How To Take Care Of Sensitive Skin

What Sensitive Skin Means

Having sensitive skin can make it difficult to find skincare that works for you, but skincare shouldn’t be a guessing game. It’s frustrating when products seem to work for others whilst the same products leave you with redness, irritation and spots.

You may be surprised to know that most people struggle with skin sensitivity (around 60% - 70% of women) but often this isn’t genetic. It’s due to external factors like the weather, UV ray exposure and overly harsh products that can cause ‘sensitised skin’ rather than ‘inherited sensitive skin’. 

What Causes Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive skin is what we classify as a skin ‘type’. Yes both sensitive skin and sensitised skin have the same symptoms (eg: irritation and inflammation), but sensitive skin is inherited. It’s usually something you have struggled with your whole life and gets worse during the winter, you may experience redness (including overactive capillaries), flakiness and breakouts. More often than not you’ll also struggle with conditions like eczema. It is usually most common amongst those with paler skin due to the lack of pigment. 

Whilst there isn’t a miracle solution, there are lots of things you can do to help manage and relieve the discomfort. Avoiding stripping your skin with overly harsh, or perfumed  products and exposing yourself too much to the sun is a very good start. It needs extra care and attention, taking time to really invest in a skincare routine that is gentle and soothing without overloading and aggravating your skin.

What Causes Sensitised Skin?

Sensitised skin can be as a result of a multitude of different factors. Ranging from sun exposure, cold windy weather and the medication you may be taking such as Statins and Antibiotics including Acne treatments. Cold, dry environments draw moisture away from the skin and this can result in the skin becoming more sensitive to environmental conditions such as pollution and other external irritators trying to fight their way deep into the skin.

Another key cause to consider is that your skincare routine may be doing more harm than good.  A lot of the time using too many products and overly harsh skincare or exfoliating products can cause skin sensitivity. You are much better off simplifying your routine down and making sure you are not stripping your skin of all the good bacteria (your microbiome). 

How To Take Care Of Sensitive Skin And Sensitised Skin

• Avoid over exfoliation using harsh scrubs or chemical exfoliators.
• Avoid any overly or artificially fragranced products that could be causing unnecessary irritation. 
• Avoid drastic change in temperature where you can. For example, try showering in warm water rather than hot. 
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, this is so important! 
• If you are worried about any flare ups, patch test any products you purchase.
• Keep your skin barrier intact by ensuring your skin is nourished. Remember dryness is a key trigger for sensitive skin. Use a gentle cleanser and deeply moisturising cream to replenish and rejuvenate the skin.
• Simplify your routine down to just a few products - quality over quantity- always!
• Limit your time in the sun and wear SPF daily, whether the sun is shining or not.

The Best Skincare For Sensitive Skin

By taking our scientifically developed Skin Diagnostic, we can show you how to take care of your sensitive skin. It’s as accurate as a skin expert’s assessment, so you know you’ll be using exactly what your skin needs.

Our Skin Restore Trio could be your perfect match to help you tackle sensitive skin and sensitised skin due to external factors. It includes our Award Nominated Daily Base™ Wonder Cream, plus our miracle Power TonIQ™ Anti-Redness Essence and Power TonIQ™ Intense Hydrating Essence.. These provide instant relief and help to rebuild the skin's own natural protective layer. Most importantly, our whole range is gentle and suitable for all skin types. All products are either lightly scented with natural plant extracts or are fragrance-free because simplicity is key. 

Start your Wǒ journey by taking our Skin Diagnostic for healthier, happier, glowing skin!

Author: Sara Poidevin-Hill