If you’ve been blessed with the sensitive skin type you’re no stranger to blotching, itching, red patches, etc. But if your skin is currently sensitised, you can relate too, and this is where the confusion starts. Many of us think we have sensitive skin when we really only have sensitised skin, the short-lived version of sensitive skin. Kinda like an allergic reaction to something we have control over. Whereas sensitive skin can flare up whenever it pleases. Here’s how to know which one you have and how to treat it.
If your skin falls under the sensitive skin type, your skin will always be easily irritated by anything from the weather to skincare ingredients. Irritation can appear as redness, burning, itchiness, and even breakouts for some people.
Although sensitised skin sounds, looks, and feels the same, it’s a temporary reaction to a skincare product or going OTT with certain parts of a skincare routine (there’s such thing as over-loving your skin ya’ know). The most common mistakes that lead to sensitised skin are harsh formulas that strip the skin of its naturally moisturising oils, exfoliating more than necessary, and using too many skincare products.
Sensitive skin can’t be treated as it’s a skin type, but choosing skincare products/facial treatments specifically designed for sensitive skin types is the next best thing to help avoid any upset and keep symptoms at bay. Anything that soothes the skin and/or strengthens the skin barrier to provide better protection against irritants is always a good shout. We know more than anyone how exciting it is to try something new that promises your skin the world (gimme, gimme, gimmie!), but don’t forget to perform a patch test first, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
However, sensitised skin can be treated as it’s situational. To find out what’s bothering your skin, take your skincare routine back to the very basics and gradually add the rest, one by one. We recommend leaving at least a week in between each to give your skin enough time to react. Keep note of any changes you experience/don’t experience and you’ll find the culprit soon enough.
The Gentle Cleanser by SkinCeuticals is one creamy cleanser sensitive skin can’t get enough of. Literally. You can use it to cleanse your skin multiple times a day (within reason, obvs) without causing irritation. It features orange oil for its soothing, antiseptic properties that keep sensitive skin types happy, as well as allantoin and glycerin for deep hydration.
Amour up with SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2. It replenishes ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids naturally found in the skin barrier for maximum protection against aggressors, preventing the visible signs of ageing. And if you want to try retinol with sensitive skin, pairing it with this moisturiser will make the whole thing go down smoother as it’s clinically proven to shorten the adjustment period.
This breathable foundation by Oxygenetix is an elite combination of skincare and makeup available in 14 shades. It’s one of the best in the game for sensitive/sensitised skin with an aloe vera base that keeps it cool whilst fighting bacteria. The coverage is on the lighter side but can be layered for a more flawless look to take you from day to night. Oh, and if you’re looking for sneaky ways to build more collagen and elastin on the DL, it does that too.
If you have sensitive skin that’s also tired-looking and congested, try the iS Clinical Champagne on Ice Facial Treatment. Grab a glass of fizz and watch your skin go from bleurgh to beautiful. First up is an enzyme masque which bubbles away on the skin to exfoliate and deep cleanse the pores without scrubbing action to avoid any upset, followed by a cooling mask that soothes and rehydrates.
Blue LEDs are often used to treat acneic skin types as they have antibacterial qualities to destroy acne-causing bacteria. However, at Young LDN, we also recommend the Acne Blue Light Facial treatment to anyone with sensitive/sensitised skin as it effectively reduces redness, irritation, and inflammation. It’s then finished off with a gua sha massage to increase blood flow to the face, bringing more nutrients to get you on the mend quicker.
2 April 2024
