Sensitive Skin Guide: What, Why, and How to Prevent a Flare-Up?

Suffer from sensitive skin? Then you know the dread that winter weather can bring all too well. A flare-up could be just around the corner, bringing with it the bothersome discomfort, itching and low mood you wish to avoid. But fear not! We have everything you need to know about sensitive skin, from its causes and irritants, to the role your skin barrier plays in keeping your skin feeling healthy and strong! Understanding your skin is the best way to keep it under control, so learn…

WHAT CAUSES SENSITIVE SKIN?

Sensitive skin is usually a symptom of another condition, for example, an allergy, or skin issues such as dermatitis and rosacea. Sensitive skin occurs when the skin’s protective barrier becomes compromised, allowing external stressors to penetrate the outer skin layers and cause symptoms like irritation, itchiness, or swelling. Common conditions like eczema can leave the skin’s surface cracked, compromising your skin’s ability to protect you from irritating germs or chemicals. This can cause your skin to react sensitively to some products that other people don’t. You may find that you are sensitive to a particular cosmetic product, such as soap, moisturiser, or make-up that contains harsh ingredients that may irritate the skin.

WHY IS MY SKIN BARRIER IMPORTANT?

The microbiome is the tiny ecosystem of bacteria that inhabits our bodies, both inside and out, playing a crucial role in our overall health. Good bacteria live on the surface of your skin, protecting you 24/7, promoting regeneration and protecting you from infection. When these good bacteria are overcome by bad, it can lead to conditions such as eczema, acne, and rosacea. Our microbiome relies on a balanced ratio of good bacteria, which provides the skin with everything it needs to regenerate and sustain itself. However, when one species of bacteria is absent, or another more prevalent, the system falls out of balance, which can lead to a host of common skin complaints.

HOW DO I AVOID A FLARE UP?

When your skin’s protective barrier is compromised, a natural prebiotic is the first port of call to feed the bacteria on the skin and get it back to its best. The Sorted Skin range is packed with pre-biotic ingredients along with naturally active essential oils and extracts to give your skin more of what it's been craving. From dry, atopic skin and intimate complaints, to reactive and reddened skin, the Sorted Skin range covers all the bases for healthy skin from head to toe, ensuring your microbiome is working hard against those unwanted external aggressors.

When provided with natural, prebiotic ingredients, the microbiome - with its incredible protective and regenerative properties - will flourish and perform the task it was naturally designed for: nurturing your skin without harsh chemicals and complicated formulas.