Acne and rosacea patients take note- you must know about proper skin-care and cosmetic usage to successfully manage your sensitive skin. This is the counsel of Dr. Diane Berson, who runs a dermatology practice in New York City. A vital step in reducing skin sensitivity is understanding the importance of the stratum corneum.
Let’s understand it
The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of skin and is made up of dead, flat skin cells held together by the protein keratin. This skin barrier prevents molecules from passing into and out of the skin and thus protects the lower layers of skin while reducing skin sensitivity. Healthy, uninjured skin is better at preventing skin irritations that may result from using cosmetics and skincare products.
Individuals with altered nerve endings or more neurotransmitters under their skin are more prone to minor skin irritants in cosmetics and skincare products. When the skin is too dry or damaged, it can’t adequately protect these nerve endings.
Remember
Good moisturizing and a powerful immune system help minimize potential skin irritants. Use mild cleansing agents that have synthetic detergents or lipid-free cleansers. Resist using abrasive cleansers because they can cause microscopic tears in the skin and damage the protective layers of the epidermis. Rosacea patients shouldn’t use alcohol-based products such as toners or astringents. Acne sufferers will benefit from toners that contain salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acid.
However, when beginning a retinoid therapy, temporarily discontinue using a toner or astringent since the combination may produce the retinoid more irritating. Acne patients should also limit or abstain from overly rough washing and cleansing. Tracy L. Grosick, a vital skin care product writer with Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati states that if your skin’s moisture barrier is intact, it helps the skin to fight environmental attacks that are encountered on a daily basis.
Take into account
When acne and rosacea patients are using treatments that dry the skin, moisturizers may improve the skin’s barrier function. Try using moisturizers with the least amount of ingredients. Rosacea patients should choose a moisturizer with just glycerin, petrolatum, or aloe vera, which could be anti-inflammatory. Acne sufferers should also stick with products containing the least amount of ingredients.
Rosacea patients will need to use a physical-blocking products containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as these ingredients won’t irritate red, inflamed skin and will provide optimum protection. Acne sufferers with oily skin should use noncomedogenic, non-pore clogging, products. Select an alcohol-based or gel-based sunscreen.
Final note
The best preservatives for sensitive skin are those containing parabens such as methyl paraben and butyl paraben. The trick to maintaining sensitive skin less prone to irritation is ensuring that the integrity of your stratum corneum, the skin’s primary defensive barrier. You can begin with a minimalist moisturizer, and noncomedogenic sunscreen. Dermatology Times. Patricia Reiman. Alleviating sensitivity: Study finds moisturizers with niacinamide make skin more resilient. Dermatology Times. Cheryl Guttman. Sensitive skin valid patient issue. E Skin and Allergy News. Timothy F. Kirn. Lifestyle, Cosmetics Integral to Acne, Rosacea Tx.
