Beauty Sensitive skin solutions, dyed-hair tips
As sensitive skin becomes a huge focus for beauty brands, we reveal the new products and rules to help you out!
Redness, itchiness, stinging, inflammation – more than 62 per cent of women suffer with sensitive skin. Why? Because we’re using more beauty products than ever before.
From makeup to skincare, anti-ageing lotions and potions to treatments – chances are you’re loading your skin with a host of chemicals and allergens it just can’t deal with.
Add to that the effects of stress and changes in the weather, and it’s no wonder our skin is trying to tell us enough’s enough!
Flare-ups are especially common now as the seasons change, thanks to fluctuating temperatures and alternating from cold air to heated air – classic culprits when it comes to triggering sensitivity.
“Heat and cold break down the protective barrier function of your skin, allowing antigens and irritants access to the lower layers, resulting in irritation,” explains Emma Hobson, education manager for the International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica.
“Because sensitivity is linked so closely with dehydration, your skin can also feel tight, dry, flaky and a little rough to touch.”
Sensitised skin can often be more reactive to the products you use regularly. So if you’re feeling a sting or burn when following your usual regimen, stop. “Stay away from active ingredients or products with alcohol and artificial fragrance,” says Emma.
Follow our rules to get your skin back on track and find the sensitive skincare solutions that work for you.
BE CLEVER
ABOUT CLEANSING Stay away from wipes and foams that dry and strip skin of natural oils. Instead, go for gentle and soothing formulas specially made to clean and calm. Try 1. Comfort Zone Remedy Cream to Oil Ultra Gentle Cleanser $46, 2. Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser $55 or 3. Erno Laszlo Sensitive Cleansing Set (soap and cleansing oil) $43.
ADD A MASK
If you don’t already use a mask, now’s the time. They work like treatment products to go deeper, and Frank Body Glow Mask $21.95 is designed to bring brightness back to your skin. It can even work as a spot treatment on dry patches, too. REMEMBER, HYDRATION IS KEY If your skin is flaky, dry or tight, use a multi-tasking moisturiser that protects the skin’s barrier and contains strengthening proteins. We like 4. Saturday Skin Featherweight Daily Moisturizing Cream $74.95. For redness or rosacea, go for a soothingspecific and anti-redness blend like 5. Bioderma Sensibio AR Anti-redness Care $42.99.
‘Heat and cold break down your skin’s protective barrier’
COOL IT DOWN If your skin’s irritable, sore or hot, invest in a cooling and hydrating mist. Leave it in the fridge and spritz over face and neck whenever you need to. Try 6. Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist Intense $79 or 7. Mario Badescu Facial Spray $9. DON’T DITCH ANTI-AGEING ROUTINES Most women find their skin becomes more reactive with age, but that doesn’t mean you need to avoid anti-ageing products altogether. Look for a daily antioxidant serum that builds collagen and fights free radical damage. We like 8. The Beauty Chef Dream Repair Serum $69.95. For eyes, try new 9. Avene Physiolift Eye Contour $64.95. It’s hypoallergenic and works to fill wrinkles, smooth lines and tighten skin to reduce puffiness and dark circles – what a combo!