Sensitive Skin Causes & treatments
Although not medically diagnosable, sensitive skin is a common issue. Skin that is prone to adverse reactions is considered to be sensitive. Most people that have sensitive skin experience itching, burning, and stinging patches of skin either frequently or occasionally.
Signs
- Redness & swelling
- Irritation or rash
- Rough patches or texture
- Peeling skin
Causes
Contact Dermatitis
Inflammation that can occur when your skin is exposed to an irritant, such as a strong fragrance or harsh chemical. This irritant causes minor damage to the skin’s surface, causing your body to respond with an autoimmune response. This may cause plethora of symptoms including rash, itchiness, burning, swelling, dry skin, and many more. Contact dermatitis can occur from many products we use daily, including fragranced laundry detergent & dryer sheets, to commercial body washes & soaps, and chemical-laden lotions and body sprays. The list goes on and on.
Allergy
Allergies and sensitivities to ingredients in the topical products you use daily can be a common reason for sensitive skin. From harsh soaps, to moisturizers and creams filled with fragrances and other synthetics, potential allergic reactions or “irritant contact dermatitis” can occur from many things. If you’re experiencing sensitivity, it’s best to take a look at your skincare routine and weed out products one by one until you find the culprit.
Acne
Acne is a skin condition that starts in our adolescent years, and continues through adulthood for some people. Those who suffer from breakouts tend to believe that scrubbing their skin with harsh, oil-stripping soaps, cleansers, and physical exfoliants is going to fix the problem. However, this is not the best choice. Soaps and cleansers that alter your facial skin’s delicate acid mantle will only make matters worse, and are likely to send your skin into a never-ending cycle of breaking out. We suggest a more gentle approach of oil cleansing, using a gentle toner, and moisturizing serum as the basis of your skincare routine. (Wild June skincare coming soon!) Weekly clay-based facial masks are also a great way to keep those pores clean & clear. For body acne, we suggest using a mild cleanser, like our Eclipse Soap, which we’ve formulated with detoxifying dead sea mud, clays, activated charcoal, and essential oils that leave skin feeling fresh & clean without stripping it.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness and swelling of the face and neck. Those that suffer from rosacea tend to flush very easily. Doctors do not have and answer for what causes rosacea, but do know that those that are fair-skinned and have a family history are more at risk. Rosacea sufferers should definitely stick to mild, gentle skincare products to keep redness down to a minimum.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is fairly common, and contrary to popular belief, it’s not just that dry winter air that can cause it. Using the wrong skincare products has the potential to strip skin of it’s natural oils and causes chronically dry skin. Some people have naturally dryer skin and must take care to give it the extra moisture it needs. Dry skin can put you at risk for developing other skin conditions, due to the irritation and itching that it causes.
Other Causes
Some less common causes of skin sensitivity can range from age, to weather, to medications and everything in between. Other causes are hormonal changes, smoking, pollution, and cosmetic products.
Treatment
Sensitive skin is rarely serious and can be easily remedied with a few simple changes to your skincare routine. When treating sensitive skin at home, the first step is finding a gentle cleanser. We formulated our soaps with nourishing oils, butters, and retained glycerin to provide a super gentle cleanse for the body, never stripping or drying the skin. The second step is using a gentle moisturizer, like our Nourish Skin Cream. We specifically formulated this cream to moisturize, soothe, heal, & protect all skin types. Some of Nourish’s all-star ingredients include:
Allantoin- Known for its skin-soothing and healing capabilities.
Chamomile- Known for easing skin conditions like eczema and rashes. Promotes wound healing.
Frankincense & Myrrh- Both renowned for their skin-nourishing properties. Conditions like bug bites, eczema and rashes all benefit from the healing properties of this soothing blend.
Oat + Mallow extracts- Both of these mild extracts are perfect for sensitive skin. They have the ability to moisturize, soften, and protect skin, as well as soothe irritation.
The Bottom Line
If you’re experiencing sensitive skin, first look at the possible causes, and look at what you can do to avoid sensitive skin in the future. Always keep your skincare routine as clean as possible, choosing products that contain simple, natural & organic ingredients vs. products with harsh cleansers, synthetic fragrances, and other potentially irritating ingredients.
For natural & organic skincare your body will love, go to wildjuneco.com