By Katie Martlew
Attention all sensitive skin sufferers: whether you suffer from mild skin irritation to severe environmental sensitivity, eczema, rosacea or psoriasis, we come to the Rescu. with expert skin-saving tips and eight of the best beauty products to calm down stressed out and sensitive skins…
MV Skincare’s Owner and Creator Sharon McGlinchey shares some expert tips on what causes skin irritation and how to combat, and calm down sensitive skin…
As a holistic skin therapist specialising in skin sensitivities I see a broad spectrum of ‘sensitivity’ from very mild skin irritation created by the use of a new product to severe environmental sensitivity, eczema, rosacea and psoriasis.
Although it is often thought that sensitivity is associated with fine textured skin this is not the case. Due to modern day living we are now exposed to more skin irritants and general pollutants than at any other time in history.
Many ingredients in skin care and cosmetics can cause irritation, leaving the skin red and blotchy. This type of sensitivity is called ‘acute’ sensitivity. The solution is to simply stop using the product that created the reaction. Chronic sensitivity is different and can continue on for months and even years after exposure to an irritant – whether internal or external.
External aggressors include: Tap water (can be very drying and irritating), hot showers, granular scrubs, alcohol based products, chemical, fruit acid and herbal peels, heavily fragranced skincare, chemical based skin care, sunscreens or foundations, laser and dermabrasion (when inappropriately recommended)
Internal aggressors include: Food- i.e. spicy foods and alcohol are two common triggers for rosacea sufferers, pollens, dust and their relation to eczema, certain medications, certain auto-immune diseases which affect the skin i.e. lupus, psoriasis and scledorderma and stress- which can impact on the skin and trigger conditions such as eczema, rosacea and psoriasis.
To best care for sensitive skin:
• Search for natural-based skincare, which tends to be formulated with plant oils rather than petrochemicals.
• Avoid using a foaming cleanser, instead opt for a gentle cream based cleanser.
• Avoid exfoliating with traditional scrubs and peels, instead gently compress the face with a warm face washer or muslin cloth.
• Avoid using sunscreens daily – particularly if you work indoors 5 days a week. Some of the most irritating chemical ingredients are found in sunscreens.
• Avoid wearing heavy make-up to cover your sensitivity/redness. This may only exacerbate the problem in the long term.
• Avoid using heavy creams at night. Give your skin a rest and treat it to a few drops of an anti-oxidant rich plant oil such as jojoba, sweet almond or avocado.
Rescu. RECOMMENDS: We bring you our top eight beauty picks to calm down and soothe stressed out and sensitive skins…
The 100% organic extra sensitive skin soothing moisturiser and makeup remover…
1. MV Organic Skincare Pure Jojoba Moisturiser
This superfine 100% organic natural moisturiser is suitable for extra sensitive skins, and penetrates easily- nourishing, protecting and softening the skin without clogging the pores. This multi-purpose wonder product also removes eye make-up and mascara while conditioning the skin, and can also be used to treat dry, itchy skin conditions as well as oily and acneic skin, heat and shaving rash and can be used in infant skincare.
RRP $39.00. Available at www.mvskincare.com.au
The super comforting and protecting sensitive skin saviour…
2. Clinique Comfort on Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream
Created for people with reactive skin, Clinique’s new Comfort on Call Cream enhances the skin’s ability to protect itself against external irritants such as pollutants and airborne particles. Formulated with the rare Citrus Jabara Fruit Extract, and Clinique’s EnviroSoothe Complex including anti-irritants Mangosteen and licorice extract, this ultra-moisturising cream immediately helps to calm irritated skin, while reducing skin’s reactivity to external irritants through continued use.
RRP $83. Available at Clinique counters nationally and www.clinique.com.au
The organic, aromatic and detoxifying skin soother…
3. Darphin Organic Chamomile Aromatic Care
This super-soothing organic, aromatic and soothing essential oil comforts sensitive skins that are prone to blotchiness and irritation, while at the same time, detoxifying and hydrating the skin. Simply apply five drops of this luxurious essential oil onto the face and neck in the evening to calm both the skin as well as the mind.
RRP $98.00. Available at www.meccacosmetica.com.au
The ultra-luxe soothing and hydrating face moisturizer…
4. Lancôme Hydra Zen Neurocalm Anti Stress Moisturising Cream SPF 15
Formulated with Lancôme’s new innovative NEOCALM technology- featuring White Jasmine Flower, widely known for its ability to protect skin cells from aggressions, and Rose de France- the stress relieving skin soother, this ultra calming moisturising cream calms and soothes even the most super sensitive and dehydrated skins. Immediately after use, your skin will feel comfortable, soft, supple, dewy and radiant.
RRP $95. Available at leading department stores and selected pharmacies.
The budget and skin friendly moisturiser for sensitive and reactive skin…
5. Nivea Visage Sensitive Soothing Day Cream
This skin friendly moisturiser was specifically developed to calm sensitive and reactive skin. The lovely lightweight formula is PH-neutral, free of fragrances, colourants and alcohol, and the UVA/UVB protection helps ward off damaging UVA/UVB rays. Enriched with Licorine, this soothing cream quickly calms the skin, relieving it from discomfort and tightness. The perfect everyday moisturiser!
RRP $15.54 Available from leading department stores and selected pharmacies.
The intensely moisturising face mask for dry and irritated skin.
6. Nude Intense Moisture Mask
For an instant quick fix for dry and irritated skin, this intensely moisturising cupuacu and shea butter treatment is the perfect stressed out skin pick-me-up. It’s formulated with reviving and restoring ingredients such as honey, fig, liquorice and milk peptides, it can be used as a treatment, or alternatively a rich day moisturiser or nourishing overnight skin booster to soothe and protect the skin.
RRP $96.00 Available at www.meccacosmetica.com.au
The seriously soothing anti-inflammatory face mist.
7. MV Organic Skincare Rose Hydrating Mist
This ultra-fine pure floral water face mist is infused with the delicate scent of rose petals and is packed with both hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. Simply spritz onto the face as often as needed to refresh and hydrate the face. A must have for air travel and for air-conditioned environments.
RRP $54.00. Available at www.mvskincare.com.au
The calming cleansing milk face wash for sensitive skin.
8. REN Calendula Cleansing Milk Wash- Sensitive
This oh-so gentle cleansing face milk is designed to purify, calm and soothe sensitive and delicate skin. It’s formulated with Arctic Blackcurrant seed and Berry Oil to boost skin lipid content and preserve moisture levels while Calendula helps to leave even the most sensitive skin feeling calm, comfortable and soothed.
RRP $54.00. Available at www.meccacosmetica.com.au
