Living with dry, sensitive skin - our tips and tricks

You are so much more than your appearance, but when your skin is prone to redness, flakiness and dryness, it is understandable that you may become disheartened. If you have spent your life dedicated to healing and have yet to experience healthy feeling/looking skin, don’t give up hope!

There are many people experiencing the same; It’s about understanding you body, ‘listening’ to it…as well as of course sharing ideas, lifestyle tips and skincare hacks :) 

Living with a sensitive skin type

If you have a predisposition for sensitive skin, extra care needs to be taken when it comes to your skincare routine. There can be a lot of pain and frustration that comes with sensitive skin and this can be heightened when combined with a ‘problem’ skin condition such as rosacea, psoriasis or eczema. 

Our skin is a mirror of what goes on inside us, so be prepared to accommodate some lifestyle changes, such as diet and even household products. Remember you are not alone in this and that healing takes time. Nurturing and speaking to yourself with kindness whilst finding a routine that works for you can be an essential part of your healing process. 

‘Skin, like a baby, needs care and attention. And it is important to approach it as part of our whole system addressing internal imbalance as well as the external. Omega 3-6 Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) play a very important role to nourish both of them, maintaining a good health,  especially with sensitive skin. Look for skin care containing high quality of organic oils rich in the above EFA to work with skin and not against it.’

 Dr Mariano Spiezia

Why is my skin sensitive?

Sensitivity can be a beautiful trait when it comes to personality; some say that sensitive skin may symbolise your sensitivity as an individual.  This brings awareness, increased empathy and a heightened consciousness which can all be considered blessings. 

Certain factors can attribute to this skin type such as your genetics, or it may be that your skin sensitivity comes from an external factor. 

Contact Dermatitis

Is one of the most common sensitive skin conditions and is a type of eczema. It is triggered by certain substances and can occur when you use moisturisers, cleansers and other skincare that contains materials that you are sensitive or allergic to. Pet allergens, detergents, household or environmental chemicals, nickel and dust etc., can also affect your skin and care should be taken to understand your triggers. 

Although it is common, contact dermatitis is not the only reason your skin can be sensitive. Other allergies or rosacea can also lead to skin sensitivity and if you are unsure of why your skin is sensitive you should visit your doctor.

Damaged Skin

Having damaged or injured skin may also lead to sensitivity. If you have recently burnt or injured your skin your body can go into a heightened state until it heals. During this period take extra care with the products you use, and focus on using natural and organic skincare, especially until your skin heals.

Managing the health of your skin from the inside

Achieving and maintaining healthy skin is a full spectrum that involves balance and attention. Every aspect of your lifestyle can affect you and internal factors can change your skin’s appearance.

Healthy skin is not simply applying moisturiser and developing a skincare routine. Your diet, emotional status and lifestyle habits can be reflected in your face

Allergens such as dairy, gluten, fruits and vegetables from the deadly nightshade family (like tomatoes) and more can lead to overall sensitivity. Furthermore, some food (which isn’t organic) can be contaminated by pesticides and other man-made chemicals, increasing the risk. Listen to your body and be mindful of how it reacts. 

Keeping a food diary can be helpful, as you can check and reference the food you ate before you have a flare-up to adjust your diet accordingly. 

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