April 24, 2023

Sensitive Skin? Discover The Best Products Recommended By Experts

If you have sensitive – hyper sensitive skin, finding the right skincare products can be a daunting task. The wrong product can exacerbate skin irritation, redness, and inflammation, leaving you feeling frustrated and discouraged. But don’t give up just yet! There are gentle, effective products out there that can help soothe and nourish your delicate skin back to good health. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the best skin care products for hyper-sensitive skin, to keep your skin healthy and glowing without irritation or discomfort.

Sensitive Skin: The 10 Most Common Causes

Sensitive skin can have visible symptoms such as dry skin, inflammation, eczema, breakouts, redness, flaking. Many people also experience invisible subjective symptoms such as burning, itching, stinging and such. Here are the 10 most common reasons for sensitive skin.

Genetics: Some people are simply more prone to sensitive skin due to genetic factors.
Allergies: Allergies to certain foods, plants, or chemicals can trigger sensitive skin.
Environmental factors: Exposure to harsh weather conditions, pollution, or UV radiation can cause skin irritation and sensitivity.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy or menopause, can cause skin sensitivity.
Skincare products: Especially those containing petrochemicals, fragrances, urea and other common ingredients which damage the skin barrier, irritate the skin and cause sensitivity.
Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs, can cause skin sensitivity as a side effect.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, can cause sensitive skin.
Stress: Stress can cause a variety of skin issues, including sensitivity and inflammation.
Diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and alcohol can contribute to skin sensitivity.
Age: As we age, our skin becomes a thinner skin, and more prone to sensitivity and irritation.

By a medical diagnosis and identifying the underlying causes of your sensitive skin, you can take steps to prevent future flare-ups. Avoiding triggers, using gentle skincare products, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you are unsure of what is causing your sensitive skin, keep reading!

Root Causes of Skin Sensitivity & Hyper Sensitive Skin

Hyper-sensitive skin, characterized by excessive reactions to various irritants, allergens, and stimuli normally considered harmless. Sensitive skin symptoms are caused by a disruption in the skin’s natural barrier function. Sensitive skin treated properly will eventually subside, so let’s focus on and underlying the skin condition beyond the 10 most common causes.

Mineral Deficiency Causes Sensitive Skin Symptoms

One possible cause of hyper-sensitive skin is a deficiency in certain minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and selenium. These minerals play important roles in maintaining healthy skin. A deficiency can lead to a weakened skin barrier, which can result in increased sensitivity to external factors.

Any mineral deficiency can contribute to overall poor skin health, which may exacerbate sensitivity issues. For example, a deficiency in zinc, which is important for healthy skin function, can lead to skin inflammation and poor wound healing. Similarly, a deficiency in iron can lead to a pale, dull complexion.

The Human Microbiome and Skin Conditions

Another potential cause of hyper-sensitive skin is an imbalance in the skin’s microbiome. The skin’s microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that helps protect the skin from harmful bacteria, viruses, and other invaders. Disrupted, it leads to a variety of skin issues, including increased sensitivity. The gut and skin are closely connected through the gut-skin axis, a complex communication pathway between the two systems.

Poor gut health can lead to imbalances in the gut microbiome, which can cause inflammation and immune system dysfunction. This can trigger skin issues such as acne, rosacea, and eczema, which are all characterized by skin sensitivity.

The gut microbiome plays a critical role in the absorption and utilization of nutrients that are important for the skin’s barrier and healthy skin function. For example, a deficiency in essential fatty acids or antioxidants can lead to skin sensitivity and inflammation.

Improving gut health through diet, probiotics, and other lifestyle changes may help to improve skin health and reduce sensitivity issues.

Skin Allergy and Severe Allergic Reaction

Exposure to every day house hold products such as soaps and laundry detergents can cause severe allergic reactions. Without notice, you can become allergic to every day foods, like shrimp, milk or nuts. If you suspect a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

The range of symptoms include:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Hives or widespread rash
Nausea or vomiting
Rapid or weak pulse
Feeling of impending doom
Loss of consciousness

Dry Skin vs. Sensitive Skin: Is There a Difference?

It’s important to differentiate between dry and sensitive skin because the treatment approaches for these conditions will be different. For dry skin, moisturizing and hydrating the skin is key, while for sensitive skin, avoiding triggers and using gentle skincare products is important.

