We're talking about half of the global population here! Your sensitivity is likely much different than your friend's, sister's or your Mom's, which is what makes each case unique and sometimes tricky to treat. Everybody experiences skin sensitivity a little differently. Are your cheeks constantly a shade of red? Does your skin flare up when you just look at a new moisturizer? Some of us were born with it and some developed sensitized skin over time. So many variables play into finding out the cause of your skin sensitivity. It takes a bit of detective work, but once you discover how life can be when it's under control, you'll realize the value of your search is priceless.

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Sensitive vs. Sensitized

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Surprisingly, 3.8 billion people do not actually have sensitive skin. Describing yourself as having sensitive skin and actually having sensitive skin are two separate issues. Genetically speaking, sensitive skin types are born that way, a genetic predisposition often being passed down through generations (thanks mom and dad!) People born with this skin type have lost their ability to block out damaging allergens and irritants. Much like dry skin types, this happens because the skin's crucial barrier layer is compromised and damaged, which makes it less efficient at doing it's job, protecting. The barrier layer is a fatty later designed to keep moisture in and irritants out. When this gets impaired, irritation, rashes, hives, bumps, dehydration and redness occur. Sensitive skin is often classified as being delicate and thin, with blood vessels close to the surface of the skin.You might also notice allergies or asthma if you have this skin type. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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On the other hand, a majority of us actually experience sensitized skin. So what's the difference? They both experience the same annoying issues- redness, burning and irritation. However, sensitized skin is caused by external factors - instead of genetics. Sensitized skin is something any skin type can get. Just living in the climate you do can predispose you to having sensitized skin. Stress, heavy chemical use, lanolin, s.d.alcolol, fragrance, cosmetics, diet, smoking, medication and alcohol are some of the major sensitizers. Some pro inflammatory diet related skin irritants can include dairy, spicy foods, sugars, glutens, and saturated fats. 

 

Taking inventory of how much these factors play into your life can help narrow down some key causes of your sensitivity which greatly reduce your symptoms. You wouldn't believe how much we can lessen these symptoms when you add a proper skin care regimen to this formula.

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The Science of Sensitivity at a Glance

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Let's dive in on a surface level of understanding what is happening when we notice sensitivity. When the skin lacks essential lipids and hydration, the skin's natural barrier breaks down and and forms micro cracks. The result is a compromised barrier (see photo above.) Where there's micro cracks, hydration escapes, microbes get in and redness and irritation occur. In both cases, redness occurs when blood vessels expand to increase blood circulation to the affected area. This is what we're seeing as blotchy, red, itchy patches. This is a natural response that allows for more oxygen and nutrients to flow into the affected area and fight off damaging irritants and microbes. This is why repairing and healing the barrier is a KEY focus to providing real relief and comfort to your symptoms of sensitivity. 

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There's hope!

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The first thing you can do is ditch your skin drying scrubs, foaming cleansers and alpha and beta hydroxy acid based products. Using stripping products like these while your skin is already damaged will only add insult to injury and make you more uncomfortable. Indulge your skin in an arsenal of skin soothing anti inflammatories and strengthen it with the use of antioxidant vitamins. Less is more when it comes to sensitive skin. Light layering of customized skin care is best tolerated. Heavy, occlusive creams and lotions are often too much for sensitive skin to heal. 

 

 

How do professional facials help?

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Getting a professional skin treatment at Citrine can immediately help tone down the angry, soothe, repair and take stress levels down. That's done by strengthening the barrier and feeding professional grade, skin healing anti inflammatory ingredients gently into irritated skin. But what if you could do more? When you have the right tools, it's easier than you think to see real results, fast. Customizing a home care plan with hand picked products to help get you to your healthiest skin is something you'll leave your very first treatment with. Dermalogica's Ultra Calming line s is designed to repair the barrier, strengthen skin and prevent future flare ups. Ultra Calming incorporates peptides, anti inflammatories and botanical extracts proven to reduce symptoms without interrupting the healing process. Key botanicals in the Ultra Calming Complex include Oat Kernel, Ginger, Chamomile derived Bisabolol and Red Hogweed Extract that comfort, soothe and defend. These ingredients just barely scratch the surface of Dermalogica's scientifically proven and tested Ultra Calming Line. Visit Citrine for an in depth skin analysis to find out what's causing your irritation and learn which products will work best for you. 

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