Marie Claire Australia - 01.05.2018

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THE WAY TO CALM

SWITCH YOUR CLEANSER

Swap your gel formula for a cleansing

milk. If skin is particularly sensitive,

ditch water completely and use a

pH-balanced micellar water instead.

Tr y : Arcona Four O’Clock Flower

Gentle Cleansing Cream, $64 (1); A’ kin

Cleansing Micellar Water, $14.95 (2)

CHEMICAL EXFOLIATION

Opt for fewer weekly sessions (one or

two is best) and switch to a chemical

exfoliant. “Salicylic acid, lactic acid or

digestive enzymes (derived from

pineapple and papaya) are good

on sensitive skin,” says Hobson.

Tr y : Ocinium Ecdysis Bio-Ferment

Enzyme Cleanse (3), $70

GENTLE MASKING

Ditch the clay mask for a “calming,

hydrating mask for 10 minutes,

twice a week”, says Hobson.

Tr y : QV Face Purifying Mask (4), $13.95

SOOTHING SERUMS

Trade your active serum for one with

anti-inflammatory and hydrating

properties to rebuild the skin barrier.

“When used on a regular basis they

make skin less reactive,” says Hobson.

Tr y : Dr. Barbara Sturm

Hyaluronic Serum (5), $423

BARRIER REPAIR

Step away from multi-tasking

moisturisers and opt for a water-gel

formulation designed to treat

an impaired barrier. “They also

control and protect skin [from

moisture loss],” says Hobson.

Tr y : Dermalogica Calm Water Gel (6), $73

CHOOSE SPF WISELY

A physical sunscreen can be less

irritating on upset skin. “Some skin only

tolerates physical sunscreens, which

use titanium dioxide and zinc oxide,”

says Hobson. Chemical formulas,

meanwhile, are “lightweight” and great

for skin that can’t handle heaviness.

Tr y : La Roche-Posay 50+

Anti-Shine Gel-Cream (7), $28.95

HOW TO DEAL WITH

SENSITIVE

SKIN

SKIN FACTS

Eight out of 10 people

have sensitised their

skin in the past year.

+

One in three people

have cancelled a social

commitment because

of their complexion.*

TIGHTNESS AND

DISCOMFORT

“This indicates dehydration,

which can lead to skin

reactions from products.”

REDNESS AND

BLOTCHINESS

“This signals overreactive

capillaries or a tendency

towards rosacea.”

FLAKING AND

CRACKING

“Indicates dehydrated

skin and impaired

barrier function.”

BLUSHING,

ITCHING AND

BURNING

“Also a sign of over-

reactive capillaries.”

Sensitive skin can look and feel diferent from person to person, but the common trait is

a compromised lipid barrier. “Some experience mild, occasional flare-ups while others deal

with constant redness and [uncomfortable skin],” says Hobson. Here are the red flags:

SKIN CHECK

If your skin is feeling out of sorts, you’re not alone. “Nearly half the

global population describes their skin as sensitive or very sensitive,”

says Emma Hobson, education manager for the International

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medical procedures and environmental factors like smoking,

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routine, too. “Ingredients such as alcohol, lanolin, fragrance and

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THE REASONS FOR SKIN SENSITIVITY

3

1

2 45 6

7

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EDWARD URRUTIA; GO RUNWAY/SNAPPER MEDIA. TEXT BY SALLY HUNWICK. *RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL DERMAL INSTITUTE AND DERMALOGICA

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