Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is not a single disorder, in fact it can include several different skin conditions, such as eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, hives, and photodermatoses (a severe reaction to UV light). Those of us who suffer with these conditions can experience anything from tight, itchy skin to a red, blotchy complexion, hives, blisters and scaling of the skin.
There are many different causes of sensitive skin, including dehydration, physical triggers such as sunlight, weather, pollution, various chemicals and even food and drinks. The best way to address this condition is to look at the skin health, in particular the health of the skin barrier.
What is the skin barrier?
Your skin is made up of layers, each of which performs important functions in protecting your body. The outermost layer, called the stratum corneum, is often described as the ‘brick wall’ of your body. This wall protects the body from unwanted invasions and stops the water inside your body escaping, evaporating and leaving you completely dehydrated. So, the health of your skin barrier is essential for the overall health of your body.
What happens when your skin barrier is weakened?
When our skin is working at its best, it has a protective layer that locks in moisture and prevents harmful agents and irritants from penetrating and causing issues. However, when this layer gets damaged, whether it be due to external stressors, dehydration, or inappropriate skin products, that natural barrier is weakened. This not only allows bacteria, dirt and harmful agents to enter your skin but it also causes the barrier layer to struggle with retaining moisture, causing the skin to become dry, sensitive and/or reactive.
So do ensure the skin barrier is healthy. We would suggest introducing a topical application of Vitamin A and antioxidants as well as a supplement such as Advanced Nutrition Programme’s Moisture Lock. Product ranges such as Environ’s Skin Essentia and Youth Essentia are great for sensitive skin, creating a natural protective barrier between the causes of sensitivity and the skin itself. Vitamin A also STRENGTHENS the skin, which builds the barrier back up, preventing irritation and sensitivity from occurring and resulting in healthy, hydrated, comfortable-feeling skin.
Recommended solutions
If your main concern is sensitivity, and this is what you want to target, we’ve built a generic skincare routine for you:
Vitamin A products
Environ’s Skin Essentia and Youth Essentia ranges have an optimum amount of vitamin A and other highly effective, powerful vitamins and antioxidants. Part of Environ’s unique Step-Up system, these ranges have been developed to balance the skin’s natural moisture, encourage the renewal of skin cells and give you healthy skin within just a few weeks.
Colostrum Gel
Highly concentrated, this gel provides essential nutrition to depleted or sensitized skin. Calming and revitalizing, this gel is perfect for burns, sensitive skin or skin reactions.
Skin Moisture Lock
These supplements are incredible at calming reactive skins. The hyaluronic acid and ceramides will help to protect the cells, calm inflammation, retain the skin’s moisture and unlock youthful and more radiant skin.
Skin Clear Biome
Specifically for stressed and problem skin, Skin Clear Biom will work to balance the skin’s natural barrier whilst soothing irritation and giving a clearer complexion.
RAD SPF Mineral sun protection
Protect your skin from irritation caused by environmental factors such as the sun and blue light with Environ’s antioxidant sun cream.
Environ Essential Comfort Calm
Ideal for sensitive, irritated skin. A powerful combination of smart ingredients will leave the skin feeling soothed with a healthy radiance. This treatment will push active ingredients into the skin, soothing, comforting and calming it, and helping to reduce irritation from the very first treatment. We recommend the intense version for a full comfort overhaul.
