Sensitive Skin: Definition and Cosmetic Treatment

Everything you need to know

Definition and causes

Sensitive skin differs from Normal skin in that:

• it is thinner
• it is typically dry (produces less sebum)
• it is characterized by a higher transepidermal water loss (TEWL) value
• it has increased microcirculatory flow, with a higher tendency toward redness and capillary fragility.

There are two possible causes of this skin condition:

• alteration of specific receptors (known as vanilloid receptors)
• alterations to the stratum corneum in terms of compactness and thickness.

 

 

How can you tell if you have sensitive Skin?

As this is a subjective condition, you will generally notice you have sensitive Skin when you come into contact with a trigger that causes irritation or redness.

 

Cosmetics tested on sensitive skin

In cosmetology, to state on a label that a cosmetic is suitable for sensitive Skins, a Patch Test is carried out on volunteers who have sensitive Skin.

In that case, how do you determine if volunteers have this skin condition? By performing the 'Stinging Test': a test that measures the intensity of the stinging sensation induced by a chemical agent.

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 rate the intensity of the sensation using a point scale.

On volunteers who reacted positively to the test, the formulation to be trialed will be applied, and we will observe if it is suitable for sensitive Skins based on the reaction of their Skin.

Which cosmetics to buy for sensitive skin

• For leave-on products (e.g., creams, serums...): opt for formulas with hydrating active ingredients (e.g., sodium hyaluronate, glycerin), soothing ingredients (e.g., panthenol, allantoin), and those that replenish the hydrolipidic film (e.g., olive oil, shea butter, ceramides);
• For rinse-off products (e.g. cleansers): gentle cleansing that respects the skin's properties is required. Opt for formulas with mild surfactants, and for makeup removal, use Micellar Water or cleansing oil.

Additionally, it is advisable to choose cosmetics not only based on their formulated ingredients: to be extra confident the product has little to no chance of causing sensitivity reactions, you should check that it has undergone Patch Testing on sensitive Skin, and that it features the label claim "Dermatologically tested - Product suitable for sensitive Skins".

 

Best face creams for sensitive skin

To understand how to choose the best face cream for sensitive skin first we need to take a step back and understand what makes the Skin so delicate. As we have seen, sensitive Skin is a condition that develops when you experience spots, itchiness, irritation and redness caused simply by environmental factors 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. Additionally, sensitive Skins sometimes overlap with dry Skins, even in localized areas, as they tend to produce less sebum. All of these issues stem from a compromised hydrolipidic film, the natural layer that covers our Skin, protecting it from external aggressors. Now that we understand the cause, we can figure out what 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, fighting dryness and restoring the hydrolipidic film, while also reducing redness thanks to its soothing properties. The Doctor recommends the Preventive Face Cream SKIN FIRST, formulated specifically for a hydrating effect thanks to Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol and Allantoin, to strengthen the Skin's protective barrier using the properties of olive oil, while also offering a soothing action, perfect for delicate and sensitive Skins.

 

Combination skin and sensitive skin: which treatment?

By its very nature, sensitive Skin often overlaps with Combination skin: it is not uncommon for delicate, dry skins to go hand in hand, and having areas of the face that produce less sebum than others is extremely commonplace. For this reason, it is important to follow a facial skincare routine of cleansing and treatment that uses the right products and respects all of your Skin’s unique traits across every area of your face. The Doctor’s advice is to choose products that are not harsh, while still supporting effective cleansing of the Skin while keeping it hydrated: for example, opt for cosmetics with allergen-free formulas that include soothing active ingredients like chamomile or calendula extracts, as well as dermopurifying and hydrating agents. All'interno dello shop SKIN FIRST you can find products for all Skin types, including combination and sensitive Skins, which are allergy-tested.

 

Oily and sensitive Skin: how to care for it?

If instead your Skin is oily and sensitive, the focus should absolutely be on your cleansing routine: specifically, choose products created for this exact set of concerns, meaning lightweight and gentle but effective at cleansing. In particular, the Doctor recommends the Gentle Face Cleanser SKIN FIRST to remove excess sebum and impurities thanks to the purifying and soothing properties of oat, cucumber, chamomile, and calendula extracts, as well as the inclusion 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. Additionally, all products have been formulated with the goal of minimizing allergy risk.