1 Got Sensitive Skin? Wed Feb 17, 2010 1:31 am
Golden Girl
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The basic facts:
Skin that's sensitive is unable to defend itself against potential irritants, like preservatives in makeup and fragrance in lotion, because of a thinner-than-average epidermis (outer layer) that's easy to penetrate. The result: Irritants enter the skin, white blood cells rush to the site to fight off what they perceive to be an infection or virus, and you're left with redness and irritation.
What To Look For:
* A history of eczema If you had it as a child, you're more likely to have skin that's easily irritated as an adult.
* Prickly heat Sensitive skin doesn't necessarily look red--sometimes it just feels hot and itchy
* Frequent flakiness Even brief exposure to an irritant can cause sensitized skin to itch and peel
* Harsh conditions Situational sensitivity can occur when your complexion is exposed to excessive sun, heat, or wind; very hot water; or aggressive exfoliation.
Simple solutions
* Choose products with ceramides These ingredients fill in cracks in the epidermis, making it harder for irritants to pass through
* Patch-test everything Before using a new product, dab it on the inside of your arm and wait 24 hours to see if you develop a bumpy rash, swelling, or redness
* Minimize your exposure to parabens These chemicals--often used as preservatives--are notorious offenders
* Go fragrance-free The additives used to create scents are common rash triggers, so opt for scent-free beauty products and detergents whenever possible
EXPERT STRATEGY If your attempts at reducing sensitivity aren't working, visit a dermatologist to make sure you don't have an underlying condition, like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, or atopic dermatitis, all of which can make you more apt to react to cosmetics and lotions. There are many products you can use," says dermatologist Ava Shamban. But first you must strengthen your skin's outer layer so it's better able to tolerate whatever you put on it.
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