2020-01-01_Her_World_Singapore

HERWORLD JAN 2020

Simplyput,it’swhenyourimmune

system goes nuts and overreacts to a

specific trigger or allergen. Not to be

confused with skin sensitivity.

It’s common these

days to hear people

say their skin is

sensitive or allergic.

You can even makea

case that “sensitive”is

the new normal.

But according to

Dr Low Chai Ling,

medical director of

aesthetic clinic SW1

Clinic, these terms

are often wrongly

conflated.

“They have slightly

different meanings.

‘Allergic’ does not

describe a skin type.

You can be allergic to

a particular substance

like paracetamol.

Some patients have

normal skin but

are allergic to one

ingredient alone,

say glycolic acid.”

What is a

Skin Allergy?

Sensitive vs

sensitised skin

• what’s the
  difference?
  Sensitive skin is
  in-born, meaning
  you have genetic
  traits like thinner
  skin or less
  pigment.
  Sensitised skin
  is temporary and
  usually caused
  by lifestyle habits
  like lack of sleep
  and stress, or
  environmental
  factors such as
  temperature
  changes. Both
  conditions can
  be managed
  the same way


• with calming,
  moisturising
  skincare that
  strengthens the
  skin’s barrier
  function.

“On the other

hand, ‘sensitive’

describes skin’s overall

predisposition. If you

have sensitive skin, you

may be more prone to

redness or other signs

of irritation than the

normal population,”

she says.

There can be

overlaps: You can have

sensitive skin and be

prone to allergies,

or have several skin

allergies that cause

skin to be more

sensitive, adds Dr Low.

Dr Ker Khor

Jia, a consultant

dermatologist at

Dermatology & Co,

says your skin is

considered prone to

allergies if it reacts to

allergens. Common

ones: air pollution,

dust, sweat, fragrance,

preservatives and

chemicals like

methylisothiazolinone,

commonly found in

soaps and shampoos.

“It can result in

rashes, an itch or even

blisters if the reaction

is intense,” she adds.

What can you

do about allergies?

There’s no way to

cure one. If you know

what the allergen is,

the best way to avoid

having a reaction is

to steer completely

clear of it. Your GP

or dermatologist

can also prescribe

antihistamines or

topical steroid creams

to calm flare-ups and

reduce itching.

You can also

manage the condition

by using intensely

soothing skincare with

anti-inflammation

properties. They can’t

make the allergy go

away, but they can help

reduce redness, itching

and discomfort.

“Choose fragrance-

free products. Opt for

a gentle, soap-free

cleanser. Your face

moisturiser should

preferably contain

ceramides – proteins

that help repair the

skin and reduce its

sensitivity over time,”

says Dr Ker. Products

with short ingredient

lists are also good

picks, as they tend not

to contain common

skin allergens. – GYH

Cleanse Tone Moisturise

HW TO KNOWBUY/TO DO

Bioderma Sensibio

Mild Cleansing

Foaming Gel,

$33.90

Yuli Cocoon

Elixir, from

$19

La Roche-

Posay Toleriane

Ultra 8, $35.80

Aesop Seeking

Silence Facial

Hydrator, $80

Curel Moisture

Face Milk,

$32.80

Chanel La

Solution 10 de

Chanel, $166

CALM

WHAT MAY

The products

that calm,

heal and

strengthen

skin prone to

allergies

MAIN PHOTO

GALLERY STOCK

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