Those of us living with sensitive skin know exactly how challenging it can be to find skincare products that work for us, not against us. Finding the right product is often a series of trials and errors, most of which result in dry, itchy, or reddened skin. Even worse, some of these products make the condition of our skin worse instead of better. Fortunately, Dr. Lezaic and her team at Laser Skin Solutions Jacksonville in Jacksonville Beach, FL have found a skincare line that works wonders on even the most sensitive of skin.

What Is Sensitive Skin?

Skin sensitivity is a blanket term for any skin that is highly reactive to both the use of certain products and to certain environmental circumstances. It is just as likely for those of us with skin sensitivity to have a reaction to cleansers as it is for us to have a reaction to changes in the weather or sun exposure.

You can think of skin sensitivity as skin that has its own special needs. Many people have skin sensitivity. This is a skin type that does not discriminate based on gender, age, or skin tone, and it is common for skin sensitivity to go hand-in-hand with other skin issues, such as aging or acne.

Although skin sensitivity is most common on the face, this type of skin problem is usually evident on other parts of the body as well, such as the skin on the back or the chest.

What Causes Skin Sensitivity?

Even if you have been living with hypersensitive skin your whole life, you might not know precisely what causes your skin to react so negatively to certain products. The causes of skin sensitivity tend to vary from person to person, with a whole slew of factors that contribute to skin reactiveness.

The root cause of skin sensitivity is when the skin’s natural barrier fails to function properly, which causes moisture loss and the passing of irritants from the skin surface to the dermal layers. Skin sensitivity is also caused by:

Environment

Things like wind, cold weather, hot weather, sun exposure, and pollution are all environmental factors that contribute to skin sensitivity. Unfortunately, we can’t control the weather or the amount of pollution in the air, and that means that it can be difficult to avoid these irritants.

Unless you have plans of living like a hermit in a completely sterile, weather-controlled environment, your skin will have to adapt to the environment. For those of us with skin sensitivity, this is something that might take a lot of time and effort, even with the help of a dermatologist.

Products

One of the first things anyone with skin sensitivity does is try to find products that are labeled for sensitive type skin. There are many cleansers, toners, and moisturizers that promise to treat your skin with gentle formulas, but it is often the case that even these products are too irritating to the skin.

Some of us turn to products made with natural ingredients or even resort to making our own DIY treatments, and yet we still continue to have skin irritation. The problem with many over-the-counter products, even those with gentle formulas for sensitive type skin, is that they tend to include dyes and fragrances that will irritate skin.

While the dyes and fragrances might make these products appealing, the fact is that these extra add-ins are not tolerable to easily irritated skin.

Underlying Condition

Sometimes, skin sensitivity is actually a symptom of a different underlying skin condition. Common skin conditions that contribute to sensitivity include eczema, dermatitis, and rosacea, all of which cause varying levels of redness, itching, or swelling that are indicators of an overactive immune system.

Much of the time, we see skin sensitivity as a problem by itself, but it is important to verify with a dermatologist that you are not overlooking the underlying condition causing your skin irritation. Another underlying condition associated with skin sensitivity is acne. Acne is one of the most common skin concerns that people with skin sensitivity share.

Unfortunately, the solutions that are used to treat acne also cause skin irritation. Acne treatment products are often too harsh for skin with a failing barrier. When those treatments penetrate the dermal layers, they tend to over-correct the problem, which makes your skin over-compensate and ultimately means that your skin problems compound.

Allergies

The final common cause of skin sensitivity might also be the most basic. You might simply have skin allergies. Allergic contact dermatitis are skin allergies that form over time from repeated exposure to highly irritating products or substances. Skin allergies get progressively worse the longer or more often you are exposed to a skin irritant.

Ideally, stopping the exposure to the skin irritant should be enough to stop the skin allergy, but it can sometimes be difficult to figure out what exactly your skin is reacting to. If you do have a skin allergy, or you suspect that you might, you should verify with a dermatologist and seek treatment. A dermatologist may be able to help you identify what you are allergic to or even prescribe hypoallergenic products to use to treat hypersensitivity.

How Do I Know If I Have Sensitive Skin?

