Sensitive Souls
Sensitive skin is on the increase, so now more than ever it is vital that you cater for
clients who need special attention. Particularly during the winter months, skin takes a
beating from the elements and needs special care and attention.
According to Dermalogica, clinical studies indicate that there is an increasing worldwide trend (up to 53%) toward sensitive skin in the past few years, with people who do not have a genetic predisposition to clinically sensitive skin finding that their skin is nevertheless becoming 'sensitised' - irritable, stressed or unable to repair itself.
"As the outside temperature falls the central heating in our homes, offices and cars increases," explains Kelly Quinn, Regional Education Manager at the International Dermal Institute®.
"For a sensitive skin this leads to a cocktail of dryness, redness, irritation and itching due to an impaired barrier function. This occurs when the cells and lipids that prevent moisture loss are damaged. In effect, the extreme changes in temperature makes our skin dry and dehydrated which leads to gaps in our skin's own protective outer layers. This means that potential irritants can enter the epidermis reaching the dermis to cause histamine release or full immune system response."
Jane Durant of Harbourne Products, UK distributors of Pier Augé, agrees:
"Sensitive skin requires caution, as it is easily stimulated and sensitive to climate changes," she says. "The emphasis when treating a sensitive skin should be on calming to maintain the balance of the skin; therefore harsh facial exfoliants or scrubs are not recommended." According to Jane, sensitive skin can be recognised by high colour, dilated capillaries and dry, irritated or flaking areas. It may also be taut and thin with a tendency to wrinkles.
To continue reading this article click on the PDF icon to the left to download
According to Dermalogica, clinical studies indicate that there is an increasing worldwide trend (up to 53%) toward sensitive skin in the past few years, with people who do not have a genetic predisposition to clinically sensitive skin finding that their skin is nevertheless becoming 'sensitised' - irritable, stressed or unable to repair itself.
"As the outside temperature falls the central heating in our homes, offices and cars increases," explains Kelly Quinn, Regional Education Manager at the International Dermal Institute®.
"For a sensitive skin this leads to a cocktail of dryness, redness, irritation and itching due to an impaired barrier function. This occurs when the cells and lipids that prevent moisture loss are damaged. In effect, the extreme changes in temperature makes our skin dry and dehydrated which leads to gaps in our skin's own protective outer layers. This means that potential irritants can enter the epidermis reaching the dermis to cause histamine release or full immune system response."
Jane Durant of Harbourne Products, UK distributors of Pier Augé, agrees:
"Sensitive skin requires caution, as it is easily stimulated and sensitive to climate changes," she says. "The emphasis when treating a sensitive skin should be on calming to maintain the balance of the skin; therefore harsh facial exfoliants or scrubs are not recommended." According to Jane, sensitive skin can be recognised by high colour, dilated capillaries and dry, irritated or flaking areas. It may also be taut and thin with a tendency to wrinkles.
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