You can be born with sensitive skin or develop it over time. Since everyone has different triggers for their sensitivities, it’s essential to assess what’s going on for each individual. That said, reactions are typically caused by skin-care products or other things that make frequent skin contact such as cleaning supplies, perfumes, or jewelry metals. Because sensitive skin can present as redness, itching, burning, and dryness it’s important not to confuse it with dry skin type or a more serious condition.
To help our patients take charge of their own skin care, we’re sharing protocols that we use on ourselves. There’s a lot out there so it’s good to get specifics so you can decide what’s most effective for you.
Ellie
Our Nurse Practitioner, Ellie, has mildly sensitive skin. (If you have very sensitive skin you may need to modify her regimen.) Being a busy mother of three young children, she prefers to keep it simple. She streamlines her routine with a very targeted approach to get the maximum effect for her efforts.
A.M. Routine: First Thing in the Morning
1.
Ellie starts her day with DCL Balancing Cleanser, a rejuvenating cleanser that removes dead, dull skin cells to reveal brighter, smoother skin. She gently massages the cleanser into wet skin with her fingertips and rinses it off thoroughly.
2.
After she cleanses her face, she applies a vitamin C cream specially formulated by Dr. Evans. This is the perfect topical anti-aging antioxidant. Ellie is careful to dab it on without rubbing or pulling at her skin.
3.
She gets sun protection in a light makeup base with Revisions Intellishade Matt Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 45. A perfect two-in-one for women on the go!
P.M. Routine: Right Before Bed
1.
Going to bed with a dirty face is particularly hazardous for sensitive skin types since dirt, sweat, oil, and makeup can irritate the skin overnight. After wetting her face, Ellie repeats her use of DCL Balancing Cleanser.
After a stressful day, Ellie soothes her skin by following up with Avene Antirougeurs Gentle Anti-redness Cleanser. It is specially formulated to gently cleanse and remove impurities without irritatitng sensitive or rosacea-prone skin. Aaahhh!
2.
After this thorough but gentle cleansing, Ellie uses Obagi Tretinoin .05. This prescription product repairs skin damage by stimulating the renewal of healthy skin cells.
3.
Finally, she dabs on a little Hypogenic Cream formulated by Dr. Evans. It soothes, hydrates, and protects tender skin.
This routine keeps Ellie looking good and feeling good so she gets everything done without sacrificing her skin!
The other skin types are normal, dry, oily, and combination. If your skin type differs from Ellie’s, please click your skin type for more information.
You can also call us for help with your individual skin type questions:
(203) 323-5660