You do not think you have done anything to change your routine, but you have noticed that your skin seems angry and sensitive…what could be making it so irritable?
Despite what the marketing people try to tell us, ‘sensitive’ is not always a skin type, it is a very common condition that affects most of us at some point. It does not matter whether your skin is dry, oily or combination, it can still be affected by sensitivity and sometimes there does not appear to be any apparent reason for it. So what are the factors that can trigger sensitivity, and cause the niggling redness, prickling and stinging sensations?
The Time of Year
Are you pollen sensitive? If so it can affect more than just your nose and eyes, with varying seasonal pollen levels really affecting some people’s skin sensitivity too. Add to that the changes in temperature and humidity and sometimes your skin can struggle to cope. If this sounds like you, try to stay indoors on days when the pollen count is high, and protect your skin with a good quality moisturiser all year round.
During the cold winter months, keep your skin extra hydrated – invest in a humidifier to help. In summer time, it goes without saying that you need extra sun screen, while sun protection should be a year-long concern.
The Time of Day
Have you noticed that your skin often feels itchier and more sensitive at night? That is because your body runs on a biologically programmed 24-hour (circadian) rhythm, and during the night your cortisol levels naturally drop while histamine levels can surge. This results in less anti-inflammatory hormone and more itching which can keep the best of us awake at night. You can reduce the effects of these hormonal changes by sleeping in breathable fabrics, changing your bedding regularly and avoiding getting too hot in bed.
Your Time of Life
Different stages in our life can cause changes in skin that affect its sensitivity.
Young and teenage skin is prone to hormonal changes and sometimes it can drive younger women to using harsh skincare products if they are acne-prone. Unfortunately this can make skin more sensitive as it strips away the natural protective oils.
Hormonal upheavals like pregnancy, monthly cycles and menopause can all have a knock on effect on your skin’s sebum secretion, which affects its natural function. At the same time, hormonal changes can cause redness, making skin feel really sensitive to the touch.
As we get older, our skin tends to thin, while the sebaceous gland activity drops. This can weaken your skin’s defences, and leave it dehydrated. Although there is not much we can do to avoid most of these changes, we can use good quality and age-appropriate products to make sure we’re caring properly for our skin at all stages.
Your Lifestyle
Lifestyle plays a big part in skin health. If you are guilty of having more than a few late nights, not getting enough sleep or you are stressed, it can translate to sensitive skin. The food we eat and the amount of water we take in can also soothe or irritate. Give your skin the best possible support by looking after your overall health.
Using the Wrong Skincare Products for Your Skin
Skin can be fragile – with a delicate barrier and excitable nerve endings, you can overdo the products even if they are expensive, and good quality. If you are prone to sensitivity, the rule of thumb should be to use as few products as possible, containing as few ingredients. Look for something that is dermatologically tested and free from alcohol, lanolin, fragrances and colourants.
About Us
Our welcoming, accredited, private one-on-one beauty salon and quiet, secluded surroundings is in a residential location in Woodbine, Campbelltown. For your convenience, VIP on-site parking is available right outside our front door, away from shopping centres and Campbelltown CBD.
Pamela, a fully accredited and licensed Beauty Therapist with over 12 years of experience, delivers personalised, high-quality and pampering beauty treatments for women. We customise all treatments to suit your individual needs and circumstances using only the best professional products for your facial and body needs including Algologie and Fleur De Mer. We stock the full range of Algologie and Fleur De Mer products.
Au Naturalé Beauty Therapy offer all aspects of beauty treatments including facial treatments, specialised facial treatments, facial enhancer treatments, face and body waxing, eyebrow and eyelash tinting, fingernails and toenails trimming, manicures, pedicures and 'spoil yourself' pamper packages.
Contact Us
To book a beauty treatment or if you would like to know more about our range of Algologie skincare products that would suit your sensitive skin condition, contact Pamela on 0439 041 057. Alternatively complete our online enquiries form and we will be in contact within 24 hours.