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» What is sensitive skin, and do I have it?
» How can I avoid trigger factors?
» What can I do for my skin when it’s sensitive?
» How is rosacea different from sensitive skin?

» Dermalogica sensitive skin products

what is sensitive skin, and do I have it?

No other skin condition is more misunderstood that sensitive skin. In fact, almost 90% of the population report having sensitive skin at one time or another! To understand whether you have sensitive skin, you first have to understand what causes it.

Sensitive skin is a genetically-inherited condition that predominantly affects very fair-skinned individuals, usually of Northern European ancestry. Someone with truly sensitive skin is highly prone to blushing, has a very fine complexion and may experience bad hay fever, allergies or asthma.

What most people suffer from is in fact sensitive skin. Rather than a result of genetics, sensitivity is a reflection of your environment, lifestyle and physiology. Pollution, stress, hormonal imbalance, cosmetic allergies, alcohol, a poor diet and over-exfoliation can all trigger the sensitive skin condition.

The good news is that sensitive skin can be treated. The bad news is that, left untreated, the skin's response can actually result in permanent cellular damage, which can lead to premature aging.

How can I avoid trigger factors?

A few lifestyle modifications can usually solve most people’s skin sensitisation. Maintaining the skins barrier function is vital, so remember to apply your Dermalogica moisturizer after every cleansing, and whenever your skin feels tight or dry – our Barrier Repair was developed with this specific goal in mind. Skin Hydrating Booster is the ideal addition to your skin care regimen to optimize the water level of your skin. Also, always avoid over-exfoliating your skin – remember, more exfoliation is not better! If you notice redness or tightness that lasts more than a few hours, you should discontinue the use of your exfoliant for a few days.

Sun protection is also critical because sensitive skin is even more vulnerable to UV damage. Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive FaceBlock SPF25 is a chemical-free sun shield that was developed specifically for sensitive skin.

Lastly, avoiding trigger factors such as hot drinks, spicy foods, MSG, alcohol, caffeine and nicotine can help your skin recover and rebuild its normal resistance.

What can I do for my skin when it’s sensitive?

We all know the discomfort of an attack of sensitisation – the skin feels tight, red and swollen, and it seems like everything you do just makes it worse! The first step is to avoid all trigger factors. Then, you need to follow a special regimen to help your skin recover. Cleansing with Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser, an extremely gentle gel/cream and tissue-off formula, will remove all irritants from the skins surface. Follow with Soothing Protection Spray to mist on anti-ozonate protection that will help shield the skin from further assault. Barrier Repair provides the last step, creating an invisible silicone barrier against the outside world. Your Environmental Control regimen doesn’t replace your existing skin care routine – think of it as a temporary emergency response.

how is rosacea different from sensitive skin?

Rosacea is a skin condition as misunderstood as sensitive skin, and as frequently misdiagnosed. In its early stages, Rosacea exhibits the same symptoms as skin sensitization – redness, blushing and tightness – as well as the same trigger factors. However, the similarity ends there. A disorder of the facial blood vessels, Rosacea is a progressive inflammatory disorder that, when left untreated, develops additional complications that include burst capillaries, facial swelling and spots on the face that look like acne breakouts, causing people to confuse Rosacea with acne.

One in twenty people – mostly women – are affected by this misunderstood disease. See your professional skin care therapist and receive a Face Mapping TM to determine if you are experiencing Rosacea or a sensitive skin condition.

Fortunately, Rosacea is manageable. Avoiding trigger factors is critical, as a Rosacea attack begins the same way skin sensitisation does. For milder Rosacea, we recommend our sensitive skin care regimen of Environmental Control products. There are also an increasing number of prescription medications recommended by your dermatologist that can halt the progression of this disorder.

dermalogica sensitive skin products:

ultracalming cleanser for face and eyes
Extra-gentle cleansing, healing and protection for skin aggravated by environmental influences such as pollution, harsh climate, stress, hormonal changes or cosmetic allergies. Exclusive Anti-Ozonate Complex helps guard against future inflammation, while soothing Raspberry and Cucumber Extracts calm the skin.

soothing protection spray
Mist on this environmental shield to immediately reduce the redness associated with stress, pollution, climatic extremes or allergies. The Anti-Oxonate Comples helps protect skin against future attacks, while Cucumber, Raspberry, Licorice and Green Tea Extracts soothe irritated skin.

barrier repair
Our anhydrous (waterless), Silicone-based moisturizer melts gently into sensitive skin to soothe and help repair damage from environmental aggressions. The Anti-Ozonate Complex, Evening Primrose Oil and emollient Silicone strengthen the skin's natural lipid barrier to prevent future attacks. Also great for men to use after shaving to reduce irritation.

gentle soothing booster
An oil-free treatment to immediately reduce skin redness. Concentrated healing Red Rasberry Extract joins moisture-binding Honey to help skin recover from daily stress and redness. Use over areas of sensitivity.

skin hydrating booster
This super-saturated hydrating fluid intensely moisturizes the driest of skin. Panthenol aids tissue repair while algae extracts and Hyaluronic Acid help restore moisture balance and improve skins elasticity.

soothing eye make-up remover
Take it all off without losing valuable moisture! This powerful oil- and alcohol-free formula removes all your eye and lip make-up, including stubborn waterproof mascara, without irritation or dryness. It’s even gentle enough for contact lens werarers.

ultra sensitive faceblock spf25
Natural, ultra-fine porcelain particles reflect the sun's most damaging rays without irritation or sunscreen chemicals. A light tint ensures natural coverage, while herbal extracts and antioxidant vitamins soothe the skin.

environmental control deodorant
Ideally suited for even the most sensitive skin, our blend of Coriander, Parsley, Clove and Hyssop neutralizes odor, while other plant-derived agents inhibit odor, while other plant-derived agents inhibit odor-causing bacteria.

Recommended professional treatment

• Environmental Control Treatment