From The Straits Times    |

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If you have red, tingly, itchy, or flaky skin, your complexion could be either sensitive or sensitised, says Dr Alvin Wong, medical director of SKN Mediaesthetics.

What’s the difference, you ask? The former tends to be genetic and long-lasting, while the latter may be a reaction to new ingredients or environmental changes which may normalise after some time, explains Dr Eileen Tan, dermatologist and Shape advisory board panellist.

According to skin care brand Curel, nearly 38 per cent of Singaporean women think they have sensitive skin. Yet, nearly half of these ladies do nothing about it.

It can be hard to tell one from the other, so it’s best to consult a specialist – and when dealing with troubled skin, keep your routine simple.  

1. Less is more

Switching products frequently may irritate and sensitise skin. “An allergic reaction to new products may be immediate, or it could show only after a week of constant application,” says Dr Wong.

As soon as you break out, minimise product use. The fewer creams you pile on, the easier it is to isolate the one that’s causing the flare-up.

(Also read: How to conceal redness on your face for a flawless complexion )

 

2. Test on patches

If your skin tends to redden easily, Dr Tan advises applying the product on your inner arm or behind the ears (these areas have thinner skin and reactions will manifest quickly) for three to four days before using it on your face.

You wouldn’t want to find out your new buy is unsuitable only when your face turns into a balloon.

(Also read: 5 reasons to make brightening skincare part of your anti-ageing regime)

 

3. Cut out culprits

Avoid trouble by steering clear of common allergens like balsam of Peru (used to give products a citrus scent), lanolin, a common moisturising agent, and preservatives like parabens and formaldehyde, says Dr Wong.

 

4. Moisturise

Wonder why your skin is flaky? According to Koichi Ishida, global R&D manager at Curel, both sensitive and sensitised skin lack ceramides, fat molecules that retain moisture.

“When skin is dry, it becomes chapped, itchy and rough, and irritants can penetrate easily to make things worse,” he says. Stop the vicious circle by protecting skin’s moisture barrier with hydrating products like these ones.

(Also read: REVIEW: A paraben-free face mask to help you get firm, glowing skin)

 

 

This article was first published on www.shape.com.sg.