MANAGING SENSITIVE FACIAL SKIN

Sensitive skin is a condition which can be experienced by all four skin types – dry, normal, oily and combination. While some people don’t show any visible symptoms, they may find certain products can make their skin feel uncomfortable. As the level of skin sensitivity increases, symptoms can range from sensations of tightness and discomfort at the lower end of the scale to more extreme symptoms such as prolonged redness, itching, prickling, burning and/or scaling at the higher end of the scale, i.e. hypersensitive skin.

Dry skin can lead to dehydrated and sensitive skin due to a lack of lipids (oils). Because of reduced lipids, the skin is unable to hold in water. When skin lacks the moisture it needs to work as an effective barrier layer, further moisture is lost and the skin is then unable to protect itself against external irritants such as bacteria, viruses and/or pollution. This leads to feeling of skin tightness and discomfort.  

There are a range of internal and external factors that can impact the effectiveness of skins own moisture levels, causing skin to become dehydrated or sensitive. 

Internal factors include:

• Genetics
• Hormonal influences
• Skin diseases

External factors include:

• Environmental influences such as UV radiation or pollution
• Certain medications
• Diet and/or lifestyle (e.g. lack of sleep, stress, poor skincare regime)

Some considerations when dealing with sensitive skin:

• Washing skin in water that is too hot strips the skin of protecting lipids making it more vulnerable to sensitivity. 
• Ingredients that are known irritants such as sodium laurate sulphate, menthol or high concentration of denatured alcohol contained in some skincare products can cause discomfort for sensitive skin.
• Chemical peels and/or exfoliators can cause irritation to already sensitive skin.
• Shaving – both the exfoliating action and post-shave products can cause sensitivity.
• Over exposure to sun and lack of appropriate UV protection.
• A lack of humidity caused by central heating affects skin hydration.
• Keeping hydrated, if the body becomes dehydrated then the skin’s moisture supply is negatively affected.
• Smoking – the harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke dry and irritate skin

While causes and symptoms will vary from person to person, what all dry, sensitive skin needs is intense and long-lasting hydration. This can be provided by selecting and using an appropriate moisturiser. Look for products that are formulated for sensitive skin; are free from perfumes or any other ingredients that are known irritants; and products that suit your individual skin type. Try NEUÚ Marine Algae Facial Moisturiser, formulated with marine algae lipids to hydrate and soothe the most sensitive of skin.

Other things to consider when managing sensitive skin are to reduce the amount of time spent in a bath/shower as well as reducing the temperature of the water, this will help to support the skin’s natural balance.  Also, maintaining a nutritious and healthy balanced diet is also a major factor when dealing with sensitive skin. Finally, thorough but gentle cleansing is an important step in an effective skincare regime. Avoid harsh cleansers and use products that are kind to sensitive skin such as NEUÚ Marine Algae Facial Wash.

The NEUÚ Marine Algae skincare range of products has been specially formulated for dry and sensitive skin types to provide long lasting hydration for all types of dry and dehydrated, sensitive skin. Lipids keep seaweed hydrated and elastic in the harshest of conditions. We extract potent and rare marine algae lipids to replicate these same benefits for your skin.