Let’s get one thing straight: sensitive skin is not a type of skin. SAY WHAT?
It’s just your skin reacting to different factors in the world around you.
Everyone can (and probably will) experience it at some point.
Your skin is affected by a variety of internal and external factors.
Everyone’s exposed to these factors in different amounts.
So what are these mysterious factors??
These happen within your body, and unfortunately you don’t have that much control over them:
- Fine epidermis
These generally happen outside the body:
- Skin products
So why is this important? Glad you asked! Knowing why your skin is acting cray is your first line of defense. If you can identify the cause, you can work to prevent the symptoms from occurring.
Blemishes don’t have to ruin your life
No one wants to wake up with a bulging pimple in the middle of their forehead
but, newsflash: it happens to EVERYONE!
So let’s take a look at why it’s happening and how you can deal.
Pimples form when your pores become clogged. What clogs them? Sebum (an oily substance produced by your skin), dirt, and dead skin cells. Sometimes the bacteria P. Acnes likes to join the party. With it comes redness, swelling, and the ever-dreaded puss. Not fun. Often acne is genetic – if your parents experienced it you’re more likely to get it. Thanks mom and dad!
Makeup, hair and face care products can clog your pores. Choose products that won’t clog pores, in fancy medical terms that’s ‘non-comedogenic.’
It’s important to remove excess oil, dirt and bacteria but washing your face too often or using harsh or scrubbing products (like facial scrubs, exfoliators, masks, toners) can strip your skin and make acne worse.
And now for some good news, there’s no scientific proof that acne is caused by food. So you can still enjoy the occasional chocolate or French fry without feeling guilty.
We’ve got a new product!
How do you wanna hear about it?
How to deal with your indecisive skin
Even if you’re laid back and easygoing, your combination skin
can be a little high maintenance;
it wants everything, on a silver platter. RIGHT NOW.
WHAT’S THE COMBO
With combo skin you’ll typically feel oily in your T-zone, that being your forehead, nose and chin. Then the rest of your face could be normal to dry. Why? Because one type of skin would just be too darn easy!
But actually, your skin type is determined by how much - or how little - oil your skin produces. Genes, stress level, medication, and even your skin care regimen all determine how much oil your skin produces.
How to deal
The goal with Combination Skin is to remove excess oil from your skin’s oily areas, and keep the normal to dry areas moisturized and hydrated. It’s kinda like paint by numbers, but with cleansers and moisturizers.
Skin as dry as the Sahara?
Dry skin is needy. Like non-stop texting you every day,
and whining when you don’t reply needy.
What’s it all worked up about?
Moisture. Your task is to keep your skin clean and hydrated, without causing irritation or over-drying. Some bad news: if you have dry skin, you may have a tendency towards fine wrinkles, flaking, and skin tightness. Good news: it’s not the end of the world.
Eczema, what’s that itch?
Eczema is a skin condition that causes intense dry, red, and itchy skin (BOOOOO).
Eczema is referred to as "chronic" because there is no cure and symptoms can reappear
or "flare-up" at any time. Okay now that the worst of it’s out of the way,
lets talk the what, why and how (to deal)!
The two most common types are Atopic Dermatitis and Contact Dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis are flare-ups that occur because of a family history
with the condition. Yes you can blame your parents (but don’t tell them we told you!)
Contact Dermatitis is flare-ups that occur when you come
into CONTACT (get it??) with allergens or irritants.
Where’s it hang out?
Eczema really likes specific areas of your body: behind your knees, around your elbows, and sometimes on your hands and face. Localized patches of dry, itchy and red skin are consistent with eczema.
What’s it look like?
Of the three most common symptoms of eczema - red, dry, itchy skin - the primary complaint is itchiness, which often leads to excessive scratching. With eczema, the itchiness regularly causes rashes. Inflamed skin from the rash causes more itchiness, and as the itching persists, the patches often seem to spread and grow larger. Some may even experience a burning sensation at the site as well.
Say no to flare-ups
Know your triggers & stay the heck away from them! (fragrance, dyes, certain foods, stress, sweat)
Pick products suitable for sensitive skin
Remove dirt and bacteria from the skin on a daily basis by using a gentle cleanser, like Spectro® Dry Skin Cleanser or Spectro® Kids Moisturizing Body Wash, instead of soap
Apply a moisturizing cream morning and night and immediately after bathing to lock in moisture, like Spectro® Intense Rehydration Moisturizer or Spectro® Daily Facial Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Look for products that do not disrupt the skin’s natural moisture barrier, such as cleanser and moisturizer products that are free of sodium-lauryl sulfate (SLS)
If you experience a flare-up, talk to your Doctor or Pharmacist about medicated options available