Determining if you have skin sensitivity involves observing the way your skin reacts to changes in your environment or to the products that you use. Skin that is reactive to topical products is usually the first indication of easily irritated skin. Other symptoms of skin sensitivity include:

• Dry, rough, or flakey skin
• Skin that easily flushes or burns
• Redness, swelling, or itchiness of the skin

Most of us with skin sensitivity can easily identify these symptoms. Many of these symptoms occur simultaneously and can last for several days or several weeks at a time. It is possible to have oily or combination skin types as well as skin sensitive at the same time. Dr. Lezaic and her skilled staff will help you determine your skin type if you are not sure these symptoms apply to you.

Skin Care Tips

Caring for easily irritated skin requires different practices than caring for other skin types. There are a few golden rules that people with skin sensitivity should follow. Some of the best tips that should be part of your skincare routine include:

• Always test products before using on the face
• Make moisturizing your top priority
• Only wash your face once a day
• Use only one brand of product to limit formula reactions
• Always apply SPF

The most important tip for skin sensitivity? Using the right skincare products, such as Obagi.

What Is Obagi?

Obagi is an innovative skin care line with a 30-year legacy of clinical-strength products that are formulated to unleash the full potential of every skin tone and every skin type. Obagi is a trusted leader in skin health for all skin concerns, including aging, acne, and skin sensitivity. Obagi is only available through partnered clinics who are trained to examine the skin and prescribe the Obagi product that is best for your individual needs.

How Can Obagi Help Sensitive Skin?

Obagi has several key products that will treat your skin gently and effectively. Obagi systems are designed to work together to address all the common causes of skin sensitivity. In fact, many Obagi products are formulated specifically for skin with sensitivity. Obagi products nourish skin health, correct skin issues, and prevent future skin problems all at one time.

The Best Obagi Skin Care Products

At Laser Skin Solutions Jacksonville, we have proudly integrated the entire Obagi skincare line into our treatment plans. Learn more about the Obagi products we recommend to care for skin sensitivity:

Nu-Derm System

The Nu-Derm System is a package that is ideal for normal to dry skin conditions, including those with sensitive skin types. Nu-Derm includes a gentle plant-based cleanser, a witch hazel toner, a hydroquinone cream for hyperpigmentation, a lightweight exfoliating lotion, a shea butter moisturizing cream, and a broad spectrum SPF.

The combination of products in the Nu-Derm system helps to correct many age-related skin concerns, such as dark spots, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation.

Obagi360 System

The Obagi360 System was created with younger patients in mind. This system includes an exfoliating cleanser, a retinol-based moisturizer, and a dual-function moisturizing SPF. The Obagi360 System is a basic skincare treatment perfect for correcting minor skin issues and preventing future skin concerns.

Obagi-C RX System

The Obagi-C RX System is a total-care system tailor-made for patients with age-related and sun-related skin concerns. Obagi-C RX includes a clarifying cleansing gel, a clarifying serum, an exfoliating day lotion, a broad spectrum SPF, and a night cream. Obagi-C RX is a prescription-strength system that gently clarifies and brightens normal to dry skin for any age.

Obagi Sun Shields

Obagi takes shielding the skin from the sun seriously. Obagi has several sunscreens that can be used for those with sensitive skin, including a mineral-based SPF, a tinted sunscreen, a matte sunscreen, and a hydrating sunscreen. Dr. Lezaic will determine which Obagi sunscreen is best suited to your skin needs.

Obagi Moisturizers

Hydration is a key part of skincare that is too often compromised. Obagi moisturizes are created with skin sensitivity in mind. Obagi Hydrate Facial is a daytime moisturizer that includes plant-based ingredients, such as shea butter, mango butter, and avocado oil. Obagi Hydrate Luxe is an overnight moisturizer that partners with the rest of the Hydrate systems.

Obagi Retinaldehyde

Retinol is a key product in fighting against signs of aging, such as fine lines, improving skin texture, and perfecting skin complexion. However, the strength of the Vitamin A retinoid is usually too potent for easily irritated skin. Obagi produces Retinaldehyde, a gentler cousin to traditional retinol products that is ideal for highly sensitive or reactive skin types. Retinaldehyde can improve skin firmness and soothe skin irritation.

Ideal Candidates for Obagi Products

Many patients are ideal candidates for Obagi products. We regularly prescribe Obagi to patients with symptoms of sensitivity, such as:

• Red, swollen, or irritated skin
• Dry, tight, or flakey skin
• Uneven or rough skin texture
• Hyperpigmentation

Skin Consultation

Before you are prescribed any Obagi products, you will need to have a skin consultation at our clinic. Dr. Lezaic and our compassionate staff will examine your skin to determine your exact skin needs. We may ask about products or medications you have previously used as well as any allergies you might have. Dr. Lezaic will create a treatment plan and prescribe Obagi products that are best suited to you and your skin goals.

