What is sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin is a condition where an individual's skin is more prone to dryness, redness, itching, or irritation and is vulnerable to outside influences such as environmental factors or skincare products.
In comparison to oily or dry skin, dealing with sensitive skin can be more difficult. People with thinner skin barriers, i.e., sensitive skin, must remain extra cautious with their skincare routine and the skincare products they apply. Thus, a prescription-based skincare regimen is always recommended by dermatologists to tackle sensitive skin woes.
Causes Of Sensitive Skin
- Compromised Skin Barrier: The outermost layer of the skin helps protect the skin against any irritants. However, due to certain reasons, if the skin barrier is compromised, it leads to increased skin sensitivity and hyperreactivity to the external environment.
- Genetic Factors: Some people have a type of genetic makeup that makes them more vulnerable to developing skin allergies and irritations.
- Compromised Immune System: People dealing with various immune disorders or recovering from long-term illness may find dealing with skin sensitivity as challenging. Also, various drugs like antibiotics may make the skin more prone to irritation.
- Environmental Factors: Various environmental conditions like cold temperatures, dry air, increased sun exposure, and high winds can further irritate and worsen sensitive skin.
- Food allergens: A variety of food items, like increased spice, various nuts, and added preservatives can cause severe allergies and exacerbate skin irritation.
- Smoking: Increased smoking can cause oxidative stress to the skin and deplete the skin of oxygen making the skin more prone to developing allergies and irritations.
- Gut Related Issues: Poor gut health majorly caused by an imbalance in the gut biome can reflect as irritated and inflamed skin.
- Lifestyle Disorders: Modern-day lifestyle is also a major contributing factor in making the skin more sensitive. Healthy lifestyle choices like a balanced diet, minimum screen time, and inclusion of daily physical activity can help in improving skin health.
- Harsh Skin Rituals: Use of excessive makeup, lack of proper cleaning routine, and sharing products with people can result in increased sensitivity.
- Poor Circadian Rhythm: Lack of a proper sleep cycle can be a leading cause of weakening skin.
Symptoms of sensitive skin
- Erythema or Skin Redness: The immune response initiated by the body in response to any trigger causes the blood vessels to dilate making the area appear red. This is the first and most obvious sign of skin inflammation.
- Itchiness: Itchy skin, also known as pruritus, is a common reaction to irritation. When the skin comes into contact with an irritant (like a harsh soap, wool fabric, or allergic trigger), special cells called immune cells and sensory nerve cells get alarmed and release chemicals called inflammatory mediators. This is your body's attempt to heal and protect itself from the irritant. One of the key mediators here is histamine which causes blood vessels to dilate and leak fluid, leading to redness, swelling, and itchiness. Scratching can temporarily relieve the itch by disrupting the histamine signal sent to the brain and offering some mechanical satisfaction. However, scratching can also damage the skin, prolonging the inflammatory response and worsening the itch in the long run.
- Flaky Skin: Another sign of irritated skin is excessive peeling, this reflects the skin’s mechanism of naturally exfoliating damaged skin and requires attention. When your skin is irritated, it goes into overdrive trying to repair itself. This can lead to an accelerated turnover of skin cells. Normally, dead skin cells shed off unnoticed, but with irritation, this process speeds up, resulting in a buildup of dead cells on the skin's surface.
- Dry & Dull Skin: Irritation can disrupt the skin's natural barrier function. This barrier is composed of oils that help retain moisture and protect the skin against irritants. When compromised, the skin loses moisture more easily and becomes excessively dry and flaky.
- Edema: Edema, commonly known as swelling is a natural response of the body to fight off any irritant. The body’s inflammatory response can trigger changes in the lymphatic system, which is responsible for draining fluids away from tissues. This can lead to fluid retention and contribute to edema.
Ingredients For Sensitive Skin
When your skin is irritated, it craves gentle yet effective solutions. Here's how some hero ingredients can help calm and restore irritated or inflamed skin:
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Hyaluronic Acid (HA): This superstar hydrator attracts and holds onto moisture like a magnet, thus, plumping and hydrating the skin. HA helps replenish moisture lost due to irritation, keeping the skin barrier healthy and promoting healing.
FCL offers a wide range of formulations containing hyaluronic acid as an ingredient that helps provide 360-degree hydration to the skin. -
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This multi-tasking ingredient offers anti-inflammatory properties, helps regulate oil production, and improves skin barrier function. It also calms redness and irritation, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the skin's defense against irritants.
Here’s the list of products including Niacinamide offered by FCL. -
Azelaic Acid: This gentle acid has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It also helps regulate cell turnover, promoting a smoother texture. Azelaic acid soothes redness and irritation, reduces inflammation, and can even help manage rosacea-related irritation.
Note: Consult a doctor before using azelaic acid if pregnant or breastfeeding. - Ceramides: Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that form a major part of the skin's barrier. They help retain moisture and protect against irritants. Ceramides also strengthen the skin barrier, preventing further irritation and promoting healing. They also help retain moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and comfortable.
