treating sensitive skin with professional help in London ontario
- Sep 12, 2018
- 11 min read
Updated: Apr 1
Sensitive skin or Sensitized skin? Did you know there was a difference? Welcome to Inspirations Beauty Clinic Inc. A skincare clinic in London Ontario ready to educate you and help you with your skin!
"We are glad to have you are here"
Let's learn the difference between Sensitive Skin and Sensitized skin or also referred to as Reactive Skin. Sensitive Skin is a skin type that you have and is often experienced at a young age. It is heavily influencd by genetics. Sensitive skin needs proper on going treatment and support. Sensitized / Reactive Skin is unfortunately un-intentionally self induced and or environmentally triggered barrier damage, forcing the skin to respond hyperactively.
*Please note* in this blog sensitive skin will be referred to as a general term and reactive skin as a barrier issue. We are not diving into the intricacies of rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis or contact urticaria for example. What will be mentioned in this blog, can be transferable and helpful if you deal with such conditions; but please be reminded this entry is not focused on those specific conditions. I will also be referencing the skin as facial skin throughout this blog, but many of these tips and tricks and information can relate to body skin too!
What is Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin is a chronic skin type. Sensitive skin typically presents itself as dry, cracked, sore, tender, raw, red, hot and itchy. Sensitive skin is mainly triggered by external factors such as severe weather temperatures (cold and high winds being an example) and internal factors such as genetics and stress. Just a few of many triggers. It is also important to know that sensitive skin is strongly influenced by genetic predisposition. For example, fair individuals or those with red hair are more likely to hav,e or eventually have sensitive skin. If a parent experiences sensitive skin or has other sensitive inflammatory skin responses (such as eczema for example) it is very likely their children will also.
Sensitive skin is hard to treat. Not impossible, just trickier since it is a chronic condition. This is where avoiding products with phalates, parabens, fragrances is exceptionally important. Using professional grade is imperative for results since professional grade skin care actually TREATS skin and contributes to cellular change. Whereas, over the counter products from Sephora or Shoppers Drug Mart cannot penetrate past the epidermis. We will guide you and educate you properly! Here at Inspirations Beauty Clinic Inc. in London Ontario, education is one of our key elements in all that we do. Book with us today and learn from the skincare experts!
What is Sensitized / Reactive Skin?
Reactive skin is skin that is responsive due to improper care and damage over time. Reactive skin is a barrier issue. This is unfortunately very common and is often misunderstood with true sensitive skin.
Reactive skin presents itself VERY similarly if not identical to sensitive skin. This is why they are often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Reactive skin also appears dry, tight, sore, red, blotchy. Reactive skin is also often paired more with oily and dry skin as well as congestion, inconsistent blemishes and dry patches that take a long time to heal.
Use this as an example. Reactive skin is from using ProActive and Oxy Pads through adolescence and then using Clinique in young adulthood, then trying to exfoliate the blemishes away daily and with a harsh technique, all while wearing carcinogenic and comedogenic makeup. In addition never washing your face, chronic unsafe sun exposure.... and the list goes on and on.
Did I paint a picture?
It can also look like receiving clinical and professional treatments that are not suitable for your skin type. Such as peels (or too many peels within a short period of time), maybe microneedling when the skin was not ready, perhaps the over use of retinol or tretinoin, and even the use of Accutane. If any of this sounds like you, or your skincare past; let us help you. Let's reverse these damages so you can enjoy that beautiful, healthy skin you deserve!
When understanding Sensitive and or Sensitized Skin, it is also important to understand factors that trigger the response and make the condition or the skins state worse. When referring to Sensitive Skin and Sensitized / Reactive Skin they have many, if not, in often cases all of the same triggers. Minus this one important differentiation factor.
Genetics.
Genetics are a cause of SENSITIVE SKIN. Genetics are not involved with SENSITIZED SKIN. Genetics: Unfortunately since genetics are out of our control, this is what makes it harder for us to treat or "cure" sensitive skin. It will be a condition that will need to be considered and properly cared for during a life time. That being said, there are always ways to lessen the severities of the sensitivities! Understanding this and using the proper products makes living with sensitive skin manageable! Please keep in mind, genetic influences to sensitive skin varies person to person. Although, like stated prior, this factor (genetics) is out of our control. However, alleviating the intensitiy is in our control, and your skin specialists here at Inspirations Beauty Clinc Inc. would love to help.
