Sensitive Skin

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive Skin - Dealing With Sensitive Skin

Determining Your Skin Type

Skin can be divided into five basic types: Combination - or Normal, Dry, Sensitive, Oily and Sun Damaged. Understanding your skin type and the use of proper Skin Care can help avoid sensitive skin and aid in relieving common skin problems.

Combination skin is generally referred to as "normal skin". This type of skin is oily in the T-zone but dry around the cheeks. The pores in this skin type are medium along with a good texture, circulation and a healthy color.  Generally, sebaceous excretions (sebum or skin oil) are normal and do not require regulation.

Dry Skin generally has a feeling of tightness, especially after it has been cleaned. This skin type is prone to flaking, redness and red patches and fine wrinkles.  Skin rash, rosacea and the appearance of facial spider veins may also be an indication of dryness.  Dry skin is often the result of poor skin oil production or the use of harsh (or harsher) facial washes or soaps.

Sensitive Skin is often very thin and delicate. The pores are also very fine. It is prone to allergies and broken capillaries and tends to flush easily.  Often susceptible to chemicals or chemically derived ingredients, sensitive skin can often be recognized by skin rashes, redness, inflammation and irritation. The use of effective, natural skin care is often required to avoid break-outs of blemishes or the avoid irritation.

Oily Skin often has enlarged pores and may appear shiny or greasy. It is also susceptible to blemishes and blackheads due to excess oil trapping dirt and bacteria.

Sun-damaged skin has visible signs of wrinkles and feels tight. It also has a slack skin tone, broken capillaries and a leathery texture.

Dealing with Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin reacts to temperature changes quickly and therefore is prone to windburn and sunburn. It is also prone to allergic reactions and hence one should be careful of the products that are used on it. If a new product must be tried then the inside of one’s wrist is a good testing ground. It is important for this type to use sunscreens in the form of creams or lotions. Below are some essential oils that help managing sensitive skin:

• Chamomile
• Lavender
• Neroli
• Rose
• Sandalwood

 

There are also various herbal remedies that help combating sensitive skin:

• Jojoba or almond oil can be used while cleansing the face
• Oatmeal and grapefruit makes for a gentle exfoliant
• Fruit masks with Grape Seed Oil are also helpful
• Yogurt and cucumber also make a good mask
• Aloe Vera is very helpful in soothing skin that is inflamed and irritated. This can be applied to the skin directly.
• Vitamin E, menthol and Emu Oil help with sunburn relief
• Zinc PCA helps regulates skin oils for oily skin
• Emu Oil is an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial
• Green Tea and Vitamin C are natural antioxidants

 

Products that can help Sensitive Skin

Emu oil keeps the skin hydrated and vibrant without any chemicals. It needs to be applied to the skin every night before going to bed. Those tiny lines also disappear. Emu oil is also loaded with omega 3s and essential fatty acids that are necessary for the skin to keep it hydrated. It also helps in killing bacteria.

Lack of fatty acids can cause skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Regular use of Emu Oil helps prevent the occurrence of these skin based diseases, while nourishing with hydration.  It is a common and very effective ingredient in skin care for its healing properties that help combat skin rashes, sunburn, psoriasis, and rough or dry skin.

About the Author

Former IBM executive and skin care entreprenuer, Tim Faber has acquired, started or invested in over eight companies since 1987 and has been involved in numerous boards and charities, including the SC Philharmonic.

Tim is president and managing partner of Skin Energizer, a skin care manufacturing and distribution firm outside Athens, GA near Atlanta.

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