All Things Skincare, B E A U T Y, Must Knows

What is Sensitive Skin?

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If you’ve ever had a reaction after applying a new foundation, moisturizer, setting powder or SPF, you may have wondered if you have sensitive skin.

What is “sensitive skin”?

“Sensitive skin” isn’t a medical term, but more of a blanket term that encompasses a lot of different things for different people. Sensitive skin is categorized based on the reactions and sensations the person experiences. Often debated if sensitive skin  is a true skin type, a skin condition or a temporary skin reaction brought on by harsh ingredients, environmental factors, or a stressed immune system, I’m here to share what I know based on my experience along with facts from the interwebs. I’m not a medical professional – please use this as information to help you make more informed decisions for your own skincare choices.

At its core function, our skin is a barrier made up of multiple complex systems and processes to ensure optimum health and protection (pH regulation, hydration regulation, etc). All of these processes are dependent on enzyme activity. In sensitive skin, this activity can become inhibited, compromising the natural barrier function, and reducing lipid synthesis. As a result, water loss increases and irritants are able to penetrate skin.1 Translation: sensitive skin may have a compromised barrier function leading to moisture loss and may be more prone to reactions.

Unfortunately, there are a few of us who are more predisposed to sensitive skin based on our genetics. A number of the skin diseases and conditions linked to sensitive skin are known or believed to run in families. They include acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.3

How can skin become sensitive over time?

Great question!

I’ve had what my mother always referred to as “sensitive skin” from as far back as I can remember. Granted, I’ve had problematic skin since puberty started at the ripe age of 10, so I’m sure somewhere along the way the intertwining of my genetic predisposition to sensitivities and multiple dermatologist prescriptions, combined with minor social anxiety and working high-stress jobs…things progressively got worse for me over time. Don’t forget: your skin reacts to what’s going on in your life, and life as an adult is a whole hell of a lot more stressful than when we were in middle school.

Your skin comes into contact with external factors that can make skin more sensitive just as much as internal factors. The biggest part that has helped me on my clear-skin journey? Taking the time and effort to understand my internal health better and making necessary changes to have my outside reflect my inside efforts as much as possible. We’re on this journey together 🖤 I’m here to help you along the way to better understand to the best of my ability. For starters, take a look at the factors listed out below – do any of these sound familiar to you?

Internal Factors

  • Stress
  • Hormonal changes (ovulation, pregnancy, menopause)
  • Lack of sleep
  • Existing skin conditions

External Factors

  • Excessive cold
  • Excessive heat
  • Dry climates
  • Environmental pollutants
  • Products’ ingredients (cleansing agents, fragrance, alcohol, etc)

Maybe you’ve noticed your skin is more reactive when you’re on your period (here, here!), you’re stressed out about a big presentation or dreadfully, maybe you work in a toxic work environment (I feels you because I know how my skin + mental state were after that)… or maybe the whipping winter winds have your skin reacting to one ingredient whereas in the summer months your skin can’t handle something else. (I can’t handle acidic ingredients after walking home in the brutally cold city winds in the winter down where I am on the southernmost tip of Manhattan, whereas anything too heavy in the summer will guarantee a same-day pimple for my face and a potential rash on my body). We’re constantly coming into contact with internal and external stressors that impact our skin, more than we realize!

Common sensitive skin reactions

My sensitivities may not be your sensitivities, and our reactions may look nothing alike. We both may be experiencing sensitive skin and should still keep our respective sensitivities in mind when buying new products, seeing a new facialist, or swatching new eyeshadows.

The following are various sensitive skin reactions you may have experienced from products – typically these will happen in and around the area of application. I’ve included an asterisk next to those that are my common reactions:

  • Stinging sensation*
  • Burning, watery eyes*
  • Itchy rash
  • Raised rash
  • Hives
  • Acne of varying degree*
  • Red blotchy skin*
  • Skin discoloration
  • Flakey skin
  • Scaly skin*
  • General irritation or sensitivity to touch

However, looking at the most common reactions for people who claim to have sensitive skin: “Typically, these are people with more easily irritated skin, either with inflammation, redness, itching, or stinging sensations,” says Annie Chiu, MD, a dermatologist at The Derm Institute in Redondo Beach, CA.3

In case you’re still unsure if you have sensitive skin or not, I encourage you to consult Dermstore’s “10 Signs You Have Sensitive Skin” roundup, because I could not say it better myself. Please know this is not a bonafide way to determine your condition, but it may certainly shed some light for you 💖🤘

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Sources 1, 2, 3

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All Things Skincare, B E A U T Y

Winter Skin Rx

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Just because “the weather outside is frightful” doesn’t mean your skin has to be! Cold temperatures don’t do our skin any favors. From loss of moisture to wind chapping, cracking and splitting; to scales, flakes, and peeling…need I continue?

