Sensitised Skin

It’s a hostile, toxic world where UV light, chemicals, allergens and pollution pose a daily threat to healthy skin. But it’s not just the elements: emotional stress and hormonal changes can also result in sensitized and inflamed skin.
There are two processes that contribute to sensitised skin. While immune system (immunogenic) inflammation is a recognized precursor to sensitized skin, the nervous system can also trigger sensitization and inflammation. This is known as neurogenic inflammation.
Both types can be without visible signs (ie redness) associated with it. The inflammatory process is still occurring but it is invisible to the eye and may only result in stinging, burning, itching. In this case the skin is sensitized. If not controlled it may lead to visible signs of inflammation.

The Body’s immune system helps protect it from disease and the inflammatory response is a natural process that fights off a foreign substance as well as starting the healing process. In the skin, it is usually the response to an irritant such as pollen, bacteria or fragrance, the skin attacks the intruding force and starts to fight it off. This process called Immunogenic Inflammation, results in the pain, redness, swelling, and heat associated with inflammation.

This is triggered by the nervous system. When an irritant chemical activates nerve sensors, it results in the release of substances that also trigger the inflammatory response. Under normal conditions, these substances play a role in tissue repair, however, they are also found in a variety of painful inflammatory conditions such as urticaria (itching), psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, hypersensitivity, rosacea, and wound healing.

In addition to allergens that may stimulate an immune response or chemicals that stimulate a nerve response, emotional and physical stress can also induce skin itchiness, inhibit wound healing and aggravate inflammation. The elevated levels of stress hormones cause inflammatory reactions in the body, which can lead to many forms of skin and overall health concerns.

Both immunogenic and neurogenic inflammation can result in the same redness, itching and swelling that result when the body is injured or irritated. In the end, it is the combination of genetic susceptibility, immune disruption, nerve activity and epidermal barrier function that contributes to skin sensitivity and inflammation.

• A combination of lifestyle choices, effective treatments & products are crucial
• Minimizing sun exposure, reducing stress levels and use a physical SPF daily of at least 30
• taking care to preserve our skin’s natural protective barrier,
• Eat a healthy diet, reducing alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods.
• Reducing/stopping smoking which affects lipid barrier of skin, collagen syntheses and cell turnover
• Avoid excessive exfoliation & use of alkaline products (soap)
• Avoid very hot baths and showers
• Use good quality mineral make-up, avoiding SD alcohol, artificial fragrances and colours

• Dermalux LED Light Therapy
• ProCalm Express or Intensive
• ProSkin 30, 60 or Advanced
• Dermalogica Ultracalming Range
• Dermaquest Sensitized Range