Sensitive skin is caused by irritation in the nerve endings in the top layer of your skin and happens because its natural barrier function has been weakened for one reason or another.
Some of the things that are known to trigger sensitivity include:
Exposure to sunlight and air pollution
Temperature fluctuations (going from a hot office to cold outdoors for example)
Cold, windy and wet weather
Cleaning your skin with very hot water
Not getting enough sleep
Hormonal changes – pregnancy, menstruation and menopause
Stress
Late nights
Chlorine in swimming pools
Dehydration
Naturally dry skin
A recent European study found that up to 52% of people surveyed reported that they had a skin sensitivity of some kind. This can be anything from an occasional flare up to the kind of extreme sensitivity that can make life (and skin care) difficult.
An everyday sensitive skin can leave you with dry, flaky patches, itchiness and discomfort, blemishes and redness, and this can be serious enough to affect your confidence and self-esteem.
Sensitive skin
Can feel tight and uncomfortable a lot of the time
May be sore or sensitive
Needs extra hydration, especially in winter
Dries out easily but tends to be oily in summer
Often flushes after drinking alcohol or eating spicy foods
Tends to have red patches that may not fade
Has uneven texture, dryness and flakiness in places
Reacts to some skincare products
Is often itchy or develops a rash after contact with certain substances
Itches after contact with some types of fabric
Dries out quickly after a hot shower or bath
Tips for looking after your sensitive skin
To keep sensitive skin happy, you need to treat it carefully.
Treat your skin kindly Always look for products that are gentle and designed to not irritate your skin. Avoid higher concentrations of strong ingredients like niacinamide, retinol, vitamin C, BHA (salicylic acid), or AHA (glycolic or lactic acid). If you have sensitive skin, always read the label before using a new product.
Stay moisturised Moisturising is even more important for you if you have sensitive skin. Ask Pamela, your Beauty Therapist for advice, or as a general rule, opt for a gentle, long-lasting moisturiser that is designed to keep sensitive skin hydrated throughout the day. Make sure that it does not contain any irritating ingredients or ingredients that you know will cause your skin to react.
Keep it simple A simple three-step regime is recommended for sensitive skin: Cleanse, Moisturise, Protect. Do not get stressed about the latest 10-step skincare menus and multi-tasking products; with sensitive skin less is more.
Always stay protected Keep your skin protected at all times, from sun and environmental damage. Wear gloves to protect your hand when you are doing the laundry and household tasks. Always wear a sun screen suitable for sensitive skin and use extra hydration when you expose your skin to harsh weather and temperatures.
Stay away from the perfumed products Do not use perfumed products. Research has shown that fragranced beauty and skincare products are one of the most common causes of negative skin reactions, so while the unscented skincare products may seem a little dull, you know that your skin will thank you for using them.
If in doubt – ask Pamela at Au Naturalé Beauty Therapy for advice on the perfect Algologie skincare products and treatments for your sensitive skin.
Algologie’s Sensi Plus – Sensitive Skincare Range offers softness and protection
Specially designed to care for sensitive and reactive skin. The Sensis Plus range has ingredients that are carefully selected to replenish the skin continuously, to restore radiance and energy. At the same time marine extracts help reduce the discomfort causing sensitivities.
At the heart of all Algologie product formulas, the exclusive bio-mimetic complex ALGO 4® replenishes the skin continuously to restore radiance and energy, while high-performance marine ingredients help the skin recover all its natural moisture.
All Sensi Plus products contain
Algologie’s remarkable Algo4 complex. Four powerful seaweed extracts mixed together being Undaria, Porphyridium, Eryngium and Criste Marine. It protects, oxygenates, nourishes and stimulates skin as never before.
A few extra natural seaweed extracts have been added too which make the range perfectly suitable for even very sensitive skin.
Three ingredients which can also help to make skin less sensitive when used on a regular basis.
Ascophyllum: which protects the skin from the effects of pollution and strengthens the skin barrier.
Sea Chamomile: Powerful anti-inflammatory to reduce discomfort such as irritation, tightness and redness.
Rhodosorus: A powerful soothing seaweed which significantly reduces skin sensitivity.
The Algologie Sensi Plus Sensitive skincare range includes
Gentle Cleansing Milk
For a radiant glow. Specially formulated for all skin types and particularly sensitive. A very soft yet rich, white milk with a very gentle fragrance that helps to protect skin from the harmful effects of pollution, cleanses and hydrates skin perfectly while reducing that tight, uncomfortable feeling and replacing it with a feeling of calmness and freshness. Skin is left fresh, relaxed and perfectly cleansed.
Freshness Lotion
A refreshing hydrating toner. Specially formulated for all skin types and particularly sensitive. A very lightly coloured clear toner with a natural fragrance that helps to protect skin from the harmful effects of pollution. It also reduces feelings of discomfort such as irritation and tightness. It also minimises redness while improving the freshness and appearance of skin. And importantly maintains optimum pH.
Gentle Peel
Very gentle enzyme peel, which effectively exfoliates. A pearly gel texture that turns into oil then milk with a soft delicate fragrance. Because of its non-granular papaya content, it exfoliates perfectly and with no aggression. Remarkable—because exfoliating a sensitive skin is certainly a challenge.
Comfort Nutri-Soothing Mask
Gentle, effective with instant results. A pink, very soft and smooth creamy texture with a delicate fragrance. This mask will intensely nourish skin and leave it soft and soothed. Redness is diminished and the skin is left very comfortable. It envelopes the skin with softness and helps it regain extreme comfort.
Soothing Serum
Revitalises skin dramatically but gently. An ultra-light pink gel texture with a soft delicate fragrance. This is intensive care for sensitive skin. It is a highly concentrated serum for more intensive and rapid results when applied and allowed to absorb before applying another sensitive skin product. Skin should soon become perfect and with less sensitivity.
Soothing Cream
Very soft and moisturising for even the most sensitive skin. This is a unique cream with a simply beautiful, soft and delicate fragrance. Its silky texture melts easily and instantly into the skin and it is just incredibly soothing. It protects successfully against external aggressions and provides lasting comfort.
Triple C Cream
Reduces redness while moisturising. Suitable for all skin types particularly sensitive, red and rosacea. A soft light-yellow cream. The Triple C Cream has been formulated for all skin types especially sensitive and red skin with a tendency to be normal to dry with an uneven complexion. This a complete cream that protects, softens, and purifies. It helps to create a clear complexion, soothing redness, toning and refreshing the skin with the presence of Hibiscus, Couperose Complex, Calendula and Allantoin. The Triple C Cream helps the skin to restore a uniform complexion well hydrated and nourished.
Contact Us
If you would like to book a beauty treatment or if you would like advice on the best suited Algologie products for your skin condition and type, contact Pamela on 0493 041 057. Alternatively complete our online enquiries form and we will be in contact within 24 hours.