Dry Skin

Characterized by a lack of moisture, which can cause the skin to appear flaky, itchy, and rough. Dry skin is more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. Relieving dry skin may include heavy metal detox, increasing amount of water intake, and supplementing water with trace mineral drops.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin, characterized by an increased reactivity to external stimuli, such as beauty products, weather changes, or stress. People with sensitive skin may experience redness, itchiness, or a burning sensation after coming into contact with certain triggers.

While they may share some similar symptoms, such as dryness and scaly patches of skin, sensitive and dry skin are caused by different underlying factors. It’s also possible to have both skin dryness and sensitive skin, as these conditions can sometimes occur together.

When No One Can See Your Symptoms

Skin reactions can also cause non-visible symptoms such as a feeling of tightness or discomfort in the skin. When the skin’s natural barrier function is compromised, it will lead to an increase in transepidermal water loss. This causes the skin to feel dry and tight. The loss of barrier function allows irritants and allergens to penetrate the skin more easily, leading to irritated skin.

What Are The Symptoms of Sensitive Skin?

Redness: The skin may appear flushed or reddened, particularly after exposure to certain triggers or irritants.
Itching or burning: Itchy, tingly, or hot to the touch, in irritated areas.
Dryness or flakiness: The skin may feel dry, tight, or flaky, particularly in areas that are prone to dryness.
Rash: The skin may develop a rash or hives, particularly after exposure to an allergen or irritant.
Stinging or tingling: Feels like stinging or tingling, particularly in response to certain products or environmental triggers.
Breakouts: Sensitive skin can also be prone to breakouts.

If you often experience sensitive skin, read on to find the gentlest, most bioavailable and nutritionally dense clean beauty products!

A Study on the Effects of Dietary Fucoidan, a Sulfated Polysaccharide from Brown Seaweed on Psoriasis Symptoms

This study investigated the effects of dietary fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide from brown algae, on psoriasis symptoms in a mouse model. Here’s a summary of the key findings:

Fucoidan diet improved psoriasis symptoms:

Reduced facial skin lesions and scratching.
Significantly lowered PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) scores.

Altered gut microbiota:

Increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria phyla.
Decreased relative abundance of Firmicutes and TM7 phyla.
Changed composition of specific bacterial families and genera.

Increased mucin production:

Fucoidan diet promoted higher mucin levels in feces, indicating improved intestinal environment.

Enhanced IgA production:

Higher total IgA levels were found in the ceca of fucoidan-fed mice, suggesting improved intestinal immunity.

Potential mechanism:

The study suggests that fucoidan may improve psoriasis symptoms by altering the gut environment, including changes in microbiota composition and increased production of protective substances like mucin and IgA.

The researchers concluded that dietary fucoidan (brown seaweed) may play a significant role in preventing dysfunctional immune diseases by improving the intestinal environment. This study provides insights into potential dietary interventions for managing psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions. Seaflora decided to start selling edible seaweed for exactly this reason, “your skin is a reflection of your internal systems” as Chantelle Line likes to tell Seaflora customers. She went on to create the Inside Out Routine which addresses gut issues causing skin issues.

Home Remedies and Prevention

As a holistic nutritionist, I recommend the following home remedies and prevention strategies for sensitive skin:

Choose clean, natural skincare products

Look for products that are free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and other ingredients that can be irritating to the skin. Choose products that contain natural, nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula.

Eat a healthy, balanced diet

What you put into your body has a big impact on the health of your skin. Focus on eating a nutrient-dense diet rich in whole foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins.

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water can help keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day, and consider adding in hydrating foods like cucumber and watermelon. Alkalize and filter your water.

Moisturize Your Skin Daily with Fucoidan Rich Skincare

Use a daily moisturizer packed with skin soothing ingredients. All Seaflora Skincare is rich in fucoidan because seaweed is alway the main ingredient. The Wild Sea Kelp Body Lotion has many reviews from users reporting Psoriasis symptom relief.

Use gentle, non-abrasive cleansing techniques

Opt for gentle cleansing formulas and techniques like the oil cleansing method or using a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser.

Protect from the sun

Sun damage can be a common trigger for sensitive skin, so it’s important to protect your skin from UV rays. Wear protective clothing like hats and sunglasses when spending time outdoors.