Obagi Is Sensitive Skin Care

It’s time to stop the trial and error of products that only irritate your skin. The experts at our clinic are eager to help you have the beautiful and healthy skin you deserve. Contact Laser Skin Solutions Jacksonville in Jacksonville Beach, FL to schedule your initial skin consultation today.

Did you ever wonder how much time you’d save if you could skip your routine shaving or waxing sessions and no longer worry about unwanted body or facial hair? You’d be surprised just how quickly those hours standing in the shower with a razor or sitting on the floor with waxing strips add up, but the good news is that there’s a long-term, sometimes permanent solution. Laser hair removal is the fastest, easiest way to achieve drastic hair reduction. It’s a service offered by Laser Skin Solutions Jacksonville in Jacksonville Beach, FL.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

During this treatment, a high-energy laser is used to target the melanin pigment in your hair. The melanin absorbs the laser and, due to the laser’s concentrated heat, the hair follicle is damaged and inhibited from growing for a period of time. This keeps your skin smoother than any other treatment, saving you time and keeping you feeling confident about your body.

Target Areas

We have hair all over our bodies, but depending on our preferences, we might want some places to be smoother than others. Popular areas for hair removal include the face, chest, back, legs, and bikini area. Laser treatment is compatible with all of these areas with the exception of the brow area, which is not treated with lasers due to an increased risk of eye injury even with protection.

Due to the natural growth cycle of our hair, you’ll most likely need a series of treatments to see optimal results. Our hair grows in stages. At different points, some follicles are dormant while others are growing, which makes removing all of your hair in the target area at once impossible. Your treatment plan will take this into account and target each hair as it comes into its active growth stage.

Pre-Treatment

Before your laser treatment, you’ll be able to sit down with your doctor to discuss your target treatment area and treatment plan. You’ll also be able to ask questions about the treatment itself and the equipment used.

Instructions

Your doctor will give you instructions to follow before your appointment, which you should follow carefully. These often include no waxing or tweezing for 6 weeks before the appointment, arriving to your appointment with the target area clean-shaven, and avoiding harmful sun exposure, tanning bed use, and self tans or spray tans for 2 weeks before your appointment.

Changing a Routine

Continuing your normal hair removal routine with waxing or tweezing before your session removes the laser’s target from the skin, making treatment much less effective. As a rule, avoid any routine that pulls the hair from the skin and stick to shaving for the time before your appointment. Tanning, whether in the sun or on a tanning bed, is also to be avoided, as are fake tanning products. Darkening your natural complexion before treatment can reduce the laser’s accuracy in distinguishing the hair from the skin, which can affect your results.

The Day of the Appointment

On the day of your appointment, you should make sure you have shaved within 24 hours and that your skin is as smooth as it can be. This might seem counterintuitive, but it actually protects your skin from being burned. If your hair is too long, the laser will heat the entire piece of hair and transfer some of that heat to the surrounding area. You should also thoroughly remove any makeup if you’re having hair removal done on your face. Neglecting this step could increase your risk of burns.

Treatment

During your treatment session, your doctor will use a handheld laser to target your hair follicles, destroying the root by using the high temperature created by the concentrated beam of light. The laser used is gentle, and the machine includes a cooling factor to counteract any heat you may feel from the laser.

Your doctor will press the handheld laser against your skin and use it to treat the entire target area. When the laser is activated, its beam passes through your skin and damages the hair follicles, preventing them from growing new hair for a period of time. Your session will probably fly by thanks to the speed of laser treatment. For smaller areas like the upper lip, sessions can be as short as just 3-7 minutes. Larger areas like legs or back can take up to an hour.

Recovery

After your session, you may experience mild skin irritation and swelling. This is actually a good sign that tells you the treatment was successful. You can soothe your skin at home with an ice pack if needed. Your doctor will tell you to avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for approximately 2 weeks after treatment. Whether you’re recovering or not, you should always apply sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful rays which can cause accelerated aging, dark spots, and skin cancer.

Other than these precautions, however, you can immediately return to your daily activities with zero downtime, which makes this treatment convenient for every schedule.

