SENSITIVE SKIN:

Also known as hyper-reactive or intolerant, sensitive skin reacts excessively when exposed to normally tolerated stimuli. This means that ultraviolet rays, variations in temperature, wind, certain cosmetics, pollution, strong emotions, menstruation etc. can become aggressive to the epidermis.

Skin sensitivity is an essentially subjective notion. Skin sensitivity does not present very visually upon clinical examination. However, it is agreed upon that this disorder is manifested characteristically by tightness, tingling, warmth and itching.

In addition to these feelings of discomfort, sometimes there will be skin dryness, fine skin peeling or diffused redness.

No less than 28% of subjects who have very sensitive skin spoke of suffering from an associated dermatological illness. This number lowered to 14% when it related to sensitive skin subjects, 7% with lightly sensitive skin subjects and 2% for non-sensitive skin subjects.

Why is skin sensitive ?

With black and dark skin, especially in temperate climates, the functionality of the epidermal barrier is weakened by the strong activity of the ceramidase. This enzyme is responsible for the degradation of ceramides, and consequently, causes an increase in trans-epidermal water loss for dark-skinned people. The penetration of harmful agents is also facilitated.

Trans-epidermal water loss and penetration of harmful agents into skin which is deficient in ceramides

The most common clinical manifestations 

In relation to black and dark skin, which is often very dry, itching is very common, notably in the night whilst undressing or after showering. These disturbances constitute a common motive for consulting a specialist. What’s more, black and dark skin, compared to the skin of other ethnic groups, tends to more commonly experience irritation in the facial area.

Caring for sensitive skin

Delicate and easily irritated, sensitive skin requires special attention, and adapted care.

• Protect your skin from the sun, cold, wind, sources of heat such as fireplaces, radiators, ovens, etc.
• Cleanse your skin with products specifically formulated for sensitive skin, which eliminate impurities without aggravating the epidermis. Choose to use a soapless cleansing bar or shower gel. Rinse your face after taking your make-up off and gently exfoliating. For this, the CLEAN'OYA^® range of cleansers is adapted to even the most sensitive skins to cleanse the skin gently.
• Apply a specialised sensitive skin care treatment one to two times per day. This skin care treatment must be adapted to the nature of your skin, hypoallergenic, without any perfume or conservatives, and include a minimum of ingredients.
• Opt for formulas based on active ingredients which are recognised for their regenerative properties, such as alpha-bisabolol, glycyrrhetinic acid, oats, aloe vera or glycerin.
• If a product causes tightness or tingling, immediately stop using it.