SLEEP MORE, STRESS LESS
According to Dr Moy, mindful diet and lifestyle choices can play a significant
role in maintaining a healthy complexion: “Sensitive skin types need to consider
the best ways to build up a defence system, and to consider [the] body’s natural
DNA repair process.” He explains that because skin goes into rest and repair
mode while you sleep, not getting enough shut-eye will actually hinder your skin’s
ability to heal and protect itself. Stress can also place additional pressure on
those prone to skin sensitivity. “It increases cortisol levels that can add to further
sensitivity by affecting the skin’s barrier, causing breakouts,” says Beeby.
“Hyperpigmentation may even be exacerbated.” In addition to these internal
causes, external environmental factors can also have a significant impact, from
a change in weather to pollution and air conditioning, Doncovio points out.
Skin can also “react to heat, so avoid hot showers and only use warm–not hot
–water when washing your face”, she adds.THE CONCERN: ALLERGIES
THE CAUSE: Sensitive skin sufferers will
quickly notice any adverse reactions to
skincare–from tightness to bumps and
redness, there are a few common warning
signs when using products that aren’t suited
to you. “The most common ingredients that
can cause skin to react are those that
heavily moisturise, causing blocked pores
and therefore increasing the bacteria in the
skin,” explains Dr Moy.HOW TO TREAT IT: Take a closer look
at what’s in your skincare to determine
the culprit. It could be a combination of
ingredients, but “if the cause is unknown,
care must be taken in order to ensure the
skin’s barrier is healthy and well protected”,
recommends Beeby.STEER CLEAR: Avoid any known irritants,
but Beeby also suggests you stay away from
harsh surfactants in cleansers as well as
petroleum-based ingredients.THE CONCERN: ROSACEA
THE CAUSE: An inherited condition,
rosacea presents itself as broken blood
vessels “that are too sensitive and overreact
to common triggers, such as caffeine and red
wine”, says Dr Gupta. “It can also be caused
by an overreaction to demodex mites, which
live on our skin as part of our normal flora.”HOW TO TREAT IT: “Rosacea is best
treated with anti-inflammatory medicines
or topical antibiotics,” says Dr Moy.
However, your diet can play a significant
role–he recommends eating foods that
reduce histamine levels, upping your intake
of vegetables, and steaming, poaching or
pan-frying any proteins. From a skincare
perspective, try a gentle cleanser to
remove bacteria and excess oil, which will
soothe the skin. “To decrease irritation,
use your fingertips instead of abrasive
washcloths,” says Dr Moy. In addition, use
a mild moisturiser that will prevent itching
and burning, and always apply a broad-
spectrum sunscreen, as sun exposure
can lead to rosacea flare-ups.STEER CLEAR: Avoid witch hazel,
fragrance, peppermint and eucalyptus oil,
plus toners with excess alcohol or chemicals.STRESS INCREASES CORTISOL
LEVELS THAT CAN ADD TO FURTHER
SENSITIVITY BY AFFECTING THE SKIN’S
BARRIER, CAUSING BREAKOUTS”- TRACEY BEEBY, ULTRACEUTICALS
CLOCKWISE
FROM TOP LEFT:
Trilogy Very
Gentle Cleansing
Cream, $35.95;
trilogyproducts.
com. Dermalogica
UltraCalming
Barrier Repair,
$67.50; dermalogica.
com.au. Origins
Mega-Mushroom
Skin Relief Eye
Serum, $70; at
mecca.com.auCLOCKWISE
FROM TOP LEFT:
Rationale Beautiful
Skin Luminizing
Superfluid SPF50,
$85; rationale.com.
A’kin Cleansing
Micellar Water,
$14.95; akin.com.au.
Darphin Intral
Redness Relief
Recovery Cream,
$79; at mecca.
com.au136 I n STYLE JUNE 2017Beauty