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.
