Sensitized Skin

As an Esthetician I have noticed a growing concern among my clients and friends: sensitized skin.  There seems to be a growing amount of women and men of all ages developing sensitivities and allergies these days.  In our highly synthetic-laden Western culture, it is no surprise our skin is saying "STOP!"

No matter what you believe, there is a very big truth out there.  Synthetic chemicals can be and are absorbed into the skin.  Think of your skin as an organ that "eats" everything it comes in contact with.  Sure there are companies out there that stress that the amount of harmful synthetic chemicals in topical products are too low to cause danger.  BUT multiply that tiny amount of harmful synthetic chemical exposure by once or twice a day over years and you have a BIG amount of harmful synthetic chemical exposure wrecking havoc on the skin.

This is why sensitized skin and contact dermatitis can just "pop" up one day from a product that you have been using all your life.  I have seen many women and men with this issue.  I advise treating the skin first and foremost as sensitive skin until any rashes or other anomalies dissipate.  Then we can move on to treating aging, dryness, acne, ect.  Treating sensitized skin is all about calming the skin down.

Don't scrub!   Sensitive and reactive skin needs to calm down, use gentle exfoliants like oatmeal powdered scrubs and limit how often you exfoliate.  Make sure to use oils, serums and moisturizers that are specifically for sensitive skin.  Look for ingredients like oatmeal, chamomile (unless you are allergic to ragweed), calendula, macadamia nut oil, shea butter, olive oil, cucumber and melon. Try using a creamy unscented cleanser rather than a harsh soap.

It is very important to move away from synthetic chemicals for the duration of the dermatitis.  In fact, I recommend these people stay far away from unnatural based topical substances for life.
With the growing natural skin care movement there are many options for those who have skin sensitivities.  It is important to note that essential oils and other natural substances such as seaweed and willow bark can cause allergies.  People with skin sensitivities, to synthetic chemicals or not, should avoid fragrance even from natural skin care lines. 

Recommended: Mychelle's Honeydew Cleanser Unscented & Hydrating Cactus Mask / Ann Web's Mellow Melon Cleanser / Clover Tree's Botanical Cleansing Cream & Calendula Therapy Oil / Weleda's Almond Soothing Line