Sensitive skin is a common condition that you would encounter in the clinic regularly as a beauty professional. With winter upon us, many of your clients will present with dry, itchy, uncomfortable skin. Others will be prone to skin conditions such as rosacea or couperose. All of these are signs of sensitive skin. So, how do you best diagnose and treat sensitive skin to give your clients the results they are searching for?
Read on to discover some interesting facts, and let us introduce you to GERnetic’s newest innovation for sensitive skins.
What Is Sensitive Skin?
A common confusion when analysing the skin is the difference between sensitive and a sensitised skin. The predominant difference is down to nature vs. nurture.
Sensitive skin is a predisposition to irritation (nature), whereas a sensitised skin is due to external factors (nurture).
You Are Born with Sensitive Skin
Essentially, sensitive skin means the skin is fragile from a young age and is determined by genetic predisposition. Children with sensitive skin are often prone to allergies, asthma and eczema. Symptoms of sensitive skin include:
- Redness and flushing
- Thinner skin
- Dryness
- More visible blood vessels close to the surface, sometimes giving the skin its red appearance
- May be prone to broken blood vessels
- There may be sensitivity to sunlight
Certain triggers such as skincare products, soap, detergents, fragrances or certain types of food can cause sensitive skin reactions.
As you are born with sensitive skin, specific treatments may relieve symptoms rather than cure them.
External Factors cause Sensitised Skin
Sensitised skin is a skin condition that develops over time. It is usually limited to the facial skin.
Typical symptoms include:
- Dryness
- Skin irritation and inflammation
- Skin stings on product application
- Itchy and flushed patches
- Redness and tingling
- Skin discomfort and tenderness
- Dehydration
- Bumps
A number of factors can cause sensitised skin, such as:
- Incorrect product use
- Frequent and excessive active treatments
- Over exfoliating
- Harsh skincare products
- “Cherry picking” between product ranges
- Hormones
- Pollution\
- Diet
- Stress
- Certain medications
- Climatic conditions
- Frequent travel, i.e., Air travel
The skin’s protective lipid barrier becomes damaged, making it difficult for the skin to defend itself against aggressors. As it is a skin condition, sensitised skin can be nourished back to its normal level of health.
How Does the Skin Become Sensitive?
The hyperactivation of the nervous system by the skin cells causes this skin sensitivity. The hypersensitivity of the skin results from a decrease in its tolerance limit. The more sensitive the skin is, the lower its tolerance limit. All this leads back to the underlying issue of skin barrier health.
Skin Defense
Our skin is the first barrier to the outside environment. The skin is equipped with various innate mechanisms against invading microbial pathogens to provide an efficient defence.
Epidermal keratinocytes form the first cellular barrier against infectious agents. Together with professional antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells and dermal macrophages, these cells form the first line of defence.
These cells are equipped with sensors that communicate with each other upon a microbial challenge or a danger and signal an immune response.
While there are several gene-encoded defences, one of particular interest in reactive, couperose and rosacea-prone skins is an anti microbial peptide known as Cathelicidin LL-37,
When Skin Defence Goes Rogue!
LL37 occurs in low concentrations in healthy skin. When the skin is injured or infected, this molecule is upregulated to combat a microbial invasion.
While this is a healthy process in most cases, people suffering from reactive, inflamed and rosacea-prone skins have abnormally high levels of LL37.
This increase in the LL37 peptide causes chronic inflammation and angiogenesis (creation of new blood vessels).
This is what gives sensitised, or rosacea skins its inflamed and red look.
LL37 also increases the expression of pro-inflammatory ligands such as cytokines, causing inflammation and discomfort in the skin.
GERnetic’s New Sensi Boost
GERnetic is no stranger to treating sensitive skin and providing gentle solutions to strengthen and protect the skin barrier.
This month we have launched a new 2-in-1 skin ampoule for the most sensitive of skins.
Sensi Boost provides an immediate calming effect on sensitive, irritated, and uncomfortable skin. In addition, it reduces redness over the long term thanks to a specific polyphenol from tomato skin and mallow extract, Vitamin B3 and Beta Glucan.
With soothing properties, it reduces the skin’s reactivity and sensitivity, as well as feelings of irritation and discomfort. In addition, Sensi Boost controls the appearance and symptoms of rosacea and couperose.
Let’s take a closer look at Sensi’s main skincare ingredients:
Tomato Peel polyphenol
Naringenin Chalconeis is a compound found in the skin of Tomatoes.
This compound has a powerful effect against the mechanisms of skin allergy and inflammation.
It reduces the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduces blood flow.
It also regulates the peptide LL -37
Therefore, this Phyto molecule reduces the persistent redness of sensitive skin and protects and comforts stressed skin.
The Benefits:
- Visibly reduces redness in sensitive skin
- Protects and comforts stressed skin
- Down-regulates pro-inflammatory mediators
- Works to control the appearance and symptoms of Rosacea and Couperose
Marshmallow Extract
Marshmallow contains high levels of pectins and starches, along with a high mucilage content. Mucilage is a sugary gel that forms a protective, soothing gel for the skin when combined with water.
The whole plant, especially the root, is high in mucilage and highly emollient. As a result, marshmallow is a highly effective moisturiser that’s perfect for those with a weakened skin barrier. In addition, it is soothing and calming.
