Sensitive skin is easily inflamed and irritated, it overreacts to stress, environmental factors such as weather, sun, wind, and temperature, and skincare products. Sensitive skin can be dry, oily or combination skin type and can have areas of redness and itchiness. Sensitive skin is typically thinner, and is therefore less effective as a barrier allowing irritants to penetrate the skin triggering an allergic response.

 

Step one is to identify the problem. What are the causes of your sensitive skin? Highly reactive skin can be genetic or it can be related to cosmetics and cleansers that cause flare-ups. It can also be diet and gut-related. Sensitivity can also be caused by dryness because when the skin barrier is disturbed, it makes it more prone to injury. It might take some research to find out the causes of your skin sensitivity but it's worth the extra effort.

Step two, stop using tons of products with irritating ingredients. One of the biggest offenders is sodium laurel sulfate (SLS) and you will do the most good to your sensitive skin by removing SLS completely from your skincare and haircare products, even your laundry detergent. It's a serious skin irritant and has to go.

Step three, give your skin time to heal. Eliminate or reduce the use of exfoliants, such as scrubs, loofah and even washcloths until your skin takes a turn for the better. Instead wash with your skin with your hands. Give it time. Be patient.

Step four, make informed choices to keep your skin happy. Listen to what your skin is telling you, avoid the things that cause flare ups. Decrease UV exposure. Look at the roles that diet and stress play. Simplify your body and face care routine. Use fewer products with fewer ingredients. 

Your delicate skin needs to be treated gently which is why I've chosen rose as the hero ingredient in my sensitive skin formulations. Rich in linoleic acid, rosehip oil is highly biocompatible, meaning that it's effective without causing irritation or harming the skin in anyway.  Rosehip oil is exceptionally effective in rebuilding and restoring tissue.

For those who are extremely sensitive, I also offer two unscented soap bars: Oatmeal and Glacial Clay.

 

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