More and more women have declared their skin type as sensitive with frequent experiences of redness, itching and tightness, but is that really the case?
More and more women have declared their skin type as sensitive with frequent experiences of redness, itching and tightness, but is that really the case?
Picture this: After a long day at work, you get home and remove your makeup, only to find that your skin appears red and feels tight and tingly after cleansing – symptoms that are often associated with having sensitive skin.
According to Emma Hobston, Education Manager at the International Dermal Institute, millions of people claim to have sensitive skin and the number appears to be rising. “Recent studies indicate that more than 50 per cent of individuals describe their skin type as sensitive,” comments Emma. “The truth is that there are few people born with this type of delicate and sensitive skin.”
The majority of us associate redness and tightness experienced on the skin as sensitivity, but in fact have “sensitised” skin; skin that has become overly reactive due to factors like heat, humidity, stress, pollution and the use of products that are unsuitable for the skin.
Sensitised skin is driven by external influences and can affect anyone of any skin type, and even more common for those who work in air-conditioned offices or are exposed to frequent changes in temperature or humidity. Those who are exposed to the sun or lead stressful, busy lifestyles are also prone to sensitised skin. The good news is, sensitised skin is often cyclical – it can be treated and even reversed without much difficulty.
Skin Remedy
Nearly two out of three women experience sensitised skin at least once a year, and this state of inflammation can even accelerate skin ageing. Like taking vitamins to boost your body’s immunity, the new Lancôme Advanced Génifique Sensitive, at $120, is a one- month course which contains 98 per cent pure antioxidants to tackle bad skin days.
Kept separate until you’re ready to activate them, this serum has two fluids:
A soothing probiotic phase and a blue ampoule, with active antioxidants like vitamin E and ferulic acid. Once mixed and activated, these two fluids work in tandem to create a potent treatment, which addresses skin discomforts like redness, itching, tightness and stinging.
The probiotic fraction combines three types of probiotics which combat inflammation, improve skin’s barrier function and also help to firm and plump skin by strengthening skin structure. Vitamin E and ferulic acid in the ampoule prevent free radicals from damaging cell membranes, keeping skin healthier and more resilient. As a result, skin is restored and soothed, ready to take on everyday stressors.
TEXT: KELLY BAKER/BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU
ADDITIONAL REPORTING: ARISSA HA
PHOTO: PEXELS.COM
