How to Treat Sensitized Skin by Shelaine Springer, LE

Did you know there is a difference between a sensitive skin type and a sensitized skin condition? Sensitive skin type is usually found in persons diagnosed with rosacea, eczema/dermatitis, asthma and/or seasonal allergies. However, if you have not been diagnosed with any of those diseases but experience sensitive skin symptoms like; tightness, stinging, burning, dry patches and/or redness, your skin barrier has probably been compromised. Thankfully barrier repair can be on the horizon with a proper product detox and an intentional hydration-based routine.

What is your skin barrier?

The skin barrier is a protective layer that helps retain water and nutrients and keep pathogens and harmful stressors such as bacteria and viruses out! When your barrier is weakened the skin is more susceptible to more irritation and inflammation.

How does one identify if they have sensitized skin?

Observe your homecare routine – your regular skincare routine starts to irritate your skin, your skin feels tight after cleansing and introducing new products to your routine burns/stings.

Observe your skin appearance – skin presents consistent redness, inflammation, dryness, patches, stinging or hot to touch.

Observe your timeline – is the irritation immediately during or after product use, do you notice more redness/irritation around stressful life events or menstrual cycles?

How does one develop sensitized skin?

Improper product usage – this can include using the wrong products for your skin type, using AHA/BHA actives without following up with SPF protection, or even using expired products.

Over exfoliation – using AHA/BHA’s daily, using a physical exfoliant with too much pressure, or leaving on an exfoliant for more than the recommended usage time.

Receiving too many treatments too quickly – scheduling chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning and/or laser treatments with less than two weeks in between each service.

External factors – overexposure to pollution, sun, or environmental factors.

How does one treat sensitized skin?

Product detox – drop any complicated routine and double down on the basics; cleansing, hydration and protection. Hold off on any active ingredients and/or professional treatments for at least 4-6 weeks as your skin needs time to heal.

Moisturizing is vital – your skin barrier is synonymous with a moisture barrier. Maintaining moisture is imperative for healing. Look for products with ingredients like ceramides, probiotics, squalane, etc.

Book a facial with a professional – working with a professional to properly access the status of your skin and slowly integrate new products is essential to avoid sensitized skin conditions in the future.

Goldfaden MD products that can be used to soothe/treat sensitized skin:

Mist RX – Daily Nutrient Facial Mist uses ultra-fine mist to saturate the skin with Stem Cells, Aloe, and Kale water, to not only restore the skin’s pH but providing hydration

Radiance Repair – Daily Renewal Serum is rich in Vitamin E, Sunflower Seed Oil, and Omega-3 Fatty Acid to boost the skin’s natural barrier repair.

Vital Boost – Even Skintone Daily Moisturizer is packed with Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane and Jojoba Seed Oil to rejuvenate and nourish the skin.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shelaine Springer is a Licensed Esthetician based in Los Angeles, CA. She prides herself on providing corrective facials for those dealing with hyperpigmentation, acne, and other skin conditions. She thoroughly enjoys performing services and using products that are accessible and affordable, to help bridge the financial gap for such an elective amenity as facials. Shelaine works hard to provide adequate education and empowerment through her facials, hopefully, while building confidence, self-esteem, and a gateway for unapologetic self-care. Shelaine has coined herself the “extraction whisperer” as that is her favorite part of each service, and you are able to view a few of her results-driven before and after photos on her Instagram account @sknessntls.