The Dailygrooming Blog - Filed under 'sensitive skin'

April 11, 2011

Ultracalming Your Sensitive Skin

We're still on the subject of sensitive skin, and whilst the new Dermalogica Ultracalming products have the many benefits of a highly targeted treatment, it is important to understand what makes the skin sensitive in the first place.

Skin that is truly sensitive tends to be delicate and thin with quite fine pores, it flushes very easily, is susceptible to broken capillaries and is is prone to breaking out in rashes. People with red hair and / or fair skin frequently have sensitive skin because their skin tends to be finer and more delicate than the skin of people with darker colouring. Also, people who suffer from other allergies, such as hay fever and asthma, often have skin that is quite reactive and prone to irritation as well. Allergies cause histamines to be released and these can make a person more reactive in general.

Look through the factors listed below to find out whether you do have sensitive skin!

Internal Factors

Systematic problems, allergies or illness such as asthma, indigestion, etc.
Intolerance to spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol.
Hormonal and / or menstrual problems.
Reactive to stress.

External Factors

Sensitivity to atmospheric conditions such as wind, sun and pollution.
Sensitivity to chemicals (in creams, medication, soaps, etc).
Sensitivity to stimulation such as friction, rubbing, etc.
Predisposition to allergic reactions.
A tendency for skin to have chronic surface dehydration.
A tendency to flushing.
Predisposition for capillary sensitivity.

People with truly sensitive skin will find that their skin is easily irritated by lots of products, not just one or two. For example, someone who only has negative reactions to a few products probably doesn’t suffer from sensitive skin at all but just can’t use those particular products. However, someone who reacts badly to lots of products and who has a hard time finding any makeup or skincare products that don’t aggravate their skin almost certainly has sensitive skin.

The Dermalogica Ultracalming Skin Kit

Filed under // dermalogica ultracalming how to identify sensitive skin sensitive skin skin calming products

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April 8, 2011

Dermalogica Ultracalming: Beat Sensitive Skin

It can be hard enough to achieve soft, radiant, healthy skin when there are so many factors which can adversely affect its condition, such as diet, hormones, stress and environmental nasties! So, it’s hardly surprising that most of us at some point experience problems with our skin, and having sensitive skin that is reactive and prone to irritation can be a real bugbear!

Around 80% of women believe that they have sensitive skin, but the reality is that only around 10-20% actually do have it. One reason for this startling misconception is harsh skincare and makeup products. A lot of skincare products and makeup contain ingredients that are very harsh and irritating to skin, so these kinds of products can cause even skin that is usually well-behaved to become problematic!

If you have the notion that your current skin care products are causing irritation, you may want to check out some worthwhile additions to the new Dermalogica Ultracalming skin care range. Targeted to meet the needs of sensitive skin, this high quality range of gentle, calming products just got better.

The Dermalogica Ultracalming range launches April 11 2010.

Filed under // dermalogica ultracalming sensitised skin sensitive skin

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February 17, 2011

Rosy Cheeks Or Rosacea?

Flushing, or blushing, is a normal skin reaction in many people and can occur when we’re hot, embarrassed, stressed, exposed to the elements, etc. Rosacea, on the other hand, is a common, persistent vascular skin ailment that causes reddening of the face, in the cheek, forehead, nose and chin area. It can also occur on the neck, chest, ears or scalp.

In its early stages Rosacea can cause mild, occasional flushing but this can progress to more intense and persistent redness. Visible blood vessels, broken capillaries, pimples and bumps may appear. In very severe cases the nose can become swollen and bumpy due to excess tissue, and permanent redness and intense burning sensations in the skin can also occur.

Rosacea generally tends to show up between the ages of around 30 to 50 and can sometimes be mistaken for adult acne because of pustules and papules that can be a symptom of the condition. It commonly affects Caucasians and people with fair complexions and / or sensitive skin, and it also tends to be more common in women, especially around the time of menopause, which suggests that hormones may sometimes be a contributing factor.

Common triggers include stress, sun exposure, alcohol and spicy foods.

Although Rosacea is incurable it can respond well to treatment. No matter what your skin type it’s always important to take care of your skin, and with Rosacea it’s extremely important to use gentle skincare products that are fragrance free and that contain unnecessary additives.

People with Rosacea should begin their skincare routine by cleansing with a gentle cleanser or soap that is non-abrasive, such as Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser which contains Lavender, Coneflower and Cucumber to soothe, calm and cool. The face should be gently washed using a soft washcloth or fingers, then thoroughly rinsed with lukewarm water and blotted dry with a soft towel. If any topical medication is used that should then be applied to the skin and allowed to dry for 5-10 minutes. Skincare products such as a moisturiser can then be applied.

When out and about it’s important to use a sunscreen or sunblock as Rosacea sufferers are particularly susceptible to sun damage and exposure to the sun can trigger flare ups.

The best offense is a great defense. If you suffer from Rosacea you should identify and avoid the triggers that can cause the symptoms to flare up, obtain treatment from a trained therapist if necessary and establish a good skincare routine using gentle skin products.

Filed under // flushed skin redness redness on skin rosacea sensitive skin

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November 19, 2009

Don’t let a skin reaction ruin your cool

Allergic reactions to skin care products are best avoided. The ‘freshly slapped backside look’ will usually occur just before an important date or meeting, leaving you feeling frustrated and embarrassed.

Whilst you can't tell whether your skin will throw a wobbly or not, a little forward thinking could well save the day.

One strategy is to apply the product well before you venture out into society. Gently rubbing your new 'potion' onto some inconspicuous area like the elbow, you'll see if any eruptions are likely. Usually they'll take place within a couple of days and will manifest themselves in a variety of different ways. If you must put something on your face, try somewhere that your hair can hide if the worst happens.

Reacting to skin care products is quite common. Rather than letting your face become a proving ground for all and sundry, we'd suggest that you visit a professional skin care therapist (preferably a Dermalogica one:)). Having conducted a thorough examination of the skin, you can be sure that any products recommended will be suitable your individual skin type.

Filed under // allergic reaction dermalogica sensitive skin sensitized skin skin care products

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