Indice Articolo
- 01 Everything you need to know
- 02 Definition and causes
- 03 How can you tell if you have sensitive skin?
- 04 Cosmetics tested on sensitive skin
- 05 Which cosmetics should you buy for sensitive skin
- 06 Best facial creams for sensitive skin
- 07 Combination and sensitive skin: which treatment?
- 08 Oily and sensitive skin: what should you do?
- 09 Are Skin First® formulas suitable for sensitive skin?
Everything you need to know
Definition and causes
Sensitive skin differs from normal skin in that:
- it is thinner
- it tends to be dry (it produces less sebum)
- it is characterized by a higher TEWL value (transepidermal water loss)
- it has greater microcirculatory flow, with a higher tendency to redness and capillary fragility.
There are two possible causes of this skin condition:
- alteration of certain receptors (called vanilloid receptors)
- alteration of the stratum corneum in terms of compactness and thickness.
How can you tell if you have sensitive skin?
As this is a subjective condition, people usually realize they have sensitive skin when they come into contact with a trigger that causes irritation or redness.
Cosmetics tested on sensitive skin
In cosmetology, to state on the label that a cosmetic is suitable for sensitive skin, a Patch Test is carried out on volunteers who have sensitive skin.
In that case, how is it determined that the volunteers match this skin condition? By carrying out the ''Stinging Test'': a test in which the intensity of the stinging sensation induced by a chemical agent is measured.
In most cases, a 10-15% lactic acid solution is used as the chemical agent on the nasolabial folds. After a few minutes, volunteers are asked to describe the intensity of the sensation using a point scale.
On volunteers who have responded positively to the test, the formula to be tested will be applied, and it will be observed whether or not it is suitable for sensitive skin based on their skin's response.
Which cosmetics should you buy for sensitive skin
- For leave-on products (e.g. creams, serums...): choose formulas with hydrating active ingredients (e.g. sodium hyaluronate, glycerin), soothing ingredients (e.g. panthenol, allantoin) and film-replenishing ingredients (e.g. olive oil, shea butter, ceramides);
- For rinse-off products (e.g. cleansers): gentle cleansing is required to respect the skin's characteristics. Choose formulas with gentle surfactants and, for makeup removal, micellar water or cleansing oil.
It is also advisable to choose cosmetics not only based on the ingredients in the formula: to have greater assurance that the product has a low or zero likelihood of causing sensitivity reactions, you should check that it has undergone a Patch Test on sensitive skin and that the label states ''Dermatologically tested - Product suitable for sensitive skin''.
Best facial creams for sensitive skin
To understand how to choose the best face cream for sensitive skin we must first take a step back and understand what makes skin so delicate. As we have seen, sensitive skin is a condition that arises when there are patches, itching, irritation, and redness due to the simple effect of weather conditions or contact with fabrics or cosmetics. This condition becomes more common with age and also occurs more frequently in people with fair skin and hair. In addition, sensitive skin sometimes coincides with dry skin, even topically, since it tends to produce less sebum. All these problems can be traced back to a compromised hydrolipidic film, that is, the natural layer that covers our skin, protecting it from external aggressors. Now that we know the cause, we can understand which is the most effective face cream for sensitive skin: to prevent and counteract the symptoms of sensitive skin, we need to choose a product that hydrates the skin, fights dryness, and restores the hydrolipidic film, while also reducing redness thanks to its soothing properties. The doctor recommends the SKIN FIRST Preventive Face Cream, specially formulated for a moisturizing effect thanks to Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, and Allantoin, to strengthen the skin's protective barrier thanks to the properties of olive oil, and also with a soothing action, perfect for delicate and sensitive skin.
Combination and sensitive skin: which treatment?
By nature, sensitive skin often overlaps with combination skin: it is not uncommon for delicate and dry skin to go hand in hand, and areas of the face that produce less sebum than others are a daily reality. For this reason, it is important to make sure you follow a skincare routine for cleansing and treating the face that includes the right products and respects all the skin's characteristics in every area. The doctor's advice is to choose products that are not harsh but that at the same time help cleanse the skin while keeping it hydrated: for example, choosing cosmetics with allergen-free formulas and substances with soothing action, such as chamomile or calendula extracts, as well as dermo-purifying and hydrating ingredients. In the SKIN FIRST shop you can find products for all skin types, including combination and sensitive skin, tested against allergens.
Oily and sensitive skin: what should you do?
If your skin is oily and sensitive, the focus should undoubtedly be on cleansing: in particular, choose products created specifically for this type of skin, and therefore light and gentle but effective in cleansing. In particular, the doctor recommends the SKIN FIRST Gentle Face Cleanser to remove excess sebum and impurities thanks to the purifying and soothing properties of oat, cucumber, chamomile, calendula extracts and the presence of aloe and Panthenol, followed by the exfoliating toner with salicylic acid and soothing active ingredients.
Are Skin First® formulas suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, every formula is tested on volunteers with sensitive skin. In addition, all products have been formulated with the aim of minimizing the risk of allergy.