Manage stress

Stress can be a trigger for sensitive skin, so it’s important to manage stress levels through practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. Stress also causes quicker mineral depletion in the human body by affecting the absorption and utilization of essential minerals. When the body is under stress, it produces hormones such as cortisol, which interfere with the absorption of calcium, magnesium, zinc and more. Stress leads to increased production of free radicals in the body, which can damage cells and lead to mineral depletion.

Chronic stress can also lead to inflammation in the body, which can further exacerbate mineral deficiencies. This will deteriorate the body’s ability to maintain optimal mineral levels, affect a wide range of bodily functions and processes.

Use natural remedies to soothe and calm the skin

Aloe vera gel, chamomile tea, and seaweed baths can all be helpful for soothing and calming sensitive skin. Incorporating these natural remedies and prevention strategies into your daily skin care routine now to soothe and protect your sensitive skin, promoting a healthy and glowing complexion.

Seaweed for Psoriasis relief and sensitive skin

5 Best Products for Sensitive Skin

Seaflora is a brand that specializes in natural, organic, and sustainably sourced seaweed-based skincare products. Here are the 5 best Seaflora Skincare products for sensitive skin:

Sea Therapy Facial Cleanser: A luxurious soap free seaweed cleanser. Using organic plant-based oils that remove dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping the natural oils leaving the skin supple. The addition of seaweed and CoQ10, powerful antioxidants that protect from environmental damage and promote healthy cell function. Free of essential oils, which can be irritating to sensitive skin. A gentle and effective option for those with dry, sensitive or irritated skin.

Sea Splash Toning Essence: An alcohol-free toner formulated with calming ingredients like seaweed and chamomile to soothe and hydrate sensitive skin. Restore the skin’s natural pH balance and prepare it for the next steps in your skincare routine.

Sea Therapy Hydration Treatment: A lightweight serum packed with nourishing antioxidants from seaweed, CoQ10 and Vitamin C. It also incorporates hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E to hydrate and protect sensitive skin. This vegan anti-aging serum improves the skin’s texture and tone, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Potent Seaweed Serum: A powerful sensitive skin moisturizer designed to combat the signs of aging and improve the overall health of sensitive skin. Contains a potent blend of seaweed, plant stem cells, and antioxidants to protect from environmental damage and promote a youthful, radiant complexion.

Sea Radiance Facial Moisturizer: A gentle food grade moisturizer made from a blend of 5 brown seaweeds. Safe for all ages and skin types, this simple formula deeply hydrates and locks in moisture at a cellular level. Rich in fucoidan, sulfated polysaccharides and antioxidants.

What Are Common Triggers of Sensitive Skin?

Smoking and alcohol use can also contribute to sensitivity by damaging the skin’s natural defenses and dehydrating the skin. Skin contact can be painful with a hang over or even after a period of heavy cigarette smoking. Your normal facial routine, with your normal products, and even hot water can hurt to the touch. Over the counter creams can might manage symptoms, but choosing a healthier lifestyle is always the best option if your skin is easily irritated.

Contact Dermatitis

A medical skin condition, that involves skin inflammation caused by exposure to irritants like numbing creams, laundry detergent, allergens or even dry winter air. Acute contact dermatitis typically resolves within a few weeks once the irritant or allergen is removed. Chronic contact dermatitis persists for months or years. Symptoms include redness, itching, burning, dryness, and in some cases, blistering or oozing. It is important to seek the advice of a dermatologist or medical professional if you suspect you have contact dermatitis in order to receive an accurate diagnosis, find any possible underlying health condition and formulate a treatment plan.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis is a type of allergic contact dermatitis that occurs from contact with a substance that damages or irritates, such as exposure to chemicals, such as detergents or cleaning products. Plants or even frequent hand washing can trigger symptoms like: redness, itching, burning, dryness, and in severe cases, blistering or cracking.

To correct irritant contact dermatitis naturally and effectively, it is important to first identify and avoid the irritant or trigger that caused irritant contact dermatitis. This may involve changing your skincare routine and diet to organic and clean, or taking a break from using certain detergents, facial creams, or even removing plants triggering an allergic response.

Natural remedies like a seaweed bath, because seaweeds are rich in antioxidants and naturally hypo-allergenic and potent anti-inflammatory. Aloe vera gel, chamomile tea compresses, or colloidal oatmeal baths can help to reduce and soothe inflammation.

Good hygiene is achieved with natural deodorants, tooth pastes, and laundry detergents. Gentle, fragrance-free products help restore the skin’s protective layer. There is good reason clean beauty is on the rise across the globe!

Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Rubber Gloves

Some people may be allergic or develop contact dermatitis from rubber gloves and condoms due to the presence of latex. Latex, a natural rubber made from the sap of rubber trees and contains proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals. The allergic reaction can range from mild itching and redness to severe swelling and difficulty breathing in rare cases. Some may be sensitive to other chemicals such as accelerators, which are used in the manufacturing process to make the rubber more durable. These chemicals cause irritant contact dermatitis, which is a non-allergic skin reaction characterized by redness, dryness, cracking.

Photosensitive eczema

Also known as photocontact eczema, a type of eczema triggered by exposure to sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It can also be caused by certain medications or chemicals that cause a reaction when exposed to UV radiation. People with fair skin and a history of eczema are at a higher risk of developing this condition. In some cases, it can also be caused by a genetic predisposition or an immune system dysfunction. If left untreated, it can lead to severe symptoms, including blistering, oozing, and extreme discomfort.

At-Home Treatments

Aloe vera: Aloe vera gel is well-known for its ability to soothe skin irritations and reduce inflammation. Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to the affected area and let it absorb into the skin.
Oatmeal: Oatmeal has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe itchy, irritated skin. Add finely ground oatmeal to a warm bath or make a paste with water and apply it to the affected area.
Chamomile: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help calm and protect sensitive skin. You can use chamomile tea bags to create a compress or soak a washcloth in chamomile tea and apply it to the affected area.
Coconut oil: Coconut oil has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and protect sensitive skin. Apply a small amount of pure coconut oil to the affected area and let it absorb into the skin.
Honey: Honey has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and heal sensitive skin. Apply a small amount of pure honey to the affected area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Seaweed is a great natural remedy to soothe and heal sensitive skin. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help to reduce inflammation and irritation. Studies have shown that seaweed can help to improve skin elasticity and hydration.

One way to incorporate seaweed into your skincare routine is to use products that contain seaweed or kelp. Seaflora Skincare, for example, uses seaweed as the main ingredient in their formulations, very beneficial for those with hyper sensitive skin.

If you live by the ocean or have access to seaweed, you can create a paste and apply it directly to the affected area. Mix the seaweed or kelp with aloe vera and a small amount of water to create a soothing paste. This can help to reduce redness, itching, and inflammation.

Best Practices for Sensitive Skin

It can be challenging to navigate the overwhelming number of skincare products on the market, especially when marketed as being suitable for sensitive skin but actually contain harsh ingredients that further irritate the skin. Here are some tips to help women choose the right products for their sensitive skin:

Read the ingredient list: Check the product label to see if there are any potentially irritating ingredients, such as fragrances, sulfates, or alcohol. Look for products that are labeled as fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, or formulated specifically for sensitive skin.
Apps for quick information: Use websites like INCIdecoder.com, YUKA and Think Dirty to help you understand ingredients.
Do a patch test: Before applying a new product to your face, do a patch test on a small area of skin on your inner arm. If you experience any redness, itching, or burning, it’s best to avoid the product.
Look for gentle formulations: Choose products that are designed to be gentle with natural ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and kelp. Avoid products that contain harsh exfoliants or scrubs, which can damage the skin’s natural barrier.
Do your research: Look for reviews and recommendations from other people with sensitive skin. Online forums, blogs, and social media are a great resource for finding products that work well for others with similar skin concerns.

Be mindful of the marketing tactics used by skincare companies. Make informed decisions about the products you use and find the ones that are truly suitable for their sensitive skin.

Seaflora is Often Recommended by Skin Experts for Ultra Sensitive Skin

Seaflora Skincare’s products contain a high concentration of organic seaweed, rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fatty acids, and unique compounds. Seaweed is known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it an excellent ingredient for sensitive skin. In addition, Seaflora Skincare uses natural and plant-based ingredients, avoiding common irritants such as synthetic fragrances, parabens, and sulfates. Their holistic approach, focusing on the health of the skin’s barrier and promoting skin hydration and nourishment is rare. Overall, Seaflora Skincare’s products are designed to support sensitive skin and help restore its natural balance and radiance.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8359429/

https://www.everydayhealth.com/pictures/skin-care-ingredients-allergic-reactions/

https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/allergens-cosmetics

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15611427/

https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/msystems.00521-23

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7143489/