determine the reactions to skin care products.

Undamaged skin is an excellent barrier to most elements found in skin care products and cosmetics. Skin cannot adequately protect nerve endings if is overly dry or injured, leading to skin reactions.

Some individuals are more prone to suffer sensitive skin, especially those who experience allergic contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis and contact urticaria. Vice versa, having one of these conditions can make them prone to sensitive skin.

Individuals who have more neurotransmitters under their skin or altered nerve endings are more susceptible to cosmetics and skin care products containing minor skin irritants. Some of the causes of sensitive skin can be explained this way.

Product Ingredients and Specifications for Sensitive Skin

While there are no definite guidelines, sensitive skin solutions use to contain very few ingredients and little, if any, fragrance. When buying products for sensitive skin, follow these guidelines:

- You should carefully examine the preservatives in skin care products if you have sensitive skin. The best preservatives for sensitive skin are those containing parabens, such as methyl paraben and butyl paraben.

- Products containing botanical or antibacterial ingredients should be avoided.

- Avoid solvents that penetrate the skin, including propylene glycol and ethanol. Instead look for ingredients, such as polyethylene glycol, that does not penetrate the skin.