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Sensitive skin - Unprotected and hypersensitive

19

Nov

unprotected skin

Sensitive skin is not uncommon, many people are affected by it and the causes are diverse. Depending on the survey, 40 to 50% of those questioned say they suffer from sensitive or delicate skin. The use of cleansing or cleaning products, sunlight, heat and cold, but also incorrect skin care, make these people aware of their sensitive skin. But what exactly is sensitive skin and why does it tend to overreact so quickly? 

This question is not easy to answer, as the people affected report different symptoms. Typical signs are itchy or tight skin, burning, stinging or reddening. Pimples and dry, flaky skin can also occur. What they all have in common is that the skin's natural barrier function is limited. 

Because of the weakness of the barrier, the people affected also tend to suffer from allergies. It has also been observed that the weakened skin can be accompanied by an incorrect transmission of stimuli by the nerve tracts, which increases the sensitivity to pain and thus further harms the people suffering - this overreaction is also known as "neuro-sensitivity". 


Cleanliness and excessive personal hygiene as possible triggers

It is known that the number of people affected increases from year to year. Our environment is becoming cleaner and cleaner, even in the countryside people no longer come into contact with dirt or animals as frequently. Doctors see a clear connection between cleanliness, allergies and hypersensitivity. So if you don't have contact with substances that keep the immune system busy, it must in principle look for an alternative - and then work "against" us. 

Excessive personal hygiene has been identified as another trigger. Normally, the skin has a self-regulating system and can regenerate the skin barrier at a sufficient rate. However, the limits are reached when showering twice a day with very hot water and strong cleansing products or washing and disinfecting the hands several times an hour. 


Skin barrier-protecting care for sensitive skin

Further triggers for sensitive skin can be stress, an incorrect diet, lack of sleep, but also already existing (skin) diseases. 

In the case of sensitive skin, it is therefore important to protect the skin barrier as much as possible and to support its regeneration. 

The German Allergy and Asthma Federation (Deutscher Allergie- und Asthmabund, daab), for example, recommends that the body should only be cleaned with lukewarm water, mild cleansing agents and dried off as gentle as possible. 

Even though peelings help to remove irritants, impurities and dead skin cells, rough peeling particles should be avoided. With lotions and creams, it is important to avoid allergenic or irritating substances and only use products that protect against external factors and allow the skin barrier to recover well. 

 


Sunscreens should be based on mineral filters and excessive sunbathing should generally be avoided. Make-up should not be comedogenic, meaning it should not clog the pores and allow the skin to breathe. Here too, a mineral base is most tolerable. 


Gentle cleaning

Gloves should be worn and harsh detergents should be avoided when cleaning in the household. One problem, however, is that the term "sensitive" or "for sensitive skin" is not protected. Therefore, there are lists of tested products that are really suitable for sensitive skin. These lists include skin care products which, among other things, meet the following criteria: 

  • they contain little or no fragrances or preservatives; 
  • they show a balanced ratio of water and lipids so that no oily film seals the skin or excessive moisture further softens the skin barrier; 
  • the oil components or lipids used in the products should be similar to those of the skin.


Conclusion

Sensitive skin has special needs. Skin irritation can be reduced if certain factors are avoided and the skin is cared for according to its needs. This includes a healthy lifestyle - so nothing stands in the way of beautiful skin. Only if the reactions persist over a long period of time and do not subside even with thoughtful care, this could indicate a contact allergy (or contact dermatitis) and medical coverage could be helpful. 

 

Sources:

  1. www.daab.de/haut/kontaktallergie/was-ist-eine-kontaktallergie/was-ist-sensitive-haut/, visited 11.11.2020
  2. www.kosmetik-transparent.at/was-ist-sensible-haut/, visited 11.11.2020
  3. www.harpersbazaar.de/beauty/haut-neuro-sensibel, visited 11.11.2020
  4. www.womenshealth.de/beauty/schoene-haut/die-richtige-pflege-fuer-empfindliche-haut/, visited 11.11.2020
  5. www.apotheken-umschau.de/Haut/Hilfe-bei-empfindlicher-Haut-549745.html, visited 11.11.2020
     

 

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Alexander Stubenvoll

Product & Sales Manager

Dear blog reader,

I am Alexander Stubenvoll and I am a Product & Sales Manager at IMPAG in Germany since April 2017. I am father of a wonderful daughter and together with my wife we spend our spare time outside.
 

Interacting with my customers, but also working and presenting of trend topics like the microbiome or Epigenetics is an important aspect of my work. I am looking forward to interesting blog posts, feedback and comments from you.

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