Sensitive Skin?

"Creating success is all about fulfilling or manifesting the purpose for which you were born"

While most women think they have sensitive skin, the true is that they suffer from "situational sensitivity" caused by hormonal changes, medications or sun exposure. Regardless, the symptoms and treatments are the same. Here's what you need to know.

The basic facts
Skin that's sensitive is unable to defend itself against potential irritants, like preservatives in makeup and fragrance in lotion , because of a thinner than average epidermis which is the outer layer that's easy to penetrate. The result: Irritants enter the skin, white blood cells rush to the site to fight off what they perceive to be an infection or virus, and you’re left with redness and irritation.

What to look for

• History o eczema: If you had it as a child, you're more likely to have skin that's easily irritated as an adult.

• Prickly Heat: Sensitive skin doesn't necessarily look red— sometimes it just feels hot and itchy.

• Frequent Flakiness: Even brief exposure to an irritant can cause sensitized skin to itch and peel. got sensitive skin?

• Harsh Conditions: Situational sensitivity can occur when your complexion is exposed to excessive sun, heat, or wind; very hot water; or aggressive exfoliation.

Simple solutions

• Choose products with ceramides
  

These ingredients fill in cracks in the epidermis, making it harder for irritants to pass through.

• Patch-test everything
  

Before using a new product, dab it on the inside of your arm and wait 24 hours to see if you develop a bumpy rash, swelling, or redness.

• Minimize your exposure to parabens
  

These chemicals— often used as preservatives—are notorious offenders.

• Go fragrance-free
  

The additives used to create scents are common rash triggers, so opt for scent-free beauty products and detergents whenever possible.

EXPERT STRATEGY If your attempts at reducing sensitivity aren't working, visit a dermatologist to make sure you don’t have a bad health condition, like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis,rosacea, or atopic dermatitis, all of which can make you more apt to react to cosmetics and lotions. The bottom line "There are many products you can use "But first you must strengthen your skin’'s outer layer so it’s better able to tolerate whatever you put on it."