By Kimberly Nissen, The Beauty Bandit
Summer can wreak havoc on our skin, even if you have less sensitive skin types. Sun, heat, salt water and sweating are just some of the things our skin commonly experiences during summer. In order to save our skin this summer, we spoke to Farida Irani, Ayurveda and Holistic Health Practitioner, about skin sensitivities and what we can do to aid them.
RESCU: What can cause flare-ups for those with Sensitive Skin?
Farida Irani: There are various causes for skin flare-ups with sensitive skin types. Some of these can be allergies to certain foods or synthetic chemicals used in our skin care and in the environment around us. It can also largely be due to a sensitive or sluggish digestive system, as well as the reproductive system if out of balance. The environment around us has a great influence that includes the external seasonal changes, our home and office environments which include factors such as air conditioning / heating which can dehydrate or over heat the skin and lead to further sensitivity, along with the chemicals we come in contact with on a regular basis.
RESCU: Are there any particular summer activities or environments those people should avoid?
Farida Irani: Avoid long periods of direct sunlight during the middle of the day and decrease your time in dry environments, which take away moisture such as harsh air conditioning. Some [other] tips would be to eat cooling foods which are more alkaline in nature, increase water intake – sipping regularly throughout the day as opposed to drinking only when thirsty, increasing your Omega oils with oils such as Flax seed and cooking with cooling fats such as Ghee and or coconut oil. Use skin care without harsh parabens and petrochemicals, and use light oil treatments or skin care with high grade essential and base oils that work in assisting the skin to heal and pure plant extracts, especially before and immediately after being in the harsh sun. Constant misting with a cooling mist is a practice that can be incorporated on a regular basis throughout the day.
RESCU: What ingredients should those people be careful to avoid in skincare products?
Farida Irani: Products with ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulphate, formaldehyde-based preservatives and most synthetic based preservatives and ingredients would at some level aggravate sensitive skin. Check the quality and grades of oils if using aromatics. Avoid in the natural field extremely warming plant extracts or oils and opt for the cooling combinations during the summer months. House hold ingredients also need to be looked at as cleaning products tend to cause a lot of skin irritation as well when working with them and they do come in contact with the skin on a regular basis.
Preparing your skin for a flawless makeup application, this primer is paraben free and contains antioxidants for skincare benefits. The green tint helps to minimize skin redness while extracts of Aloe and Cucumber cool and sooth the skin.
RRP $33 from David Jones, Target and selected pharmacies and salons.
An extremely mild facial cleanser contains natural ingredients, such as almond oil and plum kernel oil, to soften the skin and give it a pleasant feel. The skins pH level is maintained due to the lactic acid in the formula.
David Johnson from Weleda explains why this range is perfect for skin sensitivities: “The Weleda Almond Facial Care range is fragrance-free and designed to care for and protect sensitive and unbalanced skin. It contains carefully selected natural ingredients which lessen the feeling of irritation and redness, skin is left feeling softer and calmer and will gradually be able to better withstand the elements. The Weleda Almond Range is NATRUE certified, providing reassurance of the products truly natural and organic origins.”
RRP $21.90 from selected natural stockists. Phone 1300 551 454
Emergency relief for sensitive flare-ups, this oil-free cream can be used as a spot treatment or all over the face to relieve temporary reactions. Sea Whip and Oat extracts soothe skin while Shea Butter provides moisture and Green Tea extract protects free radical damage.
RRP $68 from David Jones, Myer, Terry White and selected independent pharmacies.
A cooling mist ideal for keeping skin at optimum temperature and hydration. The faint Rose scent is uplifting and comforting and can even be used as a delicate perfume. It is alchohol-free to ensure lasting freshness and soothing of dry skin.
RRP $37.40 from Adore Beauty online.
Combining the benefits of anti-ageing with repairing the skin, this serum uses Vitamin B3 and a unique peptide named Rigin to boost the skins immune function.
DermaQuest National Trainer, Sarah Knox, explains the science: “Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, plays an important role in maintaining the barrier function of the skin. Our barrier protects the skin against pollutants, bacteria and other irritants and keeps the skin conditioned and youthful. With our barrier working more effectively conditions like acne, rosacea and inflammatory conditions in the skin can be more effectively managed. Rigin is known as the ‘Youth hormone’ and works on reducing inflammatory mediators in the skin which in turn increases the healing potential and tissue regeneration of the skin.”
RRP $120 from selected beauty clinics nationally. Phone 1300 799 709
