“A disrupted skin barrier can also cause sensitive skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema,” says EV Expert and Clinical Director of Ashley Aesthetics, Dr Emmaline Ashley.
Think you’re the only one struggling? Think again, as studies show that more of us are suffering from sensitive skin than ever before.
Luckily, help is at hand. “Sensitive skin is a condition that can be treated in clinic and is not something that clients have to live with permanently,” says EV Expert and Cosmetic Doctor, Dr Vincent Wong of Vindoc Aesthetics.
Read on for some of the best ways to soothe your skin…
Epionce Facials
“Those with sensitive skin should avoid overly harsh ingredients and multiple actives, which can irritate the skin and cause discomfort,” says Dr Ashley. “Instead, the focus should be on protecting the skin with antioxidants, good SPF and ingredients that focus on barrier-repairing substances like ceramides.”That’s why she recommends an Epionce Facial. “Developed by an American dermatologist labelled the king of barrier repair, Epionce’s philosophy is about protecting and nurturing the natural skin barrier,” says Dr Ashley. They even have a chemical peel that is suitable for compromised skin barriers.
“Sensitive skin can benefit from the collagen stimulation produced by chemical peels," she explains. “Epionce’s peels use a combination of salicylic acid (to remove debris and improve cell turnover) and malic acid.
"Malic acid is a large alpha-hydroxy acid, which penetrates the skin more slowly and superficially than other peels, making it perfect for sensitive skin. It can also work as a humectant, increasing skin hydration.”
Dermalux Flex LED Phototherapy
Facial Aesthetics Clinical Director, Julie Scott, likes to use LED treatment to strengthen the skin barrier function.“Near infrared light emitted by the Flex is deeply absorbed by the skin, and this triggers the skin to repair itself as well as boosting processes such as collagen production and circulation,” she says. “The clinically proven wavelengths, which turn light into energy, also calm the skin and reduce irritation and redness.” Leaving you with healthier, calmer and more radiant skin after a course of treatments.
Definisse Classic Peel and Definisse Hydrobooster
For Dr Wong, a combinational treatment that increases cell turnover rate “to improve the thickness of the skin” and which has a component to lock in moisture is the best way to go.“The Definisse Classic Peel is a very gentle yet powerful skin resurfacing treatment that combines salicylic, pyruvic and retinoic acids,” he says. “It works to improve cellular turnover rate at a deep layer, while the Definisse Hydrobooster is a novel mesotherapy product that helps to hydrate the skin with hyaluronic acid and mannitol.”
Dr Wong recommends three alternate sessions of the peel with three sessions of the Hydrobooster, spaced two weeks apart over a course of ten weeks.
ZO Skin Health Facials with LED
If rosacea is the root cause of your skin sensitivity issues, Dr Anna Hemming, EV Expert and Founder and Owner Thames Skin Clinic, recommends ZO Skin Health facials.“Products that are particularly useful at repairing the skin barrier function include the ZO Skin Daily Power Defence, Renewal Serum, Hydrating Cream and Recovery Serum,” she says.
But to really amp up the benefits, Dr Hemming suggests teaming up her specialist facials with LED treatments.
Signature Calming AlumierMD Facial
For Aesthetic Physician and Co-Founder of London's Health & Aesthetic Clinic, Dr Bhavjit Kaur, dealing with sensitive skin is all about introducing a thorough at-home skincare routine (after a detailed in-clinic consultation) teamed with her signature calming in-clinic facials.“It is important to repair and maintain barrier function and reduce inflammation,” says Dr Kaur. “I recommend products such as AlumierMD SensiCalm Soothing Cleanser, which is packed full of ceramides, niacinamide, yucca root extract, restorative vitamin E and calming aloe vera, to be part of your homecare routine post facials.
This, teamed with other products such as the AlumierMD HydraCalm which contains anti-irritant and soothing sea whip, and Heliocare sunscreen, gives us a foundation to start working from the moment you come in again.”