Not everyone experiences the same type of skin troubles during Fall and Winter, but here are a few tips anyone can benefit from:

  • Switch It Up

Nix oil stripping cleansers + toners during colder months. This goes for both face AND body. The best way to tell: if you use a particular product during the warmer months because you enjoy how refreshing it is, how you look less greasy, etc. opt for a creamier, more moisturizing formula. Also, consider switching your highly scented body wash for one with oils or oatmeal to soothe itchy, dry skin. Many fragrances are alcohol based, and that is never hydrating.

  • Turn DOWN the Heat

Don’t be tempted to increase the temps in your shower/bath. Hot water strips skin of its natural oils. But make sure to moisturize immediately after on DAMP SKIN. The moisture on your skin’s surface will help the moisturizer absorb and do its job a bit better. Think of it like this: with a little extra moisture on your skin’s surface, the lotion/oil has even more hydrating properties to take with it through your skin layers. Hello hydration!

  • Fight Flakes

I should learn to follow my own advice, but: DON’T PEEL (believe me, I’m well aware of how tempting this is!). Instead just buy a heavier moisturizer and moisturize damp skin (see the point above). If you’re unsure of which “heavier moisturizer” to buy, see if your daily moisture lotion comes in a cream formula, or a “for dry skin” formula. When exfoliating: don’t buy natural scrubs for your face. Harsh, jagged, crushed nut shells will do more damage than good. Look for spherical exfoliating beads within the cleanser; they’ll be much gentler to your beautiful face. As for other troublesome areas: I prefer natural scrubs for my body. I always try to look for oil-based scrubs because after sloughing off the dead skin you’re left with silky softness before you even exit the shower.

  • Hydrate from the Inside Out

I think this is just a rule of thumb, but maybe for some it’s not…yet: Eat healthy to keep your skin glowing from the inside out. Green tea, water-based fruits (think: melons + cucumbers), and foods high in omega-3s (check out nuts, legumes, tuna, and salmon) all do wonders for moisturizing your skin. And, as always: Drink plenty of water!

  • Pamper Your Paws

I’m sure your frost bitten fingertips and worn out heels could use a little TLC. To show your digits a little lovin’ exfoliate both hands and feet, slather on a rich moisturizing cream or oil, and slip on cotton gloves and socks for overnight absorption. You’ll wake up to pampered paws!

  • Don’t Skip Your SPF

Even though the temperatures have gotten colder, the sun still has the same effects. Do not let this half of the year be your excuse to avoid applying SPF. While you may be able to cut back on the SPF number during these months (because, really, you’re not going to enjoy your lunch break at an outdoor café any time soon), don’t skimp on it all together. Many daily moisturizers now offer a range of SPF protection, so you can pick and choose what is right for you without having to apply Banana Boat before work. If you are one of those ladies who loves the outdoors and outdoor activities all year round, do not let your SPF number decrease. Are you a skier or snowboarder? Think of the snow as a giant reflector for the sun. Make sure to reapply!

  • Keep Moving

Staying as active as you were in the warmer months will allow you to maintain your rosy glow—and it won’t just be from frost bite! Colder temps will definitely put a damper on your normal outdoor workouts, but don’t let that stop your routines all together. Keeping your blood flowing, your endorphins high, and heart rate up will make you (and your skin) much happier than remaining sedentary.

  • Bathe Less Often

Ok, this may be a bit extreme for some, but at least cut back on the duration that you are bathing. The less amount of time you spend in the scalding hot water the less drying your shower will be. I understand you really don’t want to give up those glorious mornings basking in the steaminess, but think of how amazing your skin will feel once you actually cut down on your shower’s duration.