Marshmallow contains anti-inflammatory properties. It also has a stimulating tissue regeneration action.
Vit B3 (Niacinamide)
This vitamin helps stimulate ceramide production in the skin, improving the skin barrier function.
It also helps reduce inflammation and redness in the skin.
Beta Glucan
Gernetic uses a beta Glucan derived from yeast, which is rich in polysaccharide sugars. Beta Glucan improves hydration and strengthens the skin barrier. It also supports a healthy immune response in the skin and reduces skin irritations and redness.
What exactly is an Ampoule, anyway?
Simply put, skin ampoules are supercharged serums with a higher concentration of active ingredients, much like a shot of your serum.
Like a doctor’s prescription, ampoules don’t make it into your regular routine. Instead, they are used for a short period or as a weekly booster.
Ampoules deliver high concentrations of active ingredients to the skin. The ingredients in ampoules have a very small molecular weight and size, allowing them to penetrate easily and to be able to quickly target the skin cells directly and encourage the appropriate action.
The GERnétic ampoules can be used in the treatment room and as homecare, making them the perfect product for retail. We know your clients will love the difference Sensi Boost makes to their sensitive skin.
The Vital Plus Difference
Are you ready to try Sensi Boost ampoules in your clinic? If you are already a client of Vital Plus, get in touch to place your order!
If you are new to VP, remember we have no minimum opening order or monthly spend, so you have the freedom to try any of our products with no strings attached!
We love sharing our passion for healthy and beautiful skin with our clients and love seeing their successes. That’s what inspires us daily.
Vital Plus customers benefit from ongoing support to enhance knowledge, industry awareness, and financial success. Supporting you in running a thriving beauty business is our purpose.
For more details about what we can offer you and your business, don’t hesitate to contact us: 1300 437 638
FAQs:
Q: What is sensitive skin?
A: It refers to a skin type that is prone to reactions and irritations caused by various external factors. Individuals with sensitive skin tend to have a delicate skin barrier, making it more susceptible to triggers such as harsh ingredients, environmental factors, or certain products. Common symptoms of sensitive skin include redness, itching, dryness, and a tendency to develop rashes or breakouts.
Q: What causes sensitive skin?
A: Sensitive skin can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some common triggers for sensitive skin include:
- Harsh ingredients: Certain chemicals, fragrances, and preservatives found in skincare and cosmetic products can irritate sensitive skin.
- Environmental factors: Extreme weather conditions, pollution, and allergens can affect sensitive skin.
- Improper skincare routine: Using aggressive cleansers, over-exfoliating, or not moisturizing adequately can compromise the skin barrier and lead to sensitivity.
- Medical conditions: Skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis can make the skin more prone to sensitivity.
- Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly during puberty or menopause, can contribute to increased skin sensitivity.
Q: How can I identify if I have sensitive skin?
A: To determine if you have sensitive skin, look for the following signs and symptoms:
- Frequent skin reactions: Your skin may react easily to various products, causing redness, stinging, burning, or itching.
- Dryness and tightness: Your skin may feel dry, tight, or uncomfortable, especially after cleansing or exposure to certain ingredients or environmental factors.
- Blotchiness and redness: Sensitive skin often displays a tendency to become red, blotchy, or flushed.
- Allergic reactions: You may experience allergic reactions such as hives, rashes, or swelling when using certain skincare or cosmetic products.
- Sensitivity to touch: Sensitive skin can be easily irritated by rubbing, scratching, or exposure to rough fabrics.
If you suspect you have sensitive skin, it is advisable to consult with a dermatologist for a professional evaluation and guidance.
Q: How should I care for sensitive skin?
A: When caring for sensitive skin, it’s essential to adopt a gentle and minimalistic skincare routine. Here are some tips:
- Use mild products: Opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic skincare products specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
- Patch test: Before trying a new product, conduct a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any adverse reactions.
- Avoid irritants: Steer clear of harsh ingredients like alcohol, sulfates, artificial fragrances, and dyes, as they can trigger sensitivity.
- Protect from the sun: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Moisturize regularly: Hydrate your skin with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to maintain its moisture barrier.
Remember, consistency is key when caring for sensitive skin. Be patient, and give your skin time to adapt to new products or routines.
Q: Can I wear makeup if I have sensitive skin?
A: Yes, you can wear makeup even if you have sensitive skin. However, it’s crucial to choose products specifically designed for sensitive skin or labeled as hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. Here are some additional tips:
- Read labels carefully: Look for makeup products that are free from irritants such as fragrance, parabens, and talc.
- Conduct patch tests: Test new makeup products on a small area of skin to ensure they don’t cause any adverse reactions.
- Opt for mineral makeup: Mineral-based makeup products are generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin and provide natural coverage.
- Remove makeup properly: Use a gentle makeup remover or micellar water to cleanse your skin thoroughly without causing irritation.
- Keep brushes and sponges clean: Regularly clean your makeup brushes and sponges to prevent the accumulation of bacteria and potential skin issues.
If you experience any discomfort or irritation while wearing makeup, remove it immediately and consider consulting a dermatologist for personalized recommendations.
