SENSITISED SKIN

Understanding your skin

Sensitised Skin

UV light, chemicals, allergens and pollution pose a daily threat to healthy skin. Emotional stress and hormonal changes can also lead to sensitised and inflamed skin.

Two processes contribute to sensitised skin. Immune-system inflammation is a recognised precursor to sensitisation, while the nervous system can also trigger sensitisation and inflammation. These are known as immunogenic and neurogenic inflammation.

Both types can occur without visible signs such as redness. The inflammatory process may still be present but only cause stinging, burning or itching. If it is not controlled, visible signs of inflammation may develop.

Immunogenic inflammation

The immune system helps protect the body from disease. Its inflammatory response is a natural process that fights foreign substances and begins healing. In the skin, this may be a response to an irritant such as pollen, bacteria or fragrance. This immunogenic inflammatory process causes the pain, redness, swelling and heat associated with inflammation.

Neurogenic inflammation

Neurogenic inflammation is triggered by the nervous system. When an irritating chemical activates nerve sensors, substances are released that trigger an inflammatory response. Under normal conditions, these substances play a role in tissue repair, but they are also associated with inflammatory conditions such as urticaria, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, hypersensitivity and rosacea.

Alongside allergens and chemicals, emotional and physical stress can cause itching, inhibit wound healing and aggravate inflammation. Elevated stress hormones cause inflammatory reactions in the body that can contribute to skin and wider health concerns.

Both immunogenic and neurogenic inflammation can cause redness, itching and swelling. Ultimately, a combination of genetic susceptibility, immune disruption, nerve activity and epidermal barrier function contributes to sensitivity and inflammation.

What you can do

• Combine appropriate lifestyle choices, effective treatments and suitable products.
• Minimise sun exposure, reduce stress and use a physical SPF of at least 30 every day.
• Take care to preserve the skin's natural protective barrier.
• Eat a healthy diet and reduce alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods.
• Reduce or stop smoking, which affects the skin's lipid barrier, collagen synthesis and cell turnover.
• Avoid excessive exfoliation and alkaline products such as soap.
• Avoid very hot baths and showers.
• Use good-quality mineral make-up and avoid SD alcohol, artificial fragrances and colours.

What we can do

• Dermalux LED light therapy
• Pro Calm Express or Intensive
• ProSkin 30, 60 or Advanced
• Dermalogica UltraCalming range
• DermaQuest Sensitized range