Living with Sensitive Skin

Living with sensitive skin can be difficult in today’s world. With the plethora of skin care products available to you, navigating through the ingredient list to discern what causes your irritation can be aggravating. Depending upon the level of your skin’s sensitivity, your reaction to an allergen can be a minor skin rash or a traumatizing allergic reaction requiring immediate medical attention.

There are four categories of sensitive skin:

• Acne
• Rosacea
• Burning and stinging
• Contact dermatitis (this includes allergies and irritants)

Many people determine they have sensitive skin if they frequently experience allergic reactions that can produce redness, rashes or acne outbreaks after using certain soaps or lotions. Some people have severe sensitive skin where they experience redness and tenderness with the slightest touch, inhibiting their ability to live life to the fullest.

The number of people who say they have sensitive skin has increased over the last 30 years. Some doctors credit this to factors such as climate and seasonal conditions, which can have a direct influence on one’s skin. Environmental factors such as UV exposure, frequent contact with water, soaps and cleansers can break down the skin’s natural barrier and leave skin dry, itchy and red.

Some common causes for sensitive skin include:

Allergies: Allergies can be caused by foods you digest or chemicals found in common skin care products. Allergic reactions can include itching, rashes, hives, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, exhaustion, nausea, swelling, redness, pain, stomach cramps diarrhea and vomiting.

Genetics: Research studies have concluded that fair-skinned people tend to develop more severe cases of skin sensitivity. This may be due to the lack of melatonin within their skin, which acts as protection from harmful environmental factors.

Poor Digestion: Poor digestion can also play a role sensitive skin. People with poor nutrition tend to have an inflamed digestive tract. This kind of inflammation can affect many other organs including skin. Studies have also shown that poor nutrition can lead to sluggish elimination. If toxins in you body are not flushed out properly through the digestive tract, they are more likely to penetrate the skin.

Treatments for sensitive skin:

If you have sensitive skin you will want to first determine the source of your reactions. If you are suddenly having acne breakouts, they may be caused by a new cleanser, lotion or even a new food you are eating. The best way to determine what might be causing your allergic reaction is to watch out for certain patterns.

Once you have discovered what might be causing your skin to react, avoid using that product or any other product with those ingredients. If your skin is dry and irritated, finding a thick moisturizing cream will help protect your skin’s barrier allowing it to heal. Using TriCalm hydrogel will help stop the itch, providing you and your skin relief.