One third of people, young and old, will experience skin sensitivity in their lifetime. The rate is higher for very pale-skinned people and lower for those with darker skin.
Babies, and the elderly are especially susceptible but almost anyone’s skin can be or become sensitive on some part of the face or body at some time in their lives.
Here are the main causes of Sensitive Skin:
- Genetic – born with fair delicate skin type or inherited tendencies
- Health – chronic low level of wellness makes skin more vulnerable
- Environmental – exposure to toxins, strong UV, air pollution, harsh climate, plant or insect rashes
- Lifestyle – excessive sunbathing/tanning, heavy drinking or smoking, chlorine pools and spas, toxins, irritants and chemicals in workplace
- Dietary – allergen foods, chemical residues, food sensitivities, poor digestion, low water intake
- Medical – disease conditions, drug side effects, treatment issues, allergies, some dressings and bandages, topical steroids
- Hormonal – fluctuations or abnormalities, pregnancy changes, menopausal decline in oestrogen, high stress cortisol and others
- Emotional – feelings affect skin sensitivity, sensitive skin can feel hurt
- Practices – frequent cosmetic procedures, over-washing, scratching, low exposure to fresh air, tight sweaty chafing clothes
- Products – some soaps and shampoos, most deodorants, many sunscreens, harsh exfoliants, cheap essential oils, low quality skincare, irritant ingredients, laundry powders, cleaning materials, latex gloves
Looks like a long list of things to worry about but don’t stress, that will only make things worse!
There are two sensitivity types to consider:
- Sensitive – skin areas that are always, often or episodically sensitive
- Sensitised – skin areas that continue reacting to particular triggers
Sensitised skin can be managed by identifying and avoiding exposure to the triggers if possible.
Sensitive skin needs regular routine special care.
Both types will benefit from our Top 10 TLC Tips:
- Keep your body healthy under the skin
- Keep your environment healthy outside the skin
- Give your skin regular fresh air and cold water rinses
- Ensure ample hydration of body and skin
- Stick to gentle products if they come into contact with skin
- Choose skincare that is highly skin compatible and non-irritant
- Use skincare that has been clinically proven for sensitivity
- Select skincare that supports skin barrier function
- Look for skincare that balances skin pH
- Find skincare that restores the skin microbiome
Note: 100% of participants with skin hypersensitivity and/or itchiness experienced improvement after using Bio-First UltraSensitive Skin Lotion in an independent study.
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