InStyle Australia – June 2017

CLOCKWISE FROM

FAR LEFT: Sukin

Hydrating Facial Masque,

$15.95; sukinorganics.com.

Endota Spa Organics

Hydrate Me Mist, $30;

endotaspa.com.au.

Ultraceuticals Ultra B2

Hydrating Serum, $89;

ultraceuticals.com/au

ASSESS THE SITUATION

Type the most common skin complaints into Dr Google (think redness, dryness,

itching) and chances are you’ll be “diagnosed” with skin sensitivity. A trip to the

dermatologist for a thorough analysis may even confirm the fact, but what exactly

does it mean? Typically, the broad term refers to a complexion that suffers from

“an impaired barrier function that overreacts to common irritants such as soap, acids,

benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids, such as vitamin A compounds”, says specialist

dermatologist Dr Ritu Gupta from Platinum Dermatology Skin Specialists. In addition,

sensitivity also covers specific concerns like atopic dermatitis and allergic contact

dermatitis, adds dermatologist and founder of DNA Renewal Dr Ron Moy. But here’s

where accurate diagnosis gets tricky: Dr Moy explains there’s no way to define if your

skin is sensitive until you actually develop a reaction, which can present as red or flaking

skin, breakouts, bumps and more. “Patch tests can be used to determine allergies–by

applying 20 of the most common allergic substances on a patient’s back for 24 to 48

hours–however it doesn’t really help determine sensitivity like dryness or atopic

dermatitis, where skin can be sensitive to a variety of different [substances],” he says.

The good news is that with a greater awareness of what goes into beauty products

comes a better understanding of what does and doesn’t work for individual skins, and

this knowledge will help determine the external factors that might be making you react.

THE CONCERN: DRYNESS

THE ISSUE: It’s important to understand

the difference between dry and dehydrated

skin, both of which require individual

treatment and have a different cause.

“Dehydrated skin lacks moisture but still

may produce oil, whereas dry skin is

skin that is oil-dry,” says Ultraceuticals

global brand educator Tracey Beeby.

A dry complexion can feel tight all the

time–even after applying moisturiser–and

flaky patches may crop up.

HOW TO TREAT IT: Turn to nourishing

products that contain humectant or

emollient ingredients, says Dr Moy,

which work to trap and retain moisture

in your dermis: “They will form a barrier

to prevent water from being lost in the

skin.” Beeby adds that dry, sensitive skin

needs to be repaired using biomimetic

ingredients; that is, those that mimic

the skin’s natural processes. “This

ensures true therapeutic moisturising

properties–all of the essential components

of the skin’s cells–are replaced in order

to correct [any concerns] with the

epidermis,” she says. Also, up your H2O

intake to hydrate from within.

STEER CLEAR: Dry skin can react quickly

to astringent products, so skip toner and

avoid preservatives like parabens and

formaldehydes in moisturisers, says Dr Moy.

SENSITIVE SKIN IS SKIN WITH

IMPAIRED BARRIER FUNCTION THAT

OVERREACTS TO COMMON IRRITANTS

SUCH AS SOAPS, ACIDS, PEROXIDE

AND TOPICAL RETINOIDS”

-DR RITU GUPTA, DERMATOLOGIST

JUNE 2017 In STYLE 133

Beauty

JUNE 2017 In STYLE 133