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Norwood Clinic:

Sensitive Skin – The Misconceptions

Moisturisers are popular products, especially among women. More than 90 percent of the population seek a program which offers moisturisation for a temporary feeling of skin smoothness.  However, moisturisers only offer a quick solution to a variety of symptoms such as irritation, roughness or itching. The comfort, improved surface texture through artificial smoothing or plumping of the skin are all only fleeting and superficial improvements. But the truth is that these products are ineffective and lack any real benefit.

You will notice that the emergence of ‘sensitive skin’ is mainly seen in women. Men and children commonly do not use moisturisers, while women are taught to use moisturisers from a young age. As a result, their skin becomes addicted to this product and brings a whole host of other issues with it.

While the occasional use of hydrators when absolutely necessary is acceptable, to depend upon them for hydration and calm skin on a daily basis is wrong. What’s more, repeatedly using moisturisers has a remarkably negative impact on your skin, making it weaker and drier. It is also detrimental to skin cellular functions, arresting skin’s ability to renew itself, leading to the appearance of ‘sensitive skin’ and an acceleration of skin ageing.

Companies Fuelling The Sensitive Skin Market

Companies within the cosmetic industry are in constant competition to try and outdo one another. They produce a wide variety of moisturisers (plain, light, heavy, with or without anti-ageing claims, etc.) to appeal to everyone. Many assume that any product that causes burning, exfoliation or redness is bad for the skin. While moisturisers are marketed as “gentle,” “non-irritating,” “soothing,” etc., to appeal to all.  Due to this intolerance to skin discomfort and the belief (and fear) that any form of irritation is bad, many women believe they have sensitive skin. This ‘sensitive skin’ trend, has provided a new market for companies to create and sell products that contain stronger moisturisers, which can actually make skin more sensitive.

Sensitive Skin in Women

You will notice that the emergence of ‘sensitive skin’ is mainly seen in women. Men and children commonly do not use moisturisers, while women are taught to use moisturisers from a young age. As a result, their skin becomes addicted to this product and brings a whole host of other issues with it.

Overall, skin sensitivity is not really a sensitivity disorder. A sensitivity disorder can be seen with certain cases of genuine skin dryness (not dehydrated skin) or genetic disorders. So, ‘sensitive skin’ could more accurately be considered as skin weakness or intolerance.