Cleansing as the first step of skincare to target skin sensitivity By: Dr. Sandy Skotnicki
Let’s talk about skin sensitivity and skin barrier
In patients with no associated condition, it is increasingly felt that our modern-day hygiene practices, including daily washing with harsh soaps and cleansers, are inhibiting our skin’s barrier function and leaving it vulnerable and sensitive to the outside world.
The role of the skin barrier
With more and more people self-identifying as having sensitive skin, it is fair to say sensitive skin is a common concern.
Skin is the body’s largest organ and one of its most vital. No thicker than a human hair, it helps regulate our core temperature and functions as a gatekeeper to trap hydration in and keep allergens and irritants out.
To understand how daily washing and cleansing can lead to sensitive skin, it is useful to think of our outer most skin layer, known as the stratum corneum.
Cleansers can disrupt both the skin’s barrier function and the skin’s ecosystem which can lead to sensitive skin. This is why it is very important to pay attention to its formulation.
My prescription tips to choose a cleanser for sensitive skin
When it comes to cleansers for sensitive skin, I suggest :
- Must be formulated with a pH similar to the skin
- Contain low-irritating surfactants
- Perfume-free
- Formulated with the fewest amount of ingredients and at the optimal dose
X Harsh, abrasive surfactants like sulphates
X Allergenic fragrance
Sensibio : the ultimate respect for sensitive skin
Both Bioderma cleansers have a pH of 5.5, are perfume free and contain ultra-mild cleansing surfactants that respect the skin barrier and follow Bioderma’s minimalist formula protocols- using the minimal amount of INCI ingredients formulated at the optimal dose thereby helping to reduce the risk of allergy or intolerance. A quality especially important for those suffering from sensitive skin.
The Sensibio range
Symptoms of sensitive skin include tingling, overheating, tightness, feelings of discomfort, and diffuse or localise redness.
Bioderma’s solution : Sensibio, a range dedicated to sensitive skin. In addition to the iconic Sensibio H2O micellar water, the cleanser and make-up remover for sensitive skin, the range includes cleaning and care products that are are recommended by dermatologists : face care products for sensitive skin, anti-redness products (available as a cream or CC cream), and more.
Choose the routine suited to your skin!
