Welcome to the latest issue of the EB E-MAG where we are going to be discussing the joys of sensitive and sensitised skin! But most importantly, what is the difference and how can they be both be treated or managed?
Sensitive skin vs sensitised skin: Do you know the difference?
"what are the symptoms?"
So, let’s start with sensitive skin, what are the symptoms and how do you get it?
A sensitive skin is generally a thin skin that is inherited (unfortunately) and can leave you more prone to blushing and allergies. So, if you’re like me, when you work out, you look almost beetroot in colour, and it takes a while for this to go down! This is because a thinner skin often has less pigment in, which can lead to an easily broken skin barrier. The blood vessels are then closer to the surface of the skin and are easily stimulated. Hence why your skin can sometimes look as though you are permanently blushing!
The signs of sensitive skin:
- Your skin easily flushes
- Your prone to rashes or bumps
- You have dry patches
- Your skin doesn’t react well to fragrant products
- You have broken capillaries
- Your skin reacts to bad weather
- You break out easily
- Your skin feels itchy and you may suffer from Eczema/Psoriasis
How to treat sensitive skin:
As sensitive skin is genetic, there is unfortunately no ‘cure’. However, the best way to manage sensitive skin is by using calming and hydrating products that help to soothe and destress the skin. Using gentle balanced formulas that protect the skin’s natural barrier will help keep sensitivities away. You should also avoid any treatments that may thin the skin even further, such as chemical peels or products containing strong acids.
So, what is sensitised skin?
Symptoms of sensitised skin can be very similar to those of sensitive skin, however, sensitised skin is not a predisposed condition, but one you acquire. Sensitised skin is when your skin is reacting to a change in your lifestyle or environment. Eliminating any cause of irritation should hopefully keep sensitised skin to the very minimum!
What causes sensitised skin:
- Environmental aggressors – Such as pollution, air conditioning and/or central heating
- Hormonal imbalances/ Stress
- Smoking
- Poor diet and/or lack of nutrition
- Over exfoliation and over processing
- Harsh products and Incorrect usage
- Medicine
How to treat sensitised skin:
If you notice a sudden change in your skin, this could be sensitisation, and if not treated, conditions such a Psoriasis, Rosacea, Eczema and Dermatitis can form. The most important thing to remember is to keep your skincare regime simple and use products that will not irritate your skin. Using gentle and soothing products that calm the skin and strengthen it will leave your skin less sensitised and eventually stronger.
Let’s have a look at which products can be used to soothe and strengthen the skin. As we all know, any good skincare regime starts with a good cleanse! This milk cleanser is excellent for soothing the skin and diffusing redness. Introducing the:
LAIT U
The Lait U cleanser is specially formulated for skin in need of soothing and re-balancing.
If you have an oily tendency skin, Lait U will use its compilation of nut oils to act as a magnet and withdraw any excess oils, leaving your skin replenished, hydrated and thoroughly cleansed.
Lait U is perfect for a sensitive or sensitised skin, so if you naturally have sensitive skin or if your skin is feeling quite reactive recently, this cleanser will be perfect for you! Working to reduce redness and soothe the skin, Lait U gently cleanses the skin, whilst removing make-up and impurities and leaves the skin soothed, softened and comforted.
How To Use: Apply Lait U with clean, dry fingers or with the BR Face Glove to your face, neck, and décolleté, using light circular movements. Remove with slightly moist pads or rinse off with cold water. Repeat the steps to complete your second cleanse.
If your skin is sensitive, be mindful of over exfoliation and don’t overdo it. If exfoliation is a must in your daily skincare regime, then try this gentle chemical exfoliator:
LOTION P50W
The Lotion P50W has added arnica extract to give skin a soothing effect without causing irritation and is the slowest penetrating full strength acid available without prescription. So do not fear, you will still be able to receive the ‘Facial in a bottle’ but just at the right speed for your skin!
This is our gentlest exfoliator, the only one really suitable for sensitive skin. Infused with Arnica, it soothes and protects the skin whilst it slowly penetrates the skin to remove dead cells and impurities. It then strengthens the skin through enhancing skin cell renewal.
The skin’s PH is balanced, and excess oils are kept at bay thanks to its oil regulating properties. Packed with powerful Hydroxy Acids and exfoliants including Lactic Acid, this lotion will chemically remove dead skin cells. The skin will be left regenerated, strengthened, and protected from daily aggressors. So, any external aggressors coming your way will have to make their way through a stronger barrier!
