Sensitive Skin: Age Defying Strategies That Can Soothe And Restore
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Written by: Teri Dourmashkin
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Word Count: 860 |
Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2009 |
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Millions of Americans state they have sensitive skin. It is not uncommon for a patient to visit a dermatologist for this reason. Some complain of dry, itching skin, while others may experience stinging or burning when applying a new skin care product. Some people with sensitive skin may develop an allergic reaction more so than others. A true allergic reaction is not the same as experiencing irritation from direct contact with a product. An allergy results when your body produces antibodies to a substance your body perceives as foreign which then triggers an allergic reaction. Others with sensitive have a condition known as rosacea. This condition is very common; as many as 14 million Americans may have it. The exact origin of rosacea is unknown, although some have theorized that it may be the result of a bacterial or fungal infection. Rosacea is characterized by inflammation. Rosacea can manifest as red splotches on the face and may be accompanied by broken blood vessels, pimples or breakouts. There are medications that your doctor can prescribe for rosacea. Some natural alternatives which may help reduce the appearance of rosacea include R-Lipoic Acid, Green Tea and Chamomile. These substances contain anti-inflammatory properties which may help skin look younger as well. Some sensitive skin types may be more prone to contact dermatitis and or eczema. Contact dermatitis can cause itchy, red skin and can be caused by harsh or caustic chemicals. It is not however, a true allergy. What is the best way to handle sensitive skin? The following tips can soothe and calm sensitive skin. This is particularly important as we approach the cold winter months. GO AS NATURAL AS POSSIBLE While it is true that any number of natural ingredients are capable of causing an allergic reaction, sensitivity or irritation, many naturally based companies steer clear of potentially toxic ingredients which may not only be harmful, but can be harsh and irritating. For example, many synthetic detergent cleansers contain ingredients which can be harsh and drying. Therefore, many companies use a process called "ethoxylation," in order to make harsh ingredients milder. As a result, 1, 4-Dioxane is created as a by-product and may cause cancer. ALWAYS GO FRAGRANCE FREE (INCLUDING NO ESSENTIAL OILS) Without question, sensitive skin types should avoid fragrance in any skin care product. This even includes essential oils which are used in the majority of natural skin care lines. Sensitive skin can develop an irritation or allergic reaction to natural fragrances as well. Choosing fragrance free products are always your best choice. AVOID HARSH CLEANSERS AND TONERS Many commercial cleansers and toners routinely use harsh cleansing ingredients which are very alkaline and can be drying and irritating for many skin types, not just sensitive. Try to find a cleanser which is free of fragrance and harsh detergent cleansers. When buying a toner, always buy one that does not contain drying alcohol. You will typically see "SD Alcohol" or "SD Alcohol 40" used. Some detergent cleansers you may want to avoid include sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. Your skin will appear fresher and younger, if it is less dry and irritated. USE LIMITED NUMBER OF INGREDIENTS AND PRODUCTS Use as few products as possible with the fewest ingredients in the product formula. The more products you use and the more ingredients a product contains, the more you risk having a reaction to any number of ingredients. This will make it difficult or impossible to determine what the offending substance (s) might be. NO SYNTHETIC DYES OR COLORS These are usually listed as FD&C colors, followed by a number. These often contain coal tars which are derived from petroleum and may be toxic. INCLUDE SOOTHING INGREDIENTS Use soothing natural oils (preferably unrefined)such as sesame seed oil, apricot kernel oil, almond oil, sunflower oil and avocado oil. Those with nut allergies may want to avoid using nut oils. High quality, unrefined Shea butter is also beneficial for most skin types, particularly sensitive. It may help to control many conditions such as very dry skin, rashes, and eczema. It also easily penetrates. Always seek the advice of your physician for any condition which becomes very uncomfortable or painful. Chamomile and calendula also contain soothing properties. However, those with ragweed allergies may want to avoid these. Hyaluronic acid, which holds 1000 times its weight in water, is a wonderful humectant and can add needed moisture and softness to the skin. Treating sensitive skin can be tricky. But if you follow the "less is more" strategy by looking for high quality, fragrance free natural ingredients, you may find your skin reacting less. Educate yourself as much as possible regarding the best ingredients for sensitive skin. Sometimes there may be some trial and error, so try to be patient. Always scrutinize ingredient labels. It may be a good idea to carry a list, at least initially so you know what ingredients to avoid.
Dr. Teri Dourmashkin has a Doctorate in Health Education from Columbia University. She is the founder and president of La Vie Celeste Skin Care, Inc., a company dedicated to providing fabulous all natural anti-aging skin care. To learn more about skin care that promises more beautiful, and radiant looking skin, visit= >
http://www.laviecelesteskincare.com .
e-mail: sales@laviecelesteskincare.com
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It's important to consider the ingredients in all the products you use on hair and skin. Research is showing a buildup of chemicals on the skin can cause acne, dryness and skin cancer. Skin with rosacea is even more sensitive to these chemicals.
With so many manufacturers using chemicals in their products, almost any product - cleansers, moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, hair gels and sunscreens - can be causing breakouts on your face and body.
The ones advertised to clear acne can contain the most chemicals. Here's a page that shows what's in a Clearasil product and what those ingredients can do to skin !http://www.best-mens-skin-care.com/ingredients-in-a-clearasil-product.html
To find chemical-free products, read labels and research ingredients - or start with certified organic ingredients which don't contain harmful chemicals.
Mayo
http://www.best-mens-skin-care.com
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