|
|
Sensitive Skin
As many as 60 percent of British women claim to have sensitive skin, according to to cosmetic giants, l'Oreal who two years ago chose to test a new sensitive skin range in the UK. At the same time, rivals Estee Lauder launched their sensitive skin range in Europe, following acclaim in the U.S. Plae skins with a tendency to dryness are most likely to suffer sensitivity. But what does "sensitive skin" really mean?
A genuine sensitive or irritant reaction can
be caused by sun, wind, rough handling and
even water. Redness, itching, swelling and
stinging are common and rapid responses,
but the same trigger may not provoke the
same reaction another time. However, sensitive reaction can lead to fully blown allergy.
Years of chronic irritation weakens the skin
and causes significant ageing. An allergic
reaction occurs each time the skin comes in
contact with the trigger. Perfumes, preservatives, colorings, detergents and surfactants,
and sunscreens such as PABA arc all common cosmetic allergens. Responses vary;
blistering, cracking, oozing, scaling and redness are all common. Allergies are individual and idiosynchratic - it does not follow that if you react to one agent,
you'll react to them all.
Hypo-allergenic and sensitive skin-care ranges exclude
ingredients most likely to irritate, while including agents to
calm and strengthen the skin against environmental attack. If
you have sensitive skin avoid creams containing AHAs, which
are notorious irritatants. US dermatologist Albert Kligman
used glycolic acid to devise a test for skin irritancy, which is
now used the world over. When choosing a new product, do
a patch test before you buy.
|
|
|