How To Use: For the first two weeks of use, apply a few drops of Lotion P50W to dampened cotton pads with cold water, and press and release, patting the product all over face, neck and décolleté, morning and evening. Please do not rub and only pass over each area once. After two weeks of use, if the skin is not sensitive to the product, switch to dry cotton pads.
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"Do you mask?"
Now.. let’s talk about masks! Do you mask, and if so, how often? We recommend 2-3 times per week. Frequent use of masks can help to restore, strengthen, hydrate, protect and nourish the skin. These next two masks are two of our absolute favourites for nourishing and strengthening the skin. Introducing the first mask:
Masque Visolastine + is an intensely hydrating and nourishing face mask that will instantly calm and soothe the skin, leaving it feeling less irritated and refreshed! This face mask also works to provide smoothing results as all dehydration lines will vanish once Masque Visolastine + is applied. This mask is rich in essential fatty acids and white clay which is perfect for sensitive and/or sensitised skin, as it provides a comforting blanket to the skin, leaving it feeling nourished and protected.
If your skin is feeling very irritated and is in need of some serious soothing, place the Cryo Sticks on top of the affected areas for the duration of the mask treatment.
How To Use: Apply a thin layer of Masque Visolastine + all over the face, neck and décolleté. Leave on for 15 minutes, moisten the mask and rinse off with cold water and/or damp cotton pads. Use the treatment mask at least twice a week for optimal results.
If your skin is feeling sensitised and is in need of protection, this next product will provide you with a second skin and shut out all the external aggressors:
CRÈME MASQUE VERNIX
The Crème Masque Vernix concentrates on deeply nourishing, protecting, and strengthening the skin. If your skin is feeling irritated and you are in desperate need of comfort, then this is the product for you! It will create a ‘second skin’ leaving your skin protected with a barrier in front to combat free radicals and other external aggressors.
Crème Masque Vernix is a true combination of science and beauty, that has been formulated by cloning the DNA of a baby’s vernix, which is the first epidermal protection at birth. This provides exceptional healing, reconditioning, and strengthening properties and can be used as both a mask and a daily face cream! This healing product will also preserve and optimise skin hydration, leaving your skin restored, protected and repaired.
How to use: Apply a thin layer of Crème Masque Vernix in the morning and/or evening on the entire face, neck and décolleté. Massage gently with fingertips, from bottom to top and inside to outside, until completely absorbed. To get a mask effect, apply in thick layer. Leave for about ten minutes then delicately remove any excess with a damp cotton pad.
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If you suffer from redness and find it to be a bit of a hinderance in your every day life, then this next product is an absolute must for you!
This serum is fantastic at making those visible capillaries on your skin disappear and diminishing any signs of redness, it’s THE go-to product for redness-relief. Serum Erythros is extremely soothing and repairing and will actively calm down that annoying itchy sensation. This particular serum is a treatment product, so it will take some time before you will see any changes, but apply it every morning and evening for a month, and watch those awful flare-ups appear less and less! If your skin is feeling extremely sensitive, then why not try using the Emulsion Gel Biosensible or the Emulsion Gel Biosensible S.R. to further soothe and protect the skin.
How To Use: After cleansing the skin and having used your preferred mask, apply a few drops to the areas affected by rosacea and or Eczema. Gently apply with your fingertips until the serum has been completely absorbed. After applying Sérum Erythros, apply the Emulsion Gel Biosensible to the entire face, neck and décolleté. Use Sérum Erythros during a course lasting at least one month.
Rehydration and restoring the skin’s natural barrier is the quickest and most effective way of soothing and calming the skin. To do this, use:
ÉMULSION ORIGINELLE RÉGÉNÉRANTE
Emulsion Originelle Régénérante works to immediately soothe a stressed and irritated skin by restoring and restructuring the surface of the skin and providing intense and instant hydration.
Composed of a unique formulation of Macadamia Oil, Vitamin E and Tripepetides, the skin is rehydrated comfortably, and water loss is prevented. Emulsion Originelle Régénérante will leave your skin protected from external aggressors and prevent skin dryness.
How To Use: Apply a small amount of Emulsion Originelle Régénérante to the entire face, neck and décolleté in the morning and/or evening on to clean skin after using your recommended Lotion P50.
We hope that within this article we were able to help you with your skin sensitivities and help you decide which products to use to help manage and maintain a healthy skin.
You can easily purchase your products online by logging in and taking a quick (but thorough) Skin Analysis.
By Elyse Taylor
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