Sensitive skin
with Dr. Kim Think you might have sensitive skin?
Dermatologist, Dr. Kim, explains what sensitive skin is, plus tips and tricks to make your skin look and feel its best.
Sensitive skin
MEET DR. KIM
“I’m a certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist with over a decade of experience treating a wide array of common and complex skin conditions, offering advice and recommendations on optimising skin health for people of all ages and skin type.”
– Dr. Kim, Dermatologist for The Body Shop
So, what is sensitive skin?
If you experience dryness, tightness, stinging or itchiness on your face or body, you might have sensitive skin.
Is there a specific cause?
“Although there is no known single cause of sensitive skin, it is thought to involve a combination of impaired skin barrier function, extra-sensitive nerve endings in the skin and intolerance to triggers such as cosmetic ingredients or environmental conditions.”
– Dr. Kim, Dermatologist for The Body Shop
Is my sensitve skin caused by something internal?
Unfortunately, nobody really knows what causes sensitive skin from the inside, but internal factors such as illness, stress and hormonal shifts may increase sensitivity if you are susceptible.
Can I develop sensitive skin over time?
Yes! Some people have sensitive skin from a very young age but it can start to develop at any time. Skin sensitivity can also worsen with extreme weather, temperature, humidity or sunlight, or with internal factors such as illness, stress or hormonal shifts.
Is sensitivity different on the face to the body?
Although it’s important to use different, specially tailored products for the face and body, the basis for an effective regime for sensitive skin is very much the same.
Start with a gentle cleanser. Follow with an effective moisturiser. Use specially tailored products that soothe, restore and protect your skin.
Look out for colourant-free, cream-based formulas with a hypoallergenic fragrance, like Almond Milk & Honey.
What makes a product great for sensitive skin?
“Gentle cleansers and effective moisturisers are the most important part of a successful regime for sensitive skin. The new Almond Milk & Honey range includes products that gently cleanse and hydrate while being hypoallergenic and formulated without colourants.”
– Dr. Kim, Dermatologist for The Body Shop
What’s so good about almond milk & honey?
“They contain humectants to attract water for hydration, as well as having a hypoallergenic fragrance and no colourants. The Almond Milk & Honey scrub gently buffs away dead skin cells to leave skin feeling soft and smooth. Its creamy base is formulated to respect skin’s natural moisture barrier and pH.”
– Dr. Kim, Dermatologist for The Body Shop
Are there any other signs of sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin can be dry, red and flaky, but not everyone has the same experience. In fact, even oily, blemish-prone skin can be sensitive. So it can happen to pretty much anyone, at any time. If your skin is easily aggravated, it might need products specially designed for sensitive skin.
Can the food I eat affect my skin?
Although knowing how to take care of sensitive skin is tricky, some people with sensitive skin notice that their diet affects their skin. Dairy, gluten and refined sugars are often eliminated in the hope of treating sensitive skin. Alcohol and caffeine are also thought to cause flare-ups.
Are there ingredients I should avoid?
Certain anti-aging ingredients such as retinol and glycolic acid, as well as anti-blemish ingredients like benzoyl peroxide can be too harsh for sensitive skin. We recommend looking out for gentle, colourant-free formulas.
Why is almond milk & honey so effective?
“I love that it’s a full body care range with something for everyone. Whether you’re a bath or a shower person, love using cleansing bars or liquid cleansers, or in need of lighter or intense moisture, it’s got it all. Plus, you don’t have to have sensitive skin to enjoy Almond milk & Honey. It works brilliantly for all skin types.”
– Dr. Kim, Dermatologist for The Body Shop
Why do you recommend almond milk & honey?
“As someone who suffers from itchy, dry, sensitive skin, especially during the winter months, I know from personal experience how important it is to maintain the skin’s barrier function by keeping it well hydrated. It’s rewarding for me to recommend a product that may improve the quality of life for people who have this very common skin complaint.”
– Dr. Kim, Dermatologist for The Body Shop
What’s your favourite product from the range?
“It has to be the Body Butter. I also love the hand cream because I wash my hands about 50 times time between patients. The cleansing bar is amazing as it can be used on face on body making it perfect for travelling with.”
– Dr. Kim, Dermatologist for The Body Shop
What are the do’s & don’ts for sensitive skin?
ALWAYS…
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...Keep skin well hydrated inside and out. Sensitive skin struggles to maintain normal moisture levels, so drinking plenty of water and using a moisturiser that’s specially formulated for sensitive skin can help.
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…Use a gentle, hypoallergenic cleanser and follow with moisturiser that provides long-lasting, effective hydration.
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…Seek the advice of your doctor or dermatologist if you have a rash that doesn’t improve with moisturising. Mention your history of sensitive skin and take your usual skincare products with you.
NEVER…
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…Ignore a rash that is not responding to moisturisers alone. A rash might require a course of topical creams on prescription.
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…Rub or scratch itchy skin. Any damage to your delicate skin could make it susceptible to infection. Use a soothing moisturiser to relieve that tight, itchy feeling instead.
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…Shower with extremely hot or extremely cold water as this can strip your skin of moisture. Use lukewarm water and keep showers to once a day, particularly if you live in a hard-water area.