The other factors that tend to influence the skins state with both Sensitive and Reactive Skin are as follows:
Environmental: Environmental factors cause skin sensitivities and skin reactions due to over exposure to harsh or dramatic environmental changes. For example over exposure to sun, pollution, and even dry cold temperatures can damage the skin. The damage from these external factors will trigger the already compromised barrier which leads to increased sensitivity and reactivity. Take sun exposure for example. Constant sun exposure without proper protection will burn the skin which causes an issue immediately. In addition, this damage is permenant and undeniably the damage surfaces in years to come. Whether that shows up as: skin that is painful to touch, shiny glossy patches, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, broken capillaries, constant flushing, epidermal heat and even premature aging. Each sun burn to the skin compromises the cells at a significant rate. Especially if the same area continues to burn; now thats a recipe for disaster. It often catches up to us without us even noticing, this is because its gradual over time. It's not until approximately 8-10 years after our last sun exposure that we will see the damage show on our face. Here are some of our podcast links that can educate you further on SPF and safe sun practices. SPF & UV Harmful Truths SPF PART 2
Environmental influences trigger both naturally occurring sensitive skin as well as skin that has been sensitized. Always be mindful of this!
Diet: Diet influences skin more than we can appreciate. For example, spicy foods can influence flare-ups in the skin, especially if you have rosacea. It is important to notice what foods or beverages influence skin flushing or any other symptoms. The more balanced your diet, the more balanced your skin, which intern lowers your likelihood of reacting or simply lowers the severity of your reactions. If you can, it is best to avoid inflammatory foods. Diet does not cause skin sensitivities, it just can be a trigger to negatively influence the inflammation that is already occurring in the body. Common dietary examples that negatively influence:
Spicy Food Alcohol Caffeine Sugar
Stress: Stress does wild things to our skin. Stress causes havoc on all skin types and concerns. Stress interrupts neurotransmitters, which interrupts proper cellular function and regeneration. More specifically this interupts the production of neuropeptides. Neuropeptides are small protein like molecules that communicate with the brain; so when the mind is in distress, it sends negative signals to the body and of course this impacts the skin. This can appear as more redness and flushing in their skin, epidermal heat, a cold sore or two, even rashes or severe dryness. For me, I have noticed when under severe stress, my eyes get crazy dry! Not just the eye ball itself, but around the eyes gets super flaky and sensitive. Keeping an eye (no pun intended) on your symptoms can help learn how to treat the skin or avoid the root cause.
Products: I would say products is one of, if not, the biggest influential factor that causes sensitized skin. I would also go as far to say, it is one of, if not, the biggest influential factor to trigger and anger sensitive skin. This is somewhat good news, because this is a tangible and easy fix. Especially when you have the help of our skin experts right here in London Ontario! Over the counter products are typically loaded with synthetic fragrances, preservatives, alcohols, dyes, phalates and other nasty ingredients that are extremely astringent for our skin. If using products that are not suitable for your skin, and using such ingredients / products daily; this is chronic exposure to harmful agents. As you can imagine, this does not yield a positive result.
Products and ingredients is quite a lengthy discussion, if you want to learn more, browse more of our blog entires that can guide you to information on specific product and ingredients. You can also shop our products online (or in clinic). The other option of course, you can book a skin consultation with us! But, as a general rule of thumb and a quick resource; especially when speaking to sensitive and sensitized skin, avoid the following ingredients:
- Alcohol: Incredibly drying and disruptive
- Dimethicone: A silicone used as a filler in products
- Perfume / Fragrance: Highly reactive, causes rashes, bumps, endocrine disruptor, carcinogenic and more
- Lanolin, Bio Oil & Mineral Oil: Does not properly absorb into the skin thereforee creating a barrier which does not allow for other products or ingredients to penetrate the skin. This causes suffocation and a build up of film on the skin
- Sodium Lauryl Suphate / Sodium Lauteth Sulphate: A common foaming agent, used as a filler, highly toxic - Acrylate: A common based (like resin) used in nail products mainly This is an ingredient that has recently been brought to my attention by a lovely client. A client who has dealt with sensitive skin for years, we would have progress and positive change from a few adjustments we would make, but we both knew we didn't get to the root issue. An acrylate allergy was the culprit. This is a common ingredient in nail products, like nail polishes, gels and builders as well as in lash adhesives. This is a perfect example to shed light on how many things can be factoring into skin conditions and how it isnt always the obvious thing right in front of our eyes. This may be worth while for you to consider.
Season / Climate: Living in Canada is not super helpful for sensitive or sensitized skin. We have such extreme weather changes, and often can experience all four seasons in one week.
Harsh, extreme winds and cold weather can irrirtate the skin causing rashes, sensitivites, chronic dehydration, flushing and cracked skin. It is incredibly important to be layering skin with helpful hydrating and protective products. Sunscreen is often forgotten about in the dark winter months. This is a big mistake! Sun reflects off the snow and often times the nose and cheeks get burnt. People just think it's flushing from the cold weather, however its more commonly damage from the sun. If you are a winter loving soul or a winter sports enthusiast and sensitive or reactive skin is something you struggle with, these few products are a must have:
iS Clinical Hydra Cool Serum
FromCA$85.00
Buy Now
iS Clinical Sheald Recovery Balm
CA$114.00
Buy Now
ELTA MD SPF Normal / Combination
CA$67.50
Buy Now
As much as cold harsh weather conditions are not favourable for sensitive skin, in the summer we also have to be mindful. Extreme heat and sun exposure can cause capillary activity, epidermal heat retention and chronic flushing. Treatments like our Cool glow Summer is the perfect skin quencher that increases skin hydration and reduces the skins temperature. Products like:
Hydrinity Restorative HA Serum
FromCA$106.00CA$168.00
Buy Now
ColoreScience EnviroScreen Protection Face Shield FLEX SPF50
CA$87.00
Buy Now
Washing to Often: With sensitive skin it is important to not wash your face too many times in one day. Over stripping the skin and disrupting the pH balance causes harm. Over washing your skin can leave it drier and tighter which leads to cracks, redness and other symptoms that screams sensitive skin. Once a day to twice a day, at max, is best. This is of course when using a proper suitable cleanser such as:
Hydrinity Prelude Cleanser
FromCA$53.00CA$82.00
Buy Now
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex Polish
CA$70.00
Buy Now
Please listen to the cleanser episode on our podcast. A thorough explanation of the best way to cleanse your skin will be provided and you will likely learn a thing or two on what to look for in your cleanser due to your skin concerns, conditions or desires!
Complex Skin Routine: With sensitive skin you want to keep it simple. Especially to start out. This is the case that less is more. Here is the best episode to listen to, it will answer so many questions and help establish a routine just for you!
Essential Oils:
Skin response varies, but essential oils can trigger sensitivity due to essential oils potency, overuse, or overly astringent blends. Combinations like tea tree with lavender or lemon with rosemary can be too active for some skin, leading to irritation. While beneficial for some, they’re not suitable for everyone. Skincare that relies heavily on essential oils can be too harsh for the skin barrier. While often perceived as a natural, beneficial choice, using multiple essential oil based products isn’t always ideal; especially for sensitive skin.
How to Help PREVENT and SOOTHE Sensitive Skin:
Moisturize: Always moisturize after you wash your face and especially after the bath or shower. Water evaporates off your skin SUPER fast. So applying moisturizer when your skin is still damp is ideal. It is also important to know if sitting in the bath, enjoying a sauna or hot tub applying moisturizer before helps maintain moisture but also acts as a light protective layer. Applying the proper moisturizer will help maintain hydration in the skin and balance out the pH.
My favourite moisturizer for sensitive skin is Sheald Recovery from iS Clinical.
Make-Up: Don’t use waterproof makeup; this is because it can be harsh on the skin (mostly because of the removal part). If you are going to wear makeup search for mineral powders, as mineral powders will lessen the likelihood of irritations and or reactions. My go to option is Colorescience! It is skincare, sunscreen but acts and looks like makeup. Shop it with us here!
Seek out a Professional Opinion: Going to a doctor, dermatologist or even your local aesthetician is a great idea. Here at Inspirations Beauty Clinic Inc. we offer multiple skin consultation options. Skin consultations are a good option because we will sit with you and explain in detail what is happening with your skin and why. In these consultations it will provide tips and tricks for you to try and add to your daily routine in order to treat and care for your sensitivities. If you learn better from listening, you can tune into our podcast episode!
Regular Facials: Regular facials are important for so many reasons. Specifically in regards for sensitive skin, facials will help maintain the skins acid mantle, which will keep the skin balanced. Facials also provide lots of hydration, which is always beneficial for sensitive skin. Throughout our facials information is provided to help enhance your home care routine. This way you receive a lovely skin treatment as well as tangible information and changes to continue on the journey of healing your skin.
Our facial options that are helpful for sensitive an sensitized skin:
Deluxe Indulgence
Glass Facial
Foundation
Summer Cool Glow
You can even check out our results here!
Throw out Old/Expired Cosmetics: Expired products can worsen your condition. If you check on your product there will be a graphic of an open container with a number small in the right corner, this will indicate when the product needs to be discarded. See image below; look for this symbol and date.
Wear Sunscreen:
Daily, year-round sunscreen use does more than prevent burns—it helps reduce sensitivity by protecting the skin from UV exposure, pollution, and blue light. Sunburns and even tanning cause damage that can weaken the skin barrier, leading to long-term sensitivity and increased risk of irritation. Dont believe us? Learn more through our 4 episodes on our podcast talking about SPF! Give a listen here !
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