Do you know the difference between real skin sensitivity and a simple reaction to external aggression? Sensitive skin is sensitive to everything, all the time, and it reacts immediately to the slightest external aggression: pollution, limestone water, unsuitable and irritating cosmetics, cold, wind, air conditioning, friction… Linked to neurotransmitters, “this sensitivity most often results in unpleasant sensations (heating, itching, tightness, tingling…) , without visible symptoms, specifies Dr. Pascale Neulat, dermatologist. When the skin is reactive, signs of erythema can also be observed, in the form of transient (flush) or permanent redness. »
Ensure protection on all fronts
This discomfort is also explained by an altered skin barrier. “Because its barrier function is no longer ensured, the skin becomes more permeable to everything, to attacks, to micro-organisms, to allergens… which further aggravates its sensitivity”, continues the specialist. A vicious circle sets in. It must be stopped by allowing the skin to recover its natural defenses and by restoring its barrier function. How? By protecting and moisturizing it with care products adapted to its very specific needs.
Rebalance the microbial flora
Today, we know that the microbiota (flora) of sensitive skin is modified. Hence a less effective skin barrier, as well as an impact on the nerve receptors of skin cells. To remedy this, it is necessary to strengthen this flora and restore the barrier function, by providing prebiotics, ingredients, which the “good” bacteria need. For example trace elements present in thermal waters such as selenium. The addition of biomass (extracts of non-pathogenic bacteria) is another solution to restore the bacterial balance and strengthen the immunity of the skin.
The 3-step beauty prescription from Dr. Pascale Neulat, dermatologist
A respectful makeup remover
Efficacy must go hand in hand with tolerance, in a formula capable of trapping and eliminating impurities, including microscopic particles linked to pollution, while sparing essential skin lipids.
The recommended routine
Micellar water is ideal. But if the skin is made up, we rather adopt a cleansing oil. In the morning, a light wash with micellar water or even a simple misting of thermal water on the face can be enough.
Manual
Gently apply the oil to dry skin with your fingertips, then rinse with lukewarm water using cotton pads (eg Demak Up Sensitive with aloe vera).
Read also:cleansing milk: how to choose it well?
A soothing day cream
The skin barrier must be protected and restored. For this, a simple nourishing cream is not enough.
The recommended routine
We choose treatments with classic or more innovative soothing active ingredients, such as certain peptides acting on neuromediators to immediately relieve tingling and tightness. Most treatments also include anti-redness ingredients, which reduce vasodilation and reduce redness. From March to October, we adopt sun protection, even in town (SPF 50+), because the skin is more sensitive to UV rays which increase the effects of pollution.
Manual
Apply the cream by tapping gently with your fingertips to make it penetrate, without rubbing.
Read also:Beauty: The questions we ask ourselves about our day cream
A restructuring night care
This is to help the skin replenish its essential lipids during the night to limit feelings of discomfort.
The recommended routine
We apply a treatment with a rich, comfortable and soothing texture, without overdoing it (a nut is enough). If the skin still “pulls”, it is because one of the components of the cream does not suit it. Better to change care!
Manual
If possible, the application is made a good half hour before going to bed so that it has time to act on the skin, because the rubbing of the pillow and sheet tends to absorb the cream.
Read also :Night cream, what is it for?
And on the rest of the body?
The alteration of the skin barrier is accompanied by tightness and itching all over the body. It is therefore necessary to limit external aggressions and apply soothing and lipid-replenishing body balms to restore the barrier function of the skin. And also use mild cleansing gels (sulfate-free) to cleanse it…from head to toe.
Treatments that comfort the skin
1 cuddly makeup remover
Enriched with soft copolymer used in eye drops and artificial tears and with moisturizing glycerin, it eliminates impurities, even invisible particles from pollution.
Ultra micellar water for reactive skin, La Roche-Posay, €12 for 400ml.
2 fresh cream
On sensitive skin, this gel formula based on hyaluronic acid and glycerin calms, quenches and plumps from the first application. Quenching moisturizing face gel-cream, Sensibiafine, €15.90 for 50ml.
3 Organic formula
Honey, hyssop, chamomile hydrosol, coconut oil and above all prebiotic bioecolia extract moisturize and regulate the skin on a daily basis. Health cream, Absolution, €38 for 50ml.
4 SOS mask
Its cocktail of plant-based active ingredients (arnica, witch hazel, marshmallow, St. John’s wort) soothes and reduces discomfort.Sensitive Masque Specifics, Yon Ka, €46 for 50ml.
5 High Tolerance Concealer
Both care and make-up, with anti-itching and anti-puffiness active ingredients, it includes concealer pigments for sensitive and irritated eyes. Palpebral topialysis CC, 2 shades, SVR, €14.90 for 7g.
6 Mild Cleansing Milk
Formulated with only 9 ingredients, without perfume or preservatives, this make-up remover for intolerant skin gently cleanses the epidermis and eye contour and soothes irritation.
Cleansing milk, Tolerance Extra-Pur, Mixa, €4.95 for 200ml.
7 Anti-redness treatment
It contains encapsulated pigments that camouflage redness and soothing and moisturizing active ingredients (Centella Asiatica, hyaluronic acid, etc.). To be applied alone or over the day care.
Cream N°2, CC Cream, SPF50+, Payot, €31 for 40ml.
8 Multi-purpose oil
Rich in essential fatty acids, it applies all over the body with a dry touch.
Body care oil, Avène, €19.15 for 100ml.
9 Pleasure balm
Its creamy and rich texture penetrates easily to re-hydrate the skin and strengthen the skin barrier thanks to its dexpanthenol, glycerin and triglyceride content.
pH5 body cream, Eucerin, €19.95 for 450ml.
Read also:
Take care of your sensitive skin
How to determine your skin type?
Successful skin cleansing in 5 steps
