All about balance

For those with sensitive skin, here’s a range of products that may alleviate its symptoms, writes Kasmiah Mustapha

SENSITIVE skin is caused by irritation of the nerve endings on the top layer of skin. People with sensitive skin react to various triggers including medication, skincare and household products, air pollution and extreme weather changes.

They suffer from rash, flare-up, redness, break-outs, stinging and burning sensations.

Sensitive skin is also linked to dry skin as the lack of moisture leads to weaker cellular barrier that reacts to trigger factors. Skin is less supple and displays symptoms such as burning, prickling, scaling and itching.

German skincare brand Dr Rimpler has developed a range of products to alleviate the symptoms of sensitive skin.

The products, under the brand’s sensitive skincare line, consist of rescue lotion, cleansing gel and tonic.

Dr Christian Rimpler, the founder and head of research, says the key to treating sensitive skin lies in bringing back balance to the skin.

“When there is balance, there is better regulation and this boosts skin resistance. The skin learns to better its defence against stressful triggers,” he says.

While I do not suffer from breakouts or rashes, I have dry skin. To overcome the problem, I use a cleanser and moisturiser. These two products have protected my skin quite well from becoming flaky and rough.

From its press release, I understand that Dr Rimpler’s range of products can help my dry skin and even strengthen my immune system. I am keen to try the three products.

The cleansing gel is formulated with silk proteins to offer maximum moisture retention. There is also cornflower to refresh and sooth the skin. Roman chamomile, meanwhile, heals irritations.

Using a wet cotton pad, I apply the gel throughout my face.

The gel can also be used to soothe irritated eyelids. You can either leave the gel on to dry or remove it with a cotton pad after application.

I really like the cooling and soothing sensation of the gel. My skin feels really fresh after I leave it on to dry.

Next is the tonic with active ingredients including allantoin and the extracts from the Rose of Jericho, a plant from North Africa.

The combination of ingredients ensures rehydration of dry skin areas, strengthens weakened skin barrier and revitalises sensitive areas of the skin.

There are two ways to apply the tonic — either use a cotton pad or pour it onto your hand and gently apply on skin for full absorption.

I use both methods which I believe offer the same results. There is a bit of tingling and burning sensation but it’s only for a minute or two.

Completing the skincare process is the rescue spray lotion, which contains panthenol and MicroSilver BG, an antibacterial pure metallic silver ingredient.

The MicroSilver BG supports the treatment of irritated and inflamed skin.

Blackcurrant seed oil and balloon vine extract in combination with sunflower oil concentrate effectively reduces inflammatory processes and repairs the damaged skin barrier.

After spraying it on my face, I ensure it is evenly distributed by massaging. It is a bit sticky so I leave it on for a few minutes to dry before applying face powder.

As I do not have sensitive skin, I harbour hope that the products will hydrate it. Unfortunately, I do not see any major changes in my skin after using the products for two weeks.

My skin is not hydrated enough because there are still dry patches. My skin is also not as smooth compared to when I am using my own cleanser and moisturiser.