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For Sensitive Skin - A Guide For Acne
and Rosace Patients
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by:
Naweko San-Joyz
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Acne
and rosacea patients take note- you must know about proper skin-care
and cosmetic usage to successfully manage your sensitive skin. This is
the counsel of Dr. Diane Berson, who runs a dermatology practice in New
York City.
A critical step in reducing skin sensitivity is understanding the
importance of the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum is the outermost
layer of the skin and is composed of dead, flat skin cells held
together by the protein keratin. This skin barrier prevents molecules
from passing into and out of the skin and thereby protects the lower
layers of skin while reducing skin sensitivity.
Healthy, uninjured skin is more effective at preventing skin
irritations that may result from using cosmetics and skin care
products. Individuals with altered nerve endings or more
neurotransmitters under their skin are more susceptible to minor skin
irritants in cosmetics and skin care products. When the skin is
excessively dry or damaged, it cannot adequately protect these nerve
endings. Sound moisturizing and a strong immune system help minimize
possible skin irritants.
Some of Dr. Berson’s recommendations for caring for sensitive skin
include:
Selecting mild cleansers.
Use mild cleansing agents that have synthetic detergents or lipid-free
cleansers. Resist using abrasive cleansers since they can cause
microscopic tears in the skin and damage the protective layers of the
skin.
Rosacea patients should not use alcohol-based products such as toners
or astringents.
Acne patients will benefit from toners that contain salicylic acid or
alpha hydroxy acid. However, when starting a retinoid treatment,
temporarily discontinue using a toner or astringent since the
combination may make the retinoid more irritating. Acne patients must
also limit or abstain from excessively rough cleansing and washing.
Julie Harper, M.D., who directs a clinic to treat acne at the
University of Alabama at Birmingham laments, "Teenagers think they have
acne because they do not wash enough, but usually they are washing too
often with harsh scrubs that make their symptoms worse."
Using moisturizers.
Tracy L. Grosick, a key skin care product researcher with Procter
& Gamble, Cincinnati says that when the skin’s moisture barrier
is intact, it helps the skin to combat environmental attacks that are
encountered on a daily basis. When acne and rosacea patients are using
treatments that dry the skin, moisturizers may improve the skin’s
barrier function. Dr. Benson recommends using moisturizers with the
least amount of ingredients.
Rosacea patients should choose a moisturizer with only glycerin,
petrolatum, or aloe vera, which might be anti-inflammatory.
Acne patients should also stick with products containing the least
amount of ingredients.
Using noncomedogenic sunscreens.
Rosacea patients need to use a physical-blocking products containing
zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because these ingredients will not
irritate red, inflamed skin and will provide optimal protection.
Acne patients with oily skin should use noncomedogenic, non-pore
clogging, products. Select an alcohol-based or gel-based sunscreen.
Preservatives.
The best preservatives for sensitive skin are those containing parabens
like methyl paraben and butyl paraben.
The key to keeping sensitive skin less susceptible to irritation is
ensuring the integrity of your stratum corneum, the skin’s primary
defensive barrier. You can start by using a minimalist moisturizer, and
noncomedogenic sunscreen.
Sources:
American Academy of Dermatology (Newswise.com)
Dermatology Times. Patricia Reiman. Alleviating sensitivity: Study
finds moisturizers with niacinamide make skin more resilient. March 1,
2004
Dermatology Times. Cheryl Guttman. Sensitive skin valid patient
problem. May 1, 2002.
E Skin and Allergy News. Timothy F. Kirn. Lifestyle, Cosmetics Integral
to Acne, Rosacea Tx. August 2003.
About the Author
Naweko San-Joyz writes health and beauty articles
from her home in San Diego. She recently published “Acne Messages:
Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne” (ISBN:
0974912204). Naweko is presently working on title called “Skinny Fat
Girls, Why we’re still not getting this diet thing” (ISBN: 0974912212)
for release in May of 2005. To challenge and verify her research,
San-Joyz trains for figure competitions.
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