Sensitive skin is skin that reacts in an accentuated way to external stimuli that generally do not create problems for normal skin, such as heat, cold, cosmetics, UV rays, contact with fabrics.
It is not sensitized or allergic skin, but rather more vulnerable to attacks, generally due to alterations in the skin's barrier function, which make it more exposed to potentially irritating agents. The skin becomes sensitive because its protective barrier is compromised.
WHAT DOES SKIN SENSITIVITY DEPEND ON?
Skin sensitivity is an increasingly widespread condition throughout the world in industrialized countries, where it mainly affects women on the face. It can be a constitutional or temporary condition resulting from dermatological problems (seborrheic dermatitis, acne rosacea,...) or even superficial dermoaesthetic treatments such as laser, peels and pulsed light.
It is manifested by burning, itching, irritation or a "skin pulling" sensation. Dryness can often appear, even with peeling, which are not in themselves always signs of sensitive skin, but can be associated with it.
When these sensations are particularly intense we speak of hypersensitive skin.
Sensitive skin can cause discomfort, but it can be treated by following some important rules:
- Identify, avoid, or protect yourself from triggering factors.
- Prefer products with high tolerability, both for daily treatment and for makeup.
It is manifested by burning, itching, irritation or a "skin pulling" sensation. Dryness can often appear, even with peeling, which are not in themselves always signs of sensitive skin, but can be associated with it.
When these sensations are particularly intense we speak of hypersensitive skin.
Sensitive skin can cause discomfort, but it can be treated by following some important rules:
- Identify, avoid, or protect yourself from triggering factors.
- Prefer products with high tolerability, both for daily treatment and for makeup.
- Always use a specific sunscreen.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE SENSITIVE SKIN?
People with sensitive or intolerant skin generally report sensations of:
- Itching or puncture.
- Burning
- Skin tension.
- Itching or puncture.
- Burning
- Skin tension.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SENSITIVE SKIN?
The causes have not yet been definitively identified, but the most recent dermatological studies suggest predisposing conditions:
1. The protective barrier is compromised because the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis) is thinned and less compact and, therefore, is more permeable to the penetration of external substances and the aggression of environmental factors.
2. An alteration of some skin receptors (vanilloid receptors) that makes the sensations more "acute."
Furthermore, damage to the protective barrier accelerates the loss of transepidermal water, that is, the water contained in the epidermis, and therefore causes dehydration, dryness and peeling.
2. An alteration of some skin receptors (vanilloid receptors) that makes the sensations more "acute."
Furthermore, damage to the protective barrier accelerates the loss of transepidermal water, that is, the water contained in the epidermis, and therefore causes dehydration, dryness and peeling.
WHAT ARE THE TRIGGERS?
Research related to the problem of skin sensitivity began in the 1980s and dermatologists have identified 2 categories of triggers, often related and concomitant.
- Physical/environmental factors (such as heat, cold, wind, sun and pollution).
- Chemical factors (use of medications, detergents, soaps and cosmetics).
To these can be added particular physical conditions, such as the menstrual cycle, hormonal alterations, and psychological factors such as stress and anxiety.
- Physical/environmental factors (such as heat, cold, wind, sun and pollution).
- Chemical factors (use of medications, detergents, soaps and cosmetics).
To these can be added particular physical conditions, such as the menstrual cycle, hormonal alterations, and psychological factors such as stress and anxiety.
HOW TO TREAT SENSITIVE SKIN?
Sensitive skin can benefit greatly from a daily routine that respects its fragility and rebalances its well-being.
In particular, it should be treated with products formulated without potentially irritating and/or sensitizing ingredients and with an accentuated moisturizing, protective and repairing action.
In particular, it should be treated with products formulated without potentially irritating and/or sensitizing ingredients and with an accentuated moisturizing, protective and repairing action.