A coworker of mine has seriously sensitive skin.On top occasional rosacea, she’s allergic to zinc. She’s tried a million and two products and can’t find a good cleanser to keep her skin from drying out. I thought this was a perfect problem to take to local resident skincare expert, Renee Rouleau. According to the guru:
“Based on the information given, it’s my assessment that she has a damaged moisture barrier in her skin which is causing increased sensitivity, dryness and irritation.”
Continue reading to see Renee’s solution.
What’s a damaged moisture barrier?
Your skin has a moisture barrier made of natural lipids that keeps moisture in the skin and irritants out. When this barrier is damaged, it creates tiny, invisible cracks in the skin that allow moisture to escape (causing dry, flaky skin) and irritants to enter more easily (making even sensitive skin products cause a stinging, irritating sensation.) All the moisturizer in the world won’t help fix her dry, flaky, sensitive skin until her skin’s protective barrier is repaired.
What’ s the cause of a damaged barrier?
The cause could be genetics, over-exfoliation from too many acids and facials scrubs, overuse of the Clarisonic brush or harsh products.
How do you fix a damaged moisture barrier?
– For starters, avoid washing your skin with anything that leaves it feeling tight. Look at your cleansers and make sure to avoid the ingredient Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Ammonium Laureth Sulfate as these only further damage the skins barrier. f you’re using the wrong cleanser, you’re instantly stripping the moisture out of the skin which is the worst thing you can do for sensitive skin. See our collection of sulfate-free cleansing gels and cleansing lotions.
– Always use a toner to give your skin extra hydration, but make sure it’s alcohol-free. (Read: Five Reasons to Use Alcohol-Free Toner)
– Use a vitamin C or antioxidant serum daily. They can have excellent anti-redness properties but make sure it’s a no-sting formula formulated with stable Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, like our Vitamin C&E Complex.
– Wearing a broad-spectrum sunblock every day is a must. Our Daily Protection SPF 30 is perfect! UV rays from daylight cause inflammation in the skin which only makes sensitive skin more sensitive.
– Use a moisturizer with lipid-rich oils to reinforce skin’s natural barrier. This one is really important as regular moisturizers will hydrate but not necessarily fix a damaged barrier if they don’t use these special repairing ingredients. Look for moisturizers with Linoleic Acid, Soybean Sterols, Jojoba Oil, Phospholipids, Borage Oil, Merospheres (liposome encapsulated rosemarinus officinalis), Kukui Nut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Glycolipids, Squalane and Rose Hips Seed Oil. Many of these are found in our Phytolipid Comfort Cream which is formulated to repair the skin’s protective barrier down deep, where damage begins. Within weeks, visible redness and skin sensitivity will be greatly reduced – if not eliminated. Trust me, this cream works!
– Be sure to use products exclusively formulated for the unique needs of your skin. What’s your skin type?
Within 4-6 weeks (if not sooner), the skin will be less red and sensitive and back to a healthier, hydrated state.