You may notice the hair in your treated area shedding over the first week following your hair removal treatment. This is normal, although it may first appear that your hair is growing. You can help speed this shedding process by exfoliating your skin to slough off dead hair and skin cells. Use a loofah or soft washcloth in the shower and rub your skin gently in circular motions, covering the entire area treated. After several days, the shedding will stop and the results of your first session will be visible.

Short-Term Results

You should be able to feel a difference in the treated area shortly after treatment; your skin will feel smooth and there should be no hair present. If you do notice hair growing soon after your treatment, it’s possible that this hair was part of a different growth cycle. Make sure you tell your doctor this information so that they can target the hair follicles during the next session.

Your skin should remain smooth for approximately 6-10 weeks. Enjoy the freedom of no hair removal routine. Any follow-up sessions depend on the area you treated. For example, the hair on your face grows quickly and could require a maintenance appointment 4 weeks after your first session, while your leg hair grows more slowly, which results in a longer time between appointments. You’ll know it’s time for the next session when you notice fine, lighter hair beginning to grow back in your treated area.

How Often Do I Need Laser Hair Removal Treatments?

Now that you understand how laser hair removal works, you may be wondering how often you’ll need to return for appointments and how long the entire process will take from start to finish. As you read above, the frequency of your appointments depends on the area you’re targeting, but on average patients return every 6-10 weeks for 6-9 treatments to achieve the full results.

Once this treatment plan is completed, you can wait to see your long-term results appear to determine how often you may need hair removal treatments in the future.

Long-Term Results

There’s no truly permanent hair removal process, but laser hair removal does deliver some of the best results available today. Most people notice the short-term results of the treatment after the first session. Since every subsequent session builds on the success of the previous one, you’ll find that after 9 or 10 completed appointments, your hair reduction journey is nearly, if not already, completed.

Once you’ve finished your treatment plan recommended by your doctor, you can assess the rate of hair growth. For some people, results will last for several months before hair begins to grow back, although the hair is usually lighter and finer than it was pre-treatment. Others report results lasting a few years, and a small percentage experience permanent hair loss in treated areas, although this is rare.

If you wish to maintain your reduced hair, you should prepare to return for maintenance appointments as often as you notice your hair beginning to grow again. Your doctor can always adjust your treatment plan to ensure that you achieve and maintain your ideal results.

Am I an Ideal Candidate?

Laser hair removal is an excellent choice for almost anyone frustrated with the appearance of unwanted hair in most areas on their body.

Skin and Hair Color

Historically, this treatment worked best for those with clearly differentiated hair and skin. Past lasers were able to target dark, coarse hair against light skin. Using these lasers on darker skin or on lighter skin with lighter hair was much less effective.

Today, technology has improved by leaps and bounds, and almost everyone can find success with laser hair removal. Different types of lasers may be more appropriate for different skin tones, so make sure to ask your doctor about which laser or setting is best for you. The only possible exception is for those with fine light blonde or red hair. The melanin in the hair is too light to be detected by most lasers and good results can be difficult to attain. You should talk to your doctor about how well this treatment may work for you if you have light hair.

Eyebrow Hair

If you want to get rid of hair between or around your eyebrows, you should consider other hair removal options as lasers cannot be activated that close to your eyes for your own safety. However, all other body areas are able to be targeted by this treatment with equal accuracy and results, making it the most versatile hair removal treatment available for your needs.

Health Conditions

Finally, it’s important to disclose any medications you’re taking when you have a hair removal treatment. Antibiotics, for example, can be sensitive to light and could increase your risk of experiencing discoloration if they’re in your system during treatment. Healthcare professionals also recommend that pregnant women postpone this treatment until after pregnancy.

Conclusion

Keeping unwanted or unsightly body hair under control can be a time-consuming, frustrating process. Whatever your normal hair removal method of choice, the results don’t last long enough and it feels like you’re going in circles without attaining the skin you want. With laser hair removal, you can expect to see real, lasting results appear over time. You’ll save time and money by skipping your usual routine and fall in love with the way you feel in your own skin.

Don’t wait to take back the time you spend on hair removal methods at home. Get results that will leave you looking and feeling your very best. If you’re interested in learning more, contact the experts at Laser Skin Solutions Jacksonville in Jacksonville Beach, FL to schedule your initial consultation. We look forward to serving you and helping you meet your goals through our laser hair removal services!