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Allantoin: This soothing ingredient promotes cell regeneration and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Allantoin calms redness and irritation promotes healing, and helps soften dry, flaky skin. -
Centella Asiatica (CICA): This botanical extract is known for its wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It also promotes collagen production for firmer skin. CICA successfully soothes redness and irritation, accelerates healing, and helps strengthen the skin barrier.
FCL Cica Soothing Cream is infused with madecassoside, renowned for its soothing properties. This cream is designed to calm, hydrate, and heal sensitive, irritated, or damaged skin. Intense hydration, skin repair, and a gentle, non-irritating formula suitable for all skin types. It can be used in your daily skincare routine or as needed to nurture and revitalize the skin. -
Aloe Vera: This natural ingredient has anti-inflammatory, cooling, and moisturizing properties.
Aloe vera soothes redness and irritation, provides a cooling sensation, and helps keep the skin hydrated.
Skincare regimen that will help with sensitive skin
When choosing products for irritated skin, always look for fragrance-free and gentle formulations. Do a patch test on your inner arm before applying any new product to your face and If your irritation is severe or persistent, consult a dermatologist for diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. The following tips can help in improving the symptoms of sensitive skin.
- Opt for a prescription-based gentle, non-greasy, and fragrance-free cleanser from FCL.
FCL “C” Scape Cleanser restores radiance and vitality in dull, environmentally damaged skin as it lifts away impurities. Gentle exfoliating microbeads remove dead skin and unclog pores. Sugar maple, orange, lemon, and sugarcane extract soothes redness and inflammation. - Go for a skin-hydrating and nourishing face serum to soothe down any inflammation or dehydration.
FCL HA4 Plus serum features a proprietary blend of four different forms of hyaluronic acid with different molecular weights, which work synergistically to amplify the skin’s hyaluronic acid levels. - A thick medicated moisturizer that helps seal the moisture barrier and protect the skin from dehydration - Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, cica, and ceramides.
- A chemical-free broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, which will also help protect the skin.
FCL Chemfree SPF 30 is a physical sunscreen that contains the physical sun blockers in micronized form. It ensures a non-whitening texture with a uniform texture. Suits all skin types including the most sensitive skin.
Tips to be taken care of if you have a sensitive skin
Having sensitive skin can feel like walking on eggshells. Here are some key tips to help you keep your sensitive skin happy:
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Gentle Cleansing is Key:
- Ditch the Harsh Cleansers: Sensitive skin doesn't need harsh scrubbing or cleansers with sulfates or alcohol. These can strip away natural oils, leaving your skin feeling even more dry and irritated.
- Opt for Gentle Formulations: These cleansers are often milky or gel-based and cleanse effectively without stripping natural oils.
- Washing Frequency: Twice a day with lukewarm water is usually enough. Excessive washing can disrupt your skin's natural moisture barrier.
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Fragrance - The Silent Irritant:
- Fragrances are Sneaky: Artificial fragrances are common triggers for sensitive skin. They can cause redness, itching, and burning.
- Embrace Fragrance-Free: Opt for fragrance-free skincare products to minimize the risk of irritation. Fragrance-free doesn't mean scentless, it simply means there are no added perfumes or essential oils.
- Beware of "Natural Fragrances": Even natural fragrances can irritate sensitive skin. Look for products labeled "fragrance-free" for ultimate peace of mind.
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Know Your Triggers, Be Their Master:
- Become a Skin Detective: Pay attention to what irritates your skin. Common culprits include harsh chemicals in skincare, certain fabrics (wool!), environmental factors (weather changes!), and even stress.
- Avoid Your Triggers: Once you identify your triggers, avoid them like the plague! This might mean switching laundry detergents, using a humidifier in dry weather, or managing stress levels.
- Listen to Your Skin: If a product stings or makes your skin feel tight, discontinue use immediately.
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Less is More: The Power of Simplicity:
- Don't Overburden Your Skin: Sensitive skin can easily get overwhelmed by a complex skincare routine. Stick to a simple routine with a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
- Introduce Products Gradually: When adding a new product, introduce it one at a time to see how your skin reacts. This helps identify any potential irritants.
- Quality over Quantity: Invest in high-quality, fragrance-free products formulated for sensitive skin.
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Keep it Cool: Avoid Heat & Steam:
- Hot Showers are a No-No: Hot showers can strip away natural oils and worsen dryness. Opt for lukewarm water and limit shower time.
- Saunas and Steam Rooms? Not for You: The intense heat in saunas and steam rooms can be too harsh for sensitive skin. Give these a miss.
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Diet & Lifestyle:
- Spicy Foods can Spark a Reaction: Spicy foods can trigger redness and irritation in some people with sensitive skin. Pay attention to how your skin reacts and adjust your diet accordingly.
- Alcohol Dehydration: Alcohol can dehydrate your skin, making it more sensitive. Limit alcohol consumption and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Oily Foods & Sensitive Skin: For some, oily foods can contribute to breakouts. If you notice a connection, consider reducing your intake.
Remember, consistency is key! By following these tips and creating a gentle skincare routine, you can soothe and protect your sensitive skin, keeping it calm and comfortable.
