Dealing with Sensitive Skin & Rosacea

Many people experience a higher level of sensitivity to topical ingredients due to pollution in the air, poor diet, alcohol consumption or improper or overuse of certain topical products. Harsh products like alcohol-based toners can dehydrate and irritate skin resulting in a sunburn-like sensation: redness and skin that is sensitive to the touch. Most often the skin becomes sensitized as a result of these culprits leading to impaired barrier function. Let’s take a look at the Types of Sensitive Skin and their causes.

Impaired Barrier Function

Improper function of or damage to the stratum corneum results in moisture loss, irritation, redness, and hypersensitivity.

Common causes and characteristics:

• overuse of aggressive products, and use of products with excessive perfumes and preservatives

• harsh climate

• removal of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF), the substances that are responsible for maintaining the skin’s hydration and pliability, by attracting and holding moisture; removal of the NMF will result in excessive transepidermal water loss (TEWL)

• interruption of intracellular lipids found between the dead surface cells and responsible for trapping water in the stratum corneum; this lipid bilayer provides an occlusive, impermeable barrier, and prevents the loss of  water and NMF

• TEWL from inside the body through the epidermis to the surrounding atmosphere; a small amount of TEWL is critical to skin health, yet excessive TEWL may result in skin sensitivity; TEWL is increased when the epidermis is compromised and the NMF is decreased

• keratin denaturation, an alteration of the protein’s shape through some form of external stress (e.g. application of heat, acid, or alkali), may prevent the keratin from carrying out its normal cellular functions

Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, a disease commonly referred to as eczema, typically starts in early infancy and is usually genetic. It is characterized by itchiness, dry skin, and thickening of the skin with increases in skin markings.

Common Characteristics:

• Personal history of allergies

• sensitivity to allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, animal dander, and molds

• food allergies, including cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, and soy

• history of asthma or hay fever

• commonly occurs in 3 stages and may lie dormant between each stage (infancy, childhood, and adulthood)

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic sensitive skin condition often involving inflammation of the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. Rosacea sufferers may experience sensitivity, excessive flushing, persistent redness, broken capillaries, or breakouts.

Rosacea is seen more frequently in women aged 30-50; however, it typically affects men more destructively.

Compared to others, rosacea sufferers may get red easier and remain red longer when participating in any activity or behavior that causes general flushing (exercise, steam, stress, etc.).

Dry skin and barrier dysfunction are common among certain rosacea sufferers. Not addressing this dryness/dehydration will worsen the symptoms of rosacea. If left untreated, rosacea tends to worsen.

Types and Causes

• Subtype 1 (Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea) – flushing and persistent redness of the central third of the face, typically with visible telangiectasias

• Subtype two (papulopustular rosacea) – persistent redness of the central third of the face accompanied by papules and pustules

• Subtype three (phymatous rosacea) – thickening of the skin, irregular surface nodules, and enlargement; most commonly presented as rhinophyma (enlargement of the nose), but may affect other locations, such as the glabella and chin

• Subtype four (ocular rosacea) – irritation of the eye area, including watery, bloodshot eyes, foreign body sensation, burning, stinging, dryness, itching, and frequent styes, that may result in blepharitis, conjunctivitis, or irregularity of the eyelid margins

Common Rosacea Triggers:

• Temperature-Related Triggers

  • drinking alcoholic beverages

  • using alcohol-based products topically

  • eating spicy foods

  • drinking hot beverages such as coffee and tea n using saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs

  • exercising

  • experiencing extremes in temperature

• Other Triggers

  • using aggressive mechanical exfoliation (e.g. loofahs, nut-based scrubs)

  • smoking

  • certain medications, cosmetics, and foods

  • leading a stressful lifestyle

Taking Control

Sensitive skin can be a challenge to manage, but with the right approach and a little TLC, you can transform your skin into a healthy, radiant canvas. At Royal Retreat Spa, I understand the unique needs of sensitive skin and am here to guide you through effective strategies for nurturing and nourishing your complexion.

1. Gently Exfoliate and Boost Cell Turnover: Exfoliation might seem counterintuitive for sensitive skin, but it’s all about using the right techniques and products. Gentle exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells that can contribute to dullness and clogged pores. By encouraging healthy cell turnover, you’re allowing fresh, vibrant skin to emerge. At Royal Retreat Spa, I offer specialized exfoliation treatments that cater to sensitive skin, leaving you with a rejuvenated glow without the irritation.

2. Reduce Redness and Inflammation: Sensitive skin often goes hand in hand with redness and inflammation. The key is to use soothing ingredients that calm your skin’s reactions. As an experiences esthetician, I can recommend products enriched with soothing ingredients that work harmoniously to reduce redness and promote a more even-toned complexion, so you can face the world with confidence.

3. Amplify Hydration to Combat Dryness: Excessive dryness can exacerbate sensitivity, leading to discomfort and irritation. Hydration is your best friend in this battle. Look for gentle, hydrating products that provide your skin with a moisture boost without overwhelming it. My curated selection of products is specifically chosen to nourish and hydrate sensitive skin, leaving it supple and resilient. And don’t forget to drink water! Hydrate from the inside out.

4. Tackle Bacterial Factors: The right skincare routine can help minimize the impact of bacterial factors that can aggravate sensitive skin. I can guide you toward products containing non-abrasive antibacterial agents that assist in the battle against Subtypes 2 & 3. These carefully formulated solutions gently target bacteria without disturbing your skin’s delicate balance, resulting in a clearer complexion.

5. Shield Your Skin from UV Exposure: UV exposure can trigger sensitivity and exacerbate existing issues. That’s why sun protection is non-negotiable for sensitive skin (or anyone, really). Royal Retreat Spa offers a range of protective products that are lightweight, non-comedogenic, and specially designed for sensitive skin. These products create a barrier against harmful UV rays, allowing your skin to flourish without unnecessary stress.

Nurturing and nourishing sensitive skin is a journey that requires patience and expertise. At Royal Retreat Spa, I am dedicated to helping you achieve a harmonious relationship with your skin. By implementing these strategies – gentle exfoliation, reducing inflammation, boosting hydration, addressing bacteria, and protecting from UV exposure – you’re taking the first steps toward a complexion that radiates confidence and vitality. Contact the spa today to embark on this transformative skincare journey.

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