 

 

If you’re looking for any additional alternatives to aid winter skin or suggestions for any of the 8 points above feel free to contact me—I am more than happy to answer all readers’ questions to the best of my abilities 🙂

 

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All Things Skincare, B E A U T Y, Hair & Scalp Care

You Should Know About: Coconut Oil

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Over the past few months there has been a huge resurgence of coconut oil. Magazines and bloggers alike have been very eager to spread the word about the amazing benefits and uses for this fruity oil. I’m sure you’ve heard the buzz about coconut oil’s beauty benefits by now. But if not, then I’m glad you’re reading! This tropical oil has a high Vitamin E content and contains fatty acids which are anti-fungal, anti-oxidizing and anti-bacterial. Now, you may be wondering, “Julia, why are you telling us about a cooking oil?” Because it’s useful for so many other things!! Here is my sum-up of the best ways to use this delicious-smelling oil:

Hair

  • Hair Mask/Deep Treatment (this post will tell you how to apply it)
  • Dry Scalp Treatment
  • Frizz Remedy (think of it as a more natural version of Moroccan Oil)
  • UV shield, helping to maintain color and prevent fading

Face

  • Eye Makeup Remover
  • Lip Moisturizer

Body

  • Moisturizer
  • Massage Oil
  • After-shave Moisturizer
  • Moisturizing Scrub (just add sugar!)
  • Breaking in new shoes
  • Jogger’s Nipple
  • Natural Sunscreen: SPF 4

Food

  • Use on cinnamon raisin toast instead of butter
  • Mix with butter (vegan or dairy) for popcorn topping
  • Mix with garlic for a sweeter substitute than butter (in sauces & general cooking)

All Things Skincare, B E A U T Y

Breakout Time-Out

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It happens to the best of us—you’re having a great week, everything’s in your favor, until you feel something brewing on your chin. Your confidence takes a hit, and as you walk from the boardroom to your office (or from your class across the quad) you can’t help but be self-conscious of who will point out the boil growing near your mouth. Instead of being caught off-guard as a lovely blemish begins to grace your face, make sure to adapt these preventative measures to stop the pimples before they’re forming:

Wash your Pillowcase

When was the last time you changed your pillowcase? If you frequently fall asleep with your makeup on, use hair styling products (and don’t wash your hair every day), think of the gunk that you’re touching your face to. As you catch your Zzzz’s, make sure that you’re not smearing old oil, hairspray, and last night’s foundation into your facial pores. Aim to switch your pillowcase a minimum of every two weeks. Amp it up to once a week if you wash your hair more infrequently than most.

Clean off your “Day Face”

Wash off your makeup every day before bed. Don’t make exceptions, don’t just use Makeup Wipes, and don’t make excuses. As you slumber your day’s worth of makeup mixes in with oils and sweat in your pores to form blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes even cystic acne. Think about the amount of products sitting on your face: moisturizer, primer, concealer, foundation, setting powder, bronzer…and that’s not even on your lids or lips. No one wants these products to clog their pores. Just remember: consistency is key. Go to bed with a clean face. Every. Night.

Refresh After A Workout

Many women suffer from facial and body acne as a result of working out. This type of acne can be prevented in many ways. At the very least you should rinse your face with warm water to remove surface sweat & grime before exiting your gym. Next is to make sure that you’re not sitting in your sweat-drenched workout gear for an extended period of time after you’ve completed your workout. Allowing your wet garbs to lay against your skin allows bacteria to spread and prevents pores from being able to breath.

Find your Routine…& Stick with it

As I mentioned before, Consistency is Key. Make sure you’re not changing your skincare routine too often. It takes about 6-8weeks for your body to get used to a regimen; if you’re prone to trying new products frequently resist the urge to try the “latest and greatest” upon new releases. Stick to even as simple a routine as a gentle cleanser and moisturizer everyday only at night, or twice a day morning + night.

Wash your Brushes

I know this may sound obvious, but really: When was the last time that you cleaned your makeup brushes? If you’ve been using the same foundation brush for weeks on end, or the same powder brush for all of your facial powders it’s time to stop now. Over time, your brushes have product buildup, oil buildup, and just don’t do the same quality job that they used to. I recommend cleaning your brushes once a week to keep your brushes in tip top shape. After all, if you’ve taken the time to invest in makeup brushes the least you should do is protect and maintain